Made in the PhilippinesThe big difference between the Philippines and the Asian nations (South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam) that have overtaken our economy over the last 40 years is having a robust manufacturing sector. Filipino baby boomers like me remember our growing up years and how “Made in the Philippines” was dismissed as inferior, bad quality. Francisco Motors chairman Elmer Francisco told Bilyonaryo.com they faced hurdles from the Fiscal Incentives Review Board that made it difficult to proceed. Having a good industrial policy is getting a second look as dissatisfaction increases with liberalization outcomes. Dr. Toots Albert of PIDS pointed out in a response to a Facebook post, that the Philippines’ long-standing reliance on open markets alone has not delivered sustained industrial upgrading, export diversification or productivity growth.

Source: Philippine Star January 18, 2026 22:44 UTC