Socially compliant exports sought

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) and Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) will conduct a roadshow as part of efforts to encourage more manufacturers and exporters to make  their operations socially compliant. ?? 

Robert Young,   FOBAP president and trustee for the textile, yarn and fabric sector of Philexport, said social compliance has become a global standard for companies to become more competitive.??

“Today, it (social compliance) is a fundamental consideration when evaluating a factory’s ability to compete in the international market,” he said. ??

Socially compliant factories are those observing lawful, safe, and respectful working conditions and without negative impact to the environment.??

Young said the roadshow would run from April to June, and cover the following areas: Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Bicol, Leyte, Clark in Pampanga, Bataan and Cavite. ??

The roadshow will focus on educating new exporters, as well as existing manufacturers planning to upgrade their standards to become competitive. ??

Through the roadshow, Young said they hope to provide exporters and manufacturers a better understanding of why they need to be socially compliant.??

“We are all aware of how competitive the global market is. Competing on price points and design alone is not enough. The international market requires vendors’ commitment to manufacture in an ethical, humane manner while minimizing environmental footprint,” he said.