The country’s premier scientific advisory body issued a stark warning today, stating that the Philippines’ weak quality infrastructure is crippling its export potential and hampering economic growth, leaving it behind key regional competitors.
The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) called for immediate government action to strengthen the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), the system that ensures products meet international standards for quality, safety, and environmental soundness.
The urgency of the call is underscored by the country’s dismal global ranking. According to the 2023 Global Quality Infrastructure Index, the Philippines ranks 57th worldwide, trailing behind all its major ASEAN neighbors: Indonesia (27th), Thailand (28th), Singapore (29th), Malaysia (33rd), and Vietnam (52nd).
“Without a robust quality infrastructure, Philippine exporters cannot prove their products meet international standards, limiting access to premium markets and fair prices,” NAST PHL emphasized in its statement.
An NQI is the backbone of a modern economy, comprising the organizations, policies, and legal frameworks that validate a product’s quality. It rests on five pillars: metrology (the science of measurement), standardization, accreditation, conformity assessment (testing and certification), and market surveillance.
To address the critical gaps, NAST PHL presented a multi-point action plan for the government. Key recommendations include:
Passing comprehensive NQI legislation in the 20th Congress to modernize the country’s fragmented quality systems.
Creating a National Quality Infrastructure Coordinating Council via a Presidential Executive Order to synchronize efforts across all relevant agencies.
Increasing budget support to address severe shortages in personnel and facilities at key NQI agencies.
Providing incentives, such as tax breaks, for companies pursuing international quality certifications.
Integrating quality awareness into the educational curriculum to build a national “culture of quality.”
The Academy cited data showing an 88% correlation between a strong QI system and higher export growth, arguing that investing in quality is a direct investment in trade performance. This initiative aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which identifies NQI strengthening as a strategic priority.
The call to action highlights that for Philippine products to compete on the world stage, they must not only be produced but also be proven to be world-class—a task that requires a robust, modern, and well-funded national quality infrastructure.
The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is the premier body that recognizes outstanding achievements in science and technology and serves as the leading advisory agency on national policy concerning science, technology, and innovation.#
