The Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) welcomes and sincerely appreciates the government’s announcement that it has finalized a funding solution for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program.
We recognize this as an important step in sustaining investor confidence and reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing domestic automotive manufacturing.
PPMA notes that the Php 4.32 billion allocation for CARS is vital in supporting the continued operations and production plans of the program’s participants, including vehicle manufacturers and the local supplier base that supports them. This resolution strengthens policy stability, protects jobs, and helps preserve the manufacturing ecosystem that the Philippines has worked hard to build over the years.
At the same time, PPMA respectfully reiterates the industry’s strong hope that the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program will be implemented as soon as possible. We underscore that only Php 125 million is needed to initiate and operationalize RACE, an amount that can unlock significant benefits for the broader industry, especially for local automotive parts manufacturers who are key contributors to inclusive industrial growth.
PPMA believes RACE is the natural complement to CARS, as it strengthens the domestic supply chain by supporting investments in tooling, technology upgrades, quality and safety certifications, productivity improvements, and local content expansion. These are critical interventions that enable more Filipino parts makers to participate meaningfully in local vehicle production and compete within the ASEAN region.
Looking ahead, PPMA also highlights the importance of the upcoming Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program, where local parts manufacturers will play a major role in building the supply chain for electric mobility. EVs require a wide range of components that Philippine manufacturers can supply, including wiring harnesses, stamped and structural parts, body components, electronics housings, thermal systems, and eventually power electronics and battery-related components. Strengthening the local parts sector today through programs like RACE will ensure that the Philippines is ready to capture these EV opportunities as EVIS accelerates industry transformation.
PPMA remains committed to constructive dialogue and close collaboration with government, vehicle manufacturers, and stakeholders to ensure that CARS, RACE, and EVIS work together as an integrated pathway toward a stronger, more competitive, and future ready Philippine automotive industry.
Statement from Ferdinand RaquelSantos
President, Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA)
 welcomes and sincerely appreciates the government’s announcement that it has finalized a funding solution for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program.){kind=link}