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By Krizette Chu

At the 45th Philippine Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI), guest of honor President Rodrigo Duterte once again highlighted his advocacy to get rid of corruption while reminding the business community that following environmental rules and regulations is a priority under his administration.

Speaking to delegates and local government officials at The Manila Hotel Thursday night, the President thanked the PCCI, the government’s official private sector partner, for their “consistency to de­velop and sustain the growth of our gross domestic product, and small, medium, and micro enterprises.”

For the first time, the PCCI has turned its focus on digital technology, with the business sector leveraging on tech to help transform their busi­nesses in the modern age.

President Duterte told the busi­ness community, “Indeed, a strong business sector is key to inclusive growth and the administration contin­ues to foster this dynamic exchange of ideas among policy makers and businesses, and development partners from various platforms.”

He reminded his audience, “It is your duty as citizens of this country to take care of the environment. You can help us by building more disposal sites and treatment facilities.”

He also reiterated his appeal for the community to help fight corrup­tion. “I have tried my best, from Day One of my administration, to really do something about corruption. Now we have Ease of Doing Business. I intend to minimize if not totally eradicate corruption. I cannot succeed without your cooperation.”

The PCCI also handed out post­humous awards during the business conference to SM’s Henry Sy Sr, Metrobank’s George Ty, and PCCI’s Miguel Varela, apart from acknowledg­ing business-friendly LGUs, including Davao del Norte, Valenzuela City, Iloilo City, and Kawayan, Isabela.

Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco, presi­dent of the PCCI, said, “We assure you, Mr. President, that PCCI will remain as one of your biggest allies in ensur­ing our support. We are committed to working for your administration’s economic resiliency, sectorial devel­opment, and competitiveness. We are honored helping the Filipino entrepre­neur do better business.”