San Fernando, Pampanga – The Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), in collaboration with UL Standards and Engagement (ULSE), DTI-Region 3, and DTI Pampanga, proudly hosted the BPS-ULSE Conference 2024 at the LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga. Themed “Lights and Lanterns: Shining Safely to the World,” the conference aimed to enhance knowledge and expertise in the decorative lantern industry, particularly in meeting international safety standards for the global market.
DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Brigida T. Pili welcomed the delegates encouraging a fruitful dialogue to discuss standards, sustainability, and safety of decorative lanterns. Regional Director Kolin Low of ULSE commenced the conference with an introduction of ULSE.
Highlighting the significance of the event, City of San Fernando Mayor Vilma B. Caluag expressed gratitude to DTI, Sec. Alfredo Pascual, and UL Standards and Engagement for their support. She emphasized how such activities enrich lantern makers and business owners, contributing to the growth and quality of the industry.
The morning session featured insightful presentations on regulatory frameworks for decorative lighting products by Ms. Carolyn Manley and Mr. James Ensor from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Additionally, the Head of the City Tourism and Investment Promotions Office (CTIPO) Ms. Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade Pangilinan provided an overview of the City’s Christmas Lantern Industry. At the same time, DTI-Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio discussed DTI Programs and Policies affecting MSMEs. ULSE Program Director Deb Prince introduced the UL Standards Program and how the UL 588 Standard enhances festive seasons’ safety.
In the afternoon, Engineering Manager Neo Hsiao delved into the technical aspects of UL 588 and supply chain requirements. Parol manufacturers, Mr. Roland Quiambao of Rolrens Lantern Making and General Merchandise, and Ms. Daisy Flores of Smiling Star Enterprise shared the local industries’ sentiments, opportunities, and challenges. Mr. Kevin Chen of Bojie Manufacturing Corporation also shared their challenges as a decorative lantern manufacturing company.
Closing the event, BPS Director Neil Catajay summarized the key takeaways from the event. He stated that the standardization of decorative lanterns serves for the benefit of manufacturers and business owners as standardization ensures and enhances market competition, establishes trust, and stabilizes supply to market demands both locally and internationally.
Moderated by Mr. Joseph Pineda of DTI-Pampanga and Ms. Mary Ann Natividad of ULSE, the conference drew 157 participants from various public and private sectors.
The BPS-ULSE Conference 2024 served as a beacon of knowledge and collaboration, paving the way for the advancement of the decorative lantern industry in both local and international markets.
