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The origins of the chemical industry in the Philippines can be traced back during the 19th century. This mainly involved the small-scale and rudimentary production involving some chemical processes.

As early as the 1950s, leather for slippers, harness, and soles were already being produced in Meycauayan, Bulacan, with the leather being tanned through the use of vegetable oil tannin extract from guamachili tree, or 'kamachile'.

Shortly after, around 1875, soap making as a trade -- involving the mixing of coconut oil with alkali (lye) obtained from leaching wood ashes in small iron pots -- started in the country.

It was not until the early 20th century that more significant and advanced chemical activities began to take place. In 1911, the first modern soap factory was built, followed quickly by others. Intensive sales and advertising drives developed the Philippines market for soap. By the time World War II broke out, there were already 135 soap establishments in the country, with only three processors using modern methods.