Among other factors, a country’s economic growth is propelled by sustainable agriculture, business, industrial and manufacturing activities, and increased productivity of the services sector. In the recent past (2015-2017), the Philippines attained 6 to 7 percent annual growth rate as reported by its Central Bank; but being an oil-importing country from which power is mostly generated, its economic expansion fluctuated in 2018 due to oil price increases.

Decent and affordable shelter has been the long-time goal of the Philippine government as stipulated in the 1987 Constitution, its subscription to the attainment of safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements which is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Housing goal is again reiterated in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. Presently, the country’s housing need is estimated at six (6) million units and it is projected to increase to 12.5 million by 2030.

This report covers the regulatory review findings for the year 2018 on five (5) priority industries namely: 1) chemicals, 2) housing, 3) logistics, 4) power, and 5) the transportation industries. Relative to ease of doing business (EODB), the review aimed at streamlining unnecessary regulations and reducing documentary requirements and business fees exacted by both the national regulatory agencies as well as by the local government units (LGUs).

The focus on tourism is well justified. The local tourism industry is a very dynamic engine of growth. It accounts for 8% of the economy, as measured by the share of tourism direct gross value added, and contributes 12.5% to total employment in the country. Moreover, the sector reflects the trials that confront the general Philippine business environment.

Food safety is a primary concern of every economy, Philippines included. In fact, food safety together with consumer welfare and protection are the primary bases for the regulatory processes imposed at each stage of the business development cycle for agri-food enterprises. However, no matter how good the intents may be, the manner, with which these regulatory processes are implemented and enforced may lead to unintended outcomes, defeating the very purpose of their formulation.

Performance assessment of the Philippines’ food systems regulation through participatory action research and benchmarking with more advanced food systems regulatory regimes yielded valuable recommendations to improve the overall regulatory management system in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

To get a free copy of this regulatory reform publication, visit https://mgr.dap.edu.ph/download