With the ongoing war in the Middle East leading to increased oil prices and threatening the competitiveness of supply chains across the Philippines, the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines has been at work talking to key stakeholders across manufacturing, retail, logistics and the government to craft solutions and approaches to mitigate the impact on logistics costs.
Particularly, SCMAP, alongside the Department of Trade and Industry’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group, convened a meeting with major manufacturers, supermarkets and logistics providers to explore co-loading to reduce logistics costs and ensure continued availability of basic necessities and prime commodities, as monitored by the DTI, to Filipinos across the country. The meeting was held last 17 March at the IPOPHL offices in Taguig City.
In addition, SCMAP joined other logistics partners and stakeholders in a meeting with DTI secretary Ma. Cristina Roque to discuss logistics concerns and other issues in light of the Middle East conflict. The gathering, held last 14 March at the DTI headquarters in Makati City, comes on the heels of the secretary’s commitment to ensuring products remain available and affordable, and logistics costs are kept under control.
SCMAP has also led the conversation through various media appearances over the last few days, discussing the impact of logistics costs on the prices of goods, and the approaches businesses are taking on the matter. SCMAP president Pierre Carlo Curay spoke to TV5’s Ruth Cabal on her program Good Morning, Bayan! which aired on True FM stations across the country last 12 March.
He also spoke to DZBB’s Orly Trinidad on his Buena Manong Balita program today, 19 March. The interview also aired on the GTV network across the country.
In both interviews, he discussed how approaches such as co-loading can be used by supply chain stakeholders to reduce costs and ensure availability not just during this crisis but beyond.
Also, SCMAP marketing and communications director Henrik Batallones spoke to ABS-CBN’s Andrea Taguines on TV Patrol last 9 March.
As our supply chains face continued challenges due to geopolitical developments, SCMAP vows to remain as the first movers of Philippine supply chain, working to keep them competitive as they provide value to customers, stakeholders and the national economy. Alongside engagements with stakeholders, we are adapting our events – particularly our upcoming Supply Chain Immersion in April – to provide a venue for networking and collaboration in these times.