Philippine MSMEs to Benefit from Logistics Sector Collaboration

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the logistics arms of the Ayala and Gokongwei groups have agreed to help ease bottlenecks faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The DTI was welcoming nine additional logistics providers to its Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC) Network. Network firms committed to lower their logistics costs and boost accessibility for MSMEs. The new signatories include AC Logistics Holdings, Inc.; Robinsons Logistix and Industrials, Inc.; AP Cargo Logistics Network Corp.; Crystal Cold Storage, Inc.; DSV Contract Logistics, Inc.; Magsaysay Logistics and Transport Corp.; Orient Freight International, Inc.; SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co.; and United Parcel Service Philippines, Inc. Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque cited the need to lower logistics costs and improve market access to help Philippine products penetrate global markets. “Our products are ready for the global market, and our supply chain and logistics sector is important in moving the goods,” she said during the signing ceremony on Tuesday. The companies’ pledge of support includes a commitment to improving service reach and collaborate in solving national supply chain bottlenecks. Launched in June 2025, the SCLC is a platform for MSME exporters, importers, and consumers providing access to real-time information on logistics and supply chains. It aims to lower transaction costs and enhance market access by connecting users to appropriate service providers. In June 2025, the DTI signed 18 logistics firms up for the SCLC, including Grab, Maersk, 2Go Express, Inc., and FedEx Philippines. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz