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The Department of Trade and Industry launched the Supply Chain and Logistics Center on June 18
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The center, directly under the DTI-Supply Chain and Logistics Group, aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises on their logistics and supply chain requirements
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It will provide MSMEs access to real-time support on freight inquiries, service referrals, and regulatory guidance, among others
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SCLC will also act as a nationwide support system to address logistics concerns and connect MSMEs, as well as importers, exporters, and consumers, to appropriate service providers, potentially reducing transaction cost and enhancing market access
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18 ‘founding partners’ signed a pledge of support to the SCLC
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC) on June 18.
The center aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with their logistics and supply chain requirements, providing them access to real-time support on freight inquiries, service referrals, regulatory guidance, and more, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said in a speech during the launch.
The center is directly under the DTI-Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG).
Roque said there is a need for the establishment of the SCLC “because we need to educate the MSMEs, especially how to move the products from point a [to] point b, because sometimes they have the products, they may have the order, but they don’t know how to move, and they don’t know how much the costs are, they don’t know exactly how these things go.”
She said the center is designed to help MSMEs overcome hurdles and reach their full potential.
It will also act as a nationwide support system to address logistics concerns and connect MSMEs, as well as importers, exporters, and consumers, to appropriate service providers, potentially reducing transaction cost and enhancing market access.
It has two components that went live on June 18–the hotline (632) 7791.3100 – 7252 (SCLC) and the online portal (supplychainlogistics.dti.gov.
The hotline provides real-time assistance to callers on logistics issues, service referrals, rate estimates, and supply chain troubleshooting. The portal will house relevant supply chain data, service directories, logistics cost benchmarks, and decision-making tools.
DTI is also working on establishing a physical SCLC hub, which will include a help desk, training ground, and a matching platform, as part of the next phases of the project. Eventually, Roque said they envision SCLC’s services being integrated in DTI’s Negosyo Centers nationwide.
During the launch, 18 “founding partners” signed a pledge of support to the SCLC: 2GO Group, Inc.; Airspeed, Cebu Pacific Cargo, DHL Express Philippines, F2 Logistics, Fast Logistics, FedEx Express Philippines, Flash Express, Grab, Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal, Lalamove, LBC Express, Maersk, Philippine Airlines Cargo, Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc.; San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines, and YelloX Supply Chain Solutions.
Under the pledge, the partners commit to working with SCLG by ensuring MSMEs and cooperatives receive white-glove service so they can benefit from fast, reliable, and high quality transport and delivery services, and to provide access to relevant trade and logistics information.
They also commit to offer “preferential and discounted rates on logistics services for MSMEs”, as well as to contribute expertise and resources “to help MSMEs strengthen their logistics and supply chain capabilities.”
Moreover, the partners will facilitate prompt action on business-related complaints concerning transport and delivery services encountered by MSMEs.
To facilitate the fulfilment of the pledge, the partners should designate a liaison officer to coordinate and oversee the contributions of their organization under the partnership.
Moreover, the partners affirm their commitment “to building an inclusive and resilient logistics ecosystem, recognizing that it is the bedrock for more competitive businesses.”
“We recognize that SMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy—driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth,” FedEx Express Philippines managing director Maribeth Espinosa, one of the signatories to the pledge, said in a speech during the launch.
“With our full-service, door-to-door delivery solution—including customs clearance—we give SMEs peace of mind and the freedom to scale with confidence. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with DTI and continuing our mission to connect Filipino SMEs to possibilities and help them succeed on the global stage,” Espinosa added.
DTI undersecretary for SCLG Mary Jean Pacheco said they are open to onboard more service providers as partners. Moving forward, there are plans to include a freight calculator in the portal and create a booking platform. – Roumina Pablo
