DTI makes strong push for beauty industry glow up

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is making a solid push to promote the Philippine beauty sector to take advantage of opportunities both in the local and international market for this blooming industry.

“The beauty industry is a robust and very vibrant industry, so this is one industry that we must really push locally and globally,” acting Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque said during the opening of the DTI Beauty Philippines Fair at SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong.

The trade fair, which features over 40 exhibitors and will run until today, is being held for the first time to spotlight the beauty and wellness products produced by local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Roque said there are many Filipino MSMEs in the beauty business, which is getting much attention thanks to social media.

“Everyone wants to look good on social media,” she said.

She said the desire to look good is driving the demand for beauty products.

Aside from catering to the domestic market, Roque said there are opportunities for Philippine MSMEs in the beauty industry to tap the overseas market.

Among the Philippines’ export markets for beauty products are the Middle East, the United States and Europe.

Roque said Philippine beauty products shipped to other countries include those under the Kojie San and Silka Papaya brands.

“There’s a strong export market for these beauty products, especially the products that are, let’s say, (made of) papaya, virgin coconut oil. They are very popular abroad,” she said.

The DTI’s push for the beauty industry aligns with the agency’s thrust to promote the growth of  MSMEs.

Aside from the beauty industry, Roque said the DTI plans to hold targeted trade fairs for the fashion and bridal industries.

As part of the support for MSMEs, Roque said the DTI is also working with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to make it easier for enterprises to distribute their products locally and abroad by reducing the steps they must go through regarding domestic processes.

“We will be signing a memorandum of agreement on that soon,” she said.