Q&A: New frontiers for the Philippines rubber industry  

Edited interview with Ellen Tan Go, president of the Philippines Rubber Industries Association ahead of international rubber industry conference being held in Davao, 26-28 Sept:

Q: This is a very challenging time for the rubber industry in the Philippines and for the world rubber industry. Could you please introduce us the Philippines Rubber Industry Association (PRIA) and the role that the association could have in the future in paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable rubber industry in your country?

A: The PRIA was formed in 1979 with the merger of the Philippine Rubber Manufacturers’ Association and Rubber Industries Association of the Philippines by prominent personalities in the rubber industries. PRIA has become a single voice of the rubber industries in the country since then. 

The membership of PRIA is composed of companies from diverse field in the manufacturing, trading, planting & processing of rubber. The mission of the association is to develop a cost competitive quality driven, supply-reliable, product diversified value chain from farming to rubber products manufacturing under sustainable practices. 

In an ever-changing business environment with a high level of price volatility and the implementation of stricter environmental regulations, PRIA will focus on contributing to growth and stability to our companies and at the same time providing better living perspectives to the millions of families that work in the upstream and downstream sectors of the rubber economy.

Q: PRIA is organising an international rubber conference, themed ‘new frontiers, new markets’ in Davao City, 26-28 Sept. Could you please elaborate more on the event and the objectives PRIA would like to achieve through it?

A: The challenges ahead of us are global and the Philippines rubber industry needs to cooperate with other countries and organisations to identify priorities and to provide  solutions. This event will be an opportunity for all participants and delegates to network, share ideas, and form partnerships through structured networking sessions and informal interactions.

There will be panel discussions and workshops on key topics such as market volatility, environmental regulations, and innovation in the rubber industry, as well as other opportunities to engage with international organisations and experts to bring global perspectives and solutions to local challenges.

Q: What other elements of the event should attendees be aware of?

A: We will have special features such as the international launch of the project “Arts in Rubber” to promote the use of art and innovative design among rubber communities. Its goal is to enhance the cultural and economic value of rubber products and use artistic products to raise funds for initiatives aimed at enhancing innovation and improving the lives of smallholders in the rubber industry.

Q: How important is the adoption of innovative approaches and technologies to the development of the Philippines rubber industry?

A: The integration of cutting-edge technologies in rubber production, processing, and utilisation is pivotal to enhance efficiency and productivity in the rubber economy. Our ambition is fostering an environment where participants can share experiences, and best practices related to technological advancements in the rubber industry.

The presence of high-profile international speakers will provide important insights on how to move in this direction faster and in a coordinated way. To enhance innovation we need rubber stakeholders, including financial institutions, to work together both at national and international level.

Q: Which aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) will be spotlighted at the event in September?

A: On the CSR side we would like to highlight and support programmes like PRIA’s Feeding Program Project and Balik Aral Project, which aim to improve the living conditions of rubber tappers and their families.

PRIA would like to contribute for developing strategies to enhance the economic stability of rubber farming communities, ensuring fair wages and better working conditions. It is a priority to promote educational programs and provide resources to improve access to education for children in rubber-producing regions, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty.

Q: Finally, what is your message to the global rubber industry ahead of next month’s conference?

A: As a final word I would like to invite all the rubber associations and their members in southeast Asia, China and India as well as the ones located in Europe and in North and South America to join this movement, come to the Philippines in September and take the opportunity to really build together a sustainable and just rubber society. We need to seize the moment.