Manufacturers must minimize their use of raw materials sourced from natural resources in order to safeguard not only the environment, but also themselves and their consumers, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday.
During the “Manufacturing in the New Normal” webinar of the Center for Strategy, Enterprise & Intelligence (CenSEI), Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo urged manufacturers to do this as “more Filipinos now produce and consume green goods, because we are slowly being [made] more aware that we need to sustain a lifestyle that will protect not just the environment, but also ourselves and the planet.”
“So for all the manufacturers, we encourage everyone to be mindful of what they do — how they produce [and] what they produce, particularly those whose raw materials come from nature, like [those used by] cement manufacturers and those that produce consumer products that use a lot of water. You can recycle and upcycle other materials, as well,” she said.
“A lot of things can be done so that we can reduce emissions of toxic materials and preserve the environment,” she added.
Castelo also urged consumers to consume responsibly, noting that the DTI promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No. 12, which pushes for responsible consumption and production; No. 13, which is to take climate action; and No. 2, which is to eliminate hunger.
“If we are able to protect and preserve our environment, nobody will have to go hungry,” Castelo said.
Also during the webinar, Ramon Agustines, Universal Robina Corp. Flexible Packaging general manager, reported that the Gokongwei-led food manufacturer had implemented several enhanced safety measures because of the coronavirus pandemic.
These include daily entry protocols, deputizing safety officers, separating entry and exit doors, physical separation of work stations, enhancing sanitation procedures, sanitizing delivery truck and shuttle vans, establishing isolation rooms, and a daily logbook for contact-tracing purposes.
KPMG Philippines Chief Executive Officer Emannuel Bonoan, meanwhile, cited the benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) in firms’ operations. He said areas that companies should focus on include redesigning core processes and operating modules, gaining top-level leadership support, building a culture of automation, blending and integrating AI technologies, govern data, commit to change management programs, and hiring for AI skills.