Calamba City, Laguna — On May 20, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 4-A, in partnership with the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the Korea Trade Network, successfully held the Regional Roadshow and Training Session on the Philippine Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Integrated Platform at Hotel Marciano in Calamba City. This event brought together exporters, trade stakeholders, and business representatives from across the region for a full-day session designed to enhance their understanding of the country’s preferential trade agreements and help them utilize these opportunities more effectively.
The roadshow is part of DTI’s ongoing collaboration with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) for the development and implementation of the Origin Management System for the Promotion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the Philippines. This initiative, known as the Philippine FTA Integrated Platform Project, is designed to simplify and digitalize processes for Filipino exporters, enabling them to better access tariff preferences and maximize the benefits of FTAs in global markets.
The FTA Integrated Platform comprises two major components: the FTA Information Portal and the soon-to-be-launched FTA Origin Management System. The FTA Information Portal serves as a comprehensive online resource offering up-to-date information on the Philippines’ FTAs, explaining how exporters can leverage these agreements for tariff benefits. The FTA Origin Management System, which will be launched in June 2025, is a digital tool aimed at streamlining the application process for the Product Evaluation Report (PER), a crucial requirement for accessing FTA benefits.
During the event, expert-led sessions covered a range of topics, with DTI 4-A Regional Director Marissa C. Argente delivering the opening remarks. The attendees received an overview of the various FTAs the Philippines is a part of, including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The session also featured a live demonstration of the FTA Information Portal, as well as an introduction to the FTA Origin Management System, with a step-by-step walkthrough of how to use the platform’s features. Additionally, participants were guided through data management procedures and the online application process for the Product Evaluation Report, helping them understand how to efficiently navigate these systems to access trade benefits.
The session also provided participants with hands-on training. Attendees were encouraged to register and create their exporter dashboard to fully engage with the platform and explore its various tools. The event concluded with an open forum, allowing participants to ask questions, share feedback, and contribute suggestions for further refining the platform.
“This roadshow is an essential part of our commitment to empower Filipino exporters with the tools and knowledge they need to be competitive in the global market,” said Christian Ted O. Tungohan, Provincial Director of DTI Laguna. “We are confident that the FTA Integrated Platform will simplify complex processes and open new doors for our exporters, enabling them to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by FTAs.”
The FTA Origin Management System is scheduled for official launch in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in DTI’s continued efforts to support the growth of local businesses and enhance their global trade capabilities.
