Global financial crisis, milk scare may help RP products

Nov	23
2008

Global financial crisis, milk scare may help RP products

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/14/2008 1:57 AM

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The loss of consumer confidence in China products due to the milk scare may have a positive effect on the local economy: Philippine-made products will be patronized more.

But the problem is the Philippines is still importing too many products it doesn't need and exporting even less, an economist said.

As a result, the domestic market and the export industry are neglected.

"Dapat i-develop natin yung export industry at palakasin ang domestic base natin. Yun ang mag-aangat sa atin sa krisis na ito,” said Dr. Ernesto Pernia of the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Economics.

That is why the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) is pushing for a "Buy Filipino" campaign.

Instead of buying paper or plastic wrappers for food from foreign suppliers, for example, Philippine companies should be prioritized.

Aside from discouraging smugglers, buying Filipino-made products will strengthen the domestic base and prepare the local industries to be internationally competitive.

“Kapag malakas ang domestic market, tataas ang exports mas magiging mura para sa mga Pinoy ang goods and mas competitive ito sa world market,” FPI president Jesus Arranza said.

Some consumers believe it is wise to "buy Filipino" at this time.

“Bakit kami magtitiwala sa mga galing China? Yung galing dito na lang di ba?” Malou Macalintal, a consumer, said.

The President has instructed government offices to give priority to local manufacturers and industries in its procurement of government supplies. Joey Villarama, ABS-CBN News