Awareness Week
Made in the Philippines Product Week
A week that starts on August 17 every year. Next: in 280 days
What it’s about
Made in the Philippines Product Week is a week-long observance in August that celebrates the creativity, skill, and dedication behind products crafted in the Philippines. It shines a spotlight on locally made goods—from traditional crafts and food products to fashion, home items, and innovative creations—while recognizing the people and communities who bring them to life.
The observance encourages Filipinos and supporters around the world to discover, appreciate, and choose Philippine-made products. By supporting local businesses, artisans, farmers, designers, and manufacturers, people help strengthen livelihoods, preserve cultural traditions, and contribute to a thriving homegrown economy. It is a welcoming opportunity to take pride in Filipino ingenuity and share it with others.
A little history
Made in the Philippines Product Week is a week-long observance held during August to promote goods produced by Filipino workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and manufacturers. Its purpose is closely connected with the government’s long-standing effort to strengthen domestic industries, encourage public support for locally made products, and lessen dependence on imported goods. The observance also reflects the broader economic goal of developing Philippine manufacturing and giving local enterprises greater visibility in the marketplace.
The week emerged from national campaigns that encouraged consumers to recognize the quality and value of Philippine-made merchandise. These campaigns covered a wide range of products, including food, clothing, handicrafts, furniture, agricultural goods, and industrial items. By setting aside a dedicated period for promotion, the government and participating business groups could organize exhibits, trade fairs, product demonstrations, advertising campaigns, and other activities that connected producers with consumers.
Over time, Made in the Philippines Product Week developed beyond a simple appeal to “buy local.” It came to highlight Filipino design, craftsmanship, creativity, and the ability of local businesses to compete in domestic and international markets. The observance has particular importance for small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, artisans, and community producers, whose livelihoods often depend on public awareness and access to wider markets. It also complements efforts to improve product quality, packaging, branding, and innovation.
Culturally, the observance provides an opportunity to view locally made goods as expressions of Philippine identity as well as sources of economic value. Products often draw on regional materials, traditional skills, indigenous patterns, and family or community-based knowledge. By celebrating these contributions during a week in August, Made in the Philippines Product Week encourages national pride while reminding consumers that purchasing Philippine-made products can help sustain local employment, preserve cultural practices, and support the continuing growth of Filipino enterprise.
Timeline
- 1958
President Carlos P. Garcia advanced the Filipino First Policy, which gave preference to Filipino-owned businesses and encouraged patronage of locally produced goods.
- 2004
The Philippine government launched the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program to develop and market distinctive products made by local communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- 2008
Republic Act No. 9501, the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, was enacted, strengthening state support for MSMEs that produce and market Philippine-made goods.
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