Newly-inducted President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Rene D. Almendras vowed to pursue relevant leadership as he identified corruption, ease of doing business, economy, agriculture, cybersecurity, education, and climate change as major concerns plaguing the business sector.

In his speech during the 76th MAP inaugural meeting on Jan. 18 in Makati City, Almendras said business and organizations are “called to be relevant to the times, to the community, nation, and environment.” 

“In navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving domestic and global landscape, embracing relevant leadership in business and government is not just an option but now a necessity and a continuous journey towards a progressive future,” said Almendras, who is also president and CEO of AC Logistics Holding Corporation.

In the inaugural meeting, he shared the major concerns among the organization's members as corruption, ease of doing business, economy, agriculture, cybersecurity, education, and climate change.

The issues pervasive in these sectors will be addressed through the five thrusts of MAP this year, which are member engagement, country competitiveness, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and shared prosperity; innovation, technology, and digitalization; and investing in the youth.

The organization will also endeavor to make meaningful engagements with members as it expands its membership outside of the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure businesses across the country succeed and develop.

Almendras assured members of their active participation in policy reforms, particularly in improving the ease of doing business, and enabling conducive business environments for local and foreign investors.

As MAP aims to address economic inequality, he said the organization will utilize technological developments to uplift the workforce while adapting to digitization efforts.

Lastly, Almendras is continuing MAP's programs to improve the well-being and educational opportunities of Filipino youth.

To ensure the organization realizes its goals, Almendras said the 2024 Board will work with 21 MAP committees, grouped according to the main thrusts.

On his appointment as head of MAP, Almendras said it is a “privilege, but much more a challenge, to be at the helm of this prestigious group of women and men, full of talent, skill, and capability, but more so committed to do good, to do what is right for a better nation.”

He is inviting present and future MAP members to work together to fulfill their aims for the year. 

Other MAP officers inducted during the meeting were KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Atty. Emmanuel Bonoan as MAP Vice President;  HSBC Philippines Treasurer and Head of Markets and Securities Corrie Purisima as MAP Treasurer; GCash/Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon as MAP Asst. Treasurer;  and CEO Advisors,Inc. Partner Karen Batungbacal as MAP Secretary.

Du-Baladad and Associates Founding Partner and CEO Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad; Center for Excellence in Governance(CEG) Vice Chair Rex Drilon II, PLDT and Smart Director Alfredo Panlilio; and PA Grant Thornton Founder Benjamin Punongbayan were appointed as MAP Conveners.