Officials from DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and Department of Trade and Industry - Strategic Trade and Management Office (DTI-STMO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical expertise and support on managing the trade on strategic goods.
From left to right: STMO Assistant Director Atty. Janice S. Dimayacyac, STMO Director Atty. Luis Manuel M. Catibayan, PNRI Director Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, PNRI Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Ann I. Samson, and Regulations and Standards Development Section Head Ms. Teresita G. de Jesus. [Photo from DTI-STMO]
PNRI signs accord with DTI’s strategic trade office to regulate strategic goods
Contributing its expertise towards national security and ensuring public safety, the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute will serve as one of the support agencies under the National Security Council – Strategic Trade Management Committee (NSC-STMCom) by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
PNRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DTI Strategic Trade and Management Office on June 13, 2022 to strengthen efforts on commodity classification, investigation, and enforcement activities involving strategic goods.
According to the DTI, strategic goods are items or products, including software and technologies, which are not allowed for export or are heavily regulated due to security reasons or according to international agreements. These include firearms and military-grade equipment, components and other similar materials, as well as items which are related to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
PNRI's technical expertise, facilities, and laboratories on materials analysis will prove useful in managing the trade and movement of strategic goods in the Philippines, especially for dual-use equipment. These are items which are commonly used for commercial or peaceful purposes but may also be used for military applications and even for WMDs.
These items are enumerated in the National Strategic Goods List as part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 10697, or the Strategic Trade Management Act.
The law fulfills the country's international commitments and obligations in maintaining global peace and security, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 which aims to curtail the spread of WMDs.
