4 Things You Need to Know About the Chemical Industry in the Philippines

What are important things to remember about the chemical industry in the Philippines? 

1. One of the Country’s Largest Manufacturing Sectors
2. The Philippines Has A Highly Diverse Chemical Industry
3. It Began in Negros Island in the 1940s
4. Ang Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK)

The Philippines is home to many industries — mining, fishing, and even chemicals! Since the 1940s, the country started producing its own products using their rich supply of natural resources. The industry developed, eventually servicing chemical needs for agriculture, food processing, cleaning, healthcare, and more. 

Today, it is one of the largest industries in the country, relying on a robust network of both local and foreign suppliers for all chemical needs. 

This article tackles all the important facts you need to know about the chemical industry in the Philippines — from facts to its history. As one of the most diverse sectors, the industry aims to continuously grow to continue exporting products to various countries. Keep reading to learn more!

One of the Country’s Largest Manufacturing Sectors

The Philippine archipelago is situated in a strategic place where the country receives a vast amount of natural resources. With the sea surrounding its three major islands, the country is able to make use of its marine resources. Its fertile lands provide farmers with agricultural resources. 

Aside from that, the Philippines also possesses a large chemical manufacturing industry. They are responsible for manufacturing and supplying chemical products to the country’s other important sections such as food proceedings, healthcare, packaging, and agriculture. 

Over the years, the chemical industry has continuously aimed to transform the vast amount of natural resources of the country into higher-value products. They want these products to be up to not only local standards but also global standards. 

The Philippines Has A Highly Diverse Chemical Industry

Being one of the largest industries in the country, the Philippines’ chemical industry is also very diverse. There are various products produced in the country. In 2017, the Philippine Inventory of Chemical and Chemical Substances recorded and registered over 46,000 products. 

In this register, most chemicals produced fell under fertilizers, perfume, drugs, and paints. Basic chemicals like alcohols, resins, and various industrial gasses took up about 22% of chemical product production in the country. On the other hand, chemicals used for different kinds of plastic products made up 26% of the registry. 

It Began on Negros Island in the 1940s

All industries have their beginnings. The chemical sector was first established on Negros Island in 1941. Compania Cellulosa de Filipinas was the first-ever chemical processing facility in the country. Unfortunately, the structure was destroyed in the second world war and was only reopened in 1949. 

After the war, the government implemented import and foreign exchange control to help the country get back on its feet. From 1949 to 1961, many chemical facilities were built for the country to produce its own chemicals. These included caustic soda, chlorine, sulfuric acid, and many more!

The country’s chemical industry encountered many obstacles through the years. In the late 1950s, import controls were lifted, weakening the entire industry. It recovered a few years later when the exchange rate was stabilized thanks to the Basic Industries Law.  During this time, fertilizer plants were able to expand. 

Today, the industry continues to expand thanks to the strong demand for chemicals. The country continues to export chemicals to 177 countries including Japan and China. 

Ang Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK)

To strengthen the chemical industry in the country, the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), or the Chemical Industries of the Philippines was created in 1977. 

This organization aimed to strengthen the industry in the government, local, and global markets. They also promote various research projects to develop different kinds of chemicals in the country. 

In return, the government provides support to the SPIK through various initiatives. These are done with the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, and the Industrial Technology Development Institute.

In the next few years, SPIK wants to develop the other sectors of the Philippines’ chemical industry such as agrochemicals, fertilizers, consumer care products, oleochemicals, and fertilizers. 

Key Takeaway

The chemical industry in the Philippines had its early beginnings in 1941. Since then, it has developed into one of the country’s largest industries. They provide other sectors with the necessary chemicals needed to enhance their own products and processes. The SPIK aims to further develop this over the years by partnering with different government organizations for research projects. 

Divine King aims to be one of the best chemical suppliers in the Philippines. With our expert knowledge, we can provide different sectors with the chemicals needed for their business. If you’re interested in partnering with us to supply your products to the Philippines, or are a chemist looking to work with a rising chemical distributor, contact us here!