The Section G Job Blueprint for Wholesale and Retail Trade – a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Retailers Association and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines – was formally unveiled yesterday, setting the stage for further collaboration between key players and policy makers in the Philippine retail ecosystem.
The unveiling was done during a media launch held at Tres Filipino Twists restaurant at the SM North EDSA Annex, attended by representatives from key government agencies, industry organizations and private sector partners, as well as members from the media.
The blueprint outlines a series of interventions and initiatives that seeks to improve the competitiveness of Philippine retail, create future-ready employment, highlight Filipino-made products and leveling the playing field with foreign goods, and strengthen supply chains. SCMAP, as the premiere supply chain organization in the country, was part of the drafting of the plan in recognition of its role as a primary mover and enabler of the retailing sector.
The focus on Section G – how the wholesale and retail trade sector is classified under the Philippine Standard Industrial Classification – recognizes its status as the largest source of employment in the Philippines, with over 10.2 million workers contributing a total of PHP 4.9 trillion to the national economy.
Interventions include providing new markets for Filipino-made products, empowering sari-sari stores to diversify, accelerating digital adoption, revisiting labor and financial policies impacting the sector, and continuing with ongoing supply chain and logistics initiatives.
The launch was led by DTI secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, DTI undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco, PRA president Roberto Claudio Sr. and SCMAP president Dennis Llovido. Also in attendance were DTI assistant secretary Engelbert Chua, DTI Communication and Information Service director Atty. Fhillip Sawali, DOLE Bureau of Local Employment director Patrick Patriwirawan, and SM Supermalls assistant president for MSMEs Royston Cabunag.
The unveiling also coincided with the 2025 Wholesale and Retail Trade Job Fair, which was also held at the SM North EDSA Annex. Prior to the starting of the launch, officials from DTI, DOLE, PRA, SCMAP and SM Supermalls formally opened the fair, which saw 26 employers from manufacturing, retail and logistics provide career opportunities to job seekers. The job fair remains open until 5pm today, 17 June.