Manila: A stronger public-private collaboration to develop export-quality Philippine products would help generate much-needed jobs and dollar revenues amid global economic uncertainties, according to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized that the government and private sector must work together to ensure that local products are developed to meet global standards and gain access to international markets. "Amid headwinds from slower economic growth and global financial uncertainties, both the public and private sectors should aggressively scale up the development of export-quality products to enhance job creation and generate dollar revenues," Gatchalian said.

The Senate President made the call after reiterating the need for stronger public-private cooperation during the observance of Philippine Products Week last week. He emphasized the need for comprehensive implementation of Republic Act 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, which he co-authored, to provide meaningful assistance to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing local products.

Gatchalian reiterated that empowering MSMEs to produce world-class goods is crucial to strengthening the economy and creating sustainable employment, particularly amid global economic volatility. "Ramping up the development of homegrown products for the global stage is a necessary economic shield. When we transform a local, community-based product into a globally competitive export, we are not just selling goods, we are generating long-term jobs for our people," Gatchalian said.

He further added that stronger support for local enterprises would allow more Philippine-made products to compete in international markets while creating economic opportunities in communities across the country.