The Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) aims to improve global competitiveness of the country’s supply chain through the creation of a certification program for supply chain professionals recognized in the Asian region.
The organization recently entered into a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to benchmark and develop competencies of supply chain professionals in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, and China.
In addition SCMAP signed on Feb 6, during the SCMAP induction of officers, a memorandum of cooperation with REID Foundation, an organization of experts on economic solutions, to cooperate in more activities that facilitate a globally competitive local supply chain industry and promote inclusive economic growth and development.
The cooperation areas include data gathering, research and analysis of industry trends, prospects and policies of supply chain and supply chain management; training and educational activities to propagate and upgrade strategic skills of supply chain and other related professionals; and structured discussions and engagement dialogues to bring about a competitive supply chain management environment.
Mark Philip Comandante, SCMAP president for 2015-2016, said among association plans is to create a database for the country’s supply chain industry, adding having one can “make us do better decision” for the long term and not just “shoot from the hip.”
Currently, he said what happens is “as the issue comes along, that’s when we do research. It shouldn’t be like that. The approach should be more proactive.”
Further down the road, SCMAP is eyeing a full-blown institute for research and policy.
Another priority for the association, said Comandante, is to increase membership to 1,000 by 2020 from the current 100 or so members.
To stay relevant to and improve its communication with its members, the organization started this year the “Supply Chain Philippines On Time,” a monthly electronic newsletter providing the latest industry updates to its members. The publication includes columns, position papers, and other updates from the organization.
Other SCMAP advocacies include helping promote Clark international Airport as the country’s secondary gateway; pushing for decongestion of Manila ports via greater use of Batangas and Subic ports; promoting appropriate airline taxation; and developing the country’s roll-on/roll-off routes.
Comandante said the organization continues to push for a supply chain czar whose term will not be coterminous with the current administration to ensure continuity.
He explained different regulatory bodies want to do their share, but there is no one to “orchestrate and put priorities on the things that need to be implemented first” so these do not turn “chaotic.” – Roumina Pablo
