TAYTAY, Rizal (PIA) — An advisory council was created to respond to the market challenges faced by the country’s “Garments Capital” in Taytay, Rizal.
Established under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Rizal, the Garments Industry Tripartite Council (GITC) was tasked to tackle garment business owners’ concerns that range from competition posed by online selling and from textile suppliers who have turned to garments production.
According to DOLE Calabarzon, the newly created council will lead efforts in addressing challenges faced by local vendors and collaborate with other stakeholders through social dialogue and policy recommendations.
“With its establishment, the council is expected to be a vital advocate for industry concerns, developing strategies to help local businesses adapt to shifting market dynamics,” DOLE Calabarzon said in a statement.
During the council’s first meeting, stall owners at the popular Taytay Tiangge cited that more consumers have opted to shop online rather than visit physical stores, impacting foot traffic and sales for local garment businesses.
Concerns were also raised about competition from textile suppliers who have also engaged in garment production. Vendors noted that these suppliers have controlled the supply and pricing in the market, dominating the industry and limiting options for local vendors.
The GITC affirmed its commitment to resolving these issues by adopting a resolution that provides policy recommendations aimed at addressing competition concerns and promoting fair practices within the industry.
“The council’s ongoing efforts will focus on promoting fair competition, upholding labor standards, and ensuring that the voices of small garment businesses are heard at the regional and national levels,” the DOLE added.
Victoria Natanauan, DOLE Rizal’s Supervising Labor and Employment Officer, emphasized that the council is dedicated to supporting the garments sector in the region, particularly in Taytay, Rizal, which has long been known as the country’s “Garments Capital.”
She said the council also provides a structured platform for industry workers, employers, and government representatives to raise concerns and work toward sustainable solutions.
“The creation of the GITC marks a milestone in DOLE’s initiative to promote sustainable economic growth in the Calabarzon region while empowering the local garments industry to meet challenges and safeguard the welfare of its workforce,” Natanauan said.
Taytay is home to thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises producing various garment-based products and serving as one of the key drivers of the town’s economic growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 also disrupted Taytay’s garments industry and forced them to shift the production from garments to cloth masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) to tide small businesses over. (FSC, PIA4A/DOLE 4A)
