Spanning five decades of promoting transformative agenda for the country, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) recently celebrated 50 golden years of the Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), the biggest and most-highly anticipated in the country.

Over 1,500 local and international delegates trooped to the Marriott Grand Ballroom for the 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE) with the theme “Embracing Innovation. Empowering Business. Enriching Lives” chaired by Mr. Raymund Jude Aguilar, PCCI Vice President for International Affairs.

PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio welcomed the delegates as she underscored the role of PB&E as an important platform where leaders in government, the private sector and other stakeholders converge to discuss paramount agenda of business growth and economic progress.

“Through the years, we have seen how the insights, ideas, and recommendations from this annual conference have played a critical role in fostering economic development, promoting trade and investments, and generating jobs that contribute to the growth of our nation,” Mangio said.

Aguilar acknowledged the contributions of the PBC&E over the years, becoming a venue where economic forces have traditionally converged to discuss concerns and create solutions to improve business and stimulate growth. He likewise gave tribute to past PCCI leaders for bringing the chamber movement to where it is today.

"From its birth in 1974, the PBC&E has become the venue where economic forces converge, delving into exciting topics on current and emerging issues of concern, new trends, exciting technologies and their implications on business,” Aguilar said.

Vice President Sara Duterte led the opening ceremonies while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Frederick Go ably represented President Ferdinand B. Marcos who, unfortunately, was unable to grace the occasion as he had to attend to efforts related to typhoon Kristine.

The two-day event was filled-up with renowned experts and visionaries led by one of Singapore’s well-known diplomats, Professor Kishore Mahbubani, alongside young and dynamic future business leaders. On the other hand, officials of key government agencies took turns in presenting the government’s agenda to the private sector.

Marcos, in his message delivered by Go underscored the important role of the business community in steering the country’s direction towards greater prosperity.

"The PBC&E embodies the enduring partnership between the government and the private sector, with our relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision of equitable growth. None of this would be possible without the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Your unwavering dedication to uplift the business sector mirrors this administration’s commitment to steer our economy towards greater prosperity,” Marcos said.

The President made a commitment to improve the business climate and elevate the status of the Philippines as a top investment destination. He assured the private sector that his government will continue to work to harmonize all efforts of all Investment Promotion Agencies, government agencies, and local government units to create synergies.

Duterte, on the other hand, underscored the importance of innovation to business, adding that the government and private sector should collaborate to create innovation centers and foster an environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.

“Ultimately, humans should ensure that AI becomes our partner in improving our lives. We should consider the urgency of re-skilling and upskilling of our workers, and equip them with new skills in this technologically advancing environment,” Duterte said.

The conference successfully concluded with the handing over of the 10-point agenda of PCCI to President Marcos, which encapsulates the collective aspirations of the Philippine business to the new administration particularly in steering the country towards a higher growth trajectory.

PCCI submits wishlist to government

At the culmination of the 50th PBCE Aguilar handed over to Go the resolutions that focused on critical areas covering food security, human resources development, and investment generation aimed at enhancing the Philippines' global competitiveness and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

“These proposals are designed to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, investments can flow, and every Filipino can benefit from a more robust economy. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with the government to turn these proposals into actionable policies,” Mangio said.

Mangio recognized that successful implementation of these resolutions requires the strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities.

Achieving food security

Recognizing the need for a stable and sustainable food supply, the PCCI proposes a multi-faceted approach to bolster agricultural production and access to markets. Among the key initiatives are the establishment of a Technology Task Force, which will introduce modern farming technologies like climate control and precision farming. The resolution also calls for strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) and revitalizing key sectors such as coconut, hog, and aquaculture industries through financial aid programs, disease control measures, and support for cooperatives.

Furthermore, it seeks to amend the Agrarian Reform Law, advocating for an increase in the land retention limit from 5 to 24 hectares to promote larger, more efficient farming operations.

Human resources development

Aimed at creating a more skilled and capable workforce, the PCCI urges reforms in the education system and healthcare sector to create a more skilled and capable workforce. The organization proposes amendments to the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Law, calling for the establishment of a Philippine Qualifications Authority to ensure that the trifocalized education agencies coordinate and work together so that educational outcomes align with industry needs.

To foster innovation, the PCCI is pushing for the establishment of Research and Development Centers within DepEd, TESDA, and CHED and the enhancement of curricula through collaboration with global technology and R&D companies. In healthcare, the Chamber emphasizes the need for improved facilities, particularly in underserved regions, and a stronger focus on tackling malnutrition through community-wide campaigns.

Investment promotion and job creation

The PCCI also outlines strategies for attracting more investments and generating jobs. This includes advocating for comprehensive Investment Promo

tion Legislation that will provide incentives for key sectors such as manufacturing and green technologies. The resolutions emphasize the importance of improving infrastructure particularly in logistics, ensuring energy availability while maintaining competitive costs, and digitalizing local government services to streamline processes and attract more investors.

The PCCI is committed to working with the government to develop a long-term Infrastructure Master Plan that will enhance transportation, energy, and communication networks

“We at the PCCI believe that we have what it takes to become one of the most robust economies in the world. Through the resolutions that we have submitted, we offer doable recommendations, proposed legislations and executive actions to guide our economic managers to ensure sustainable economic development and societal progress,” Aguilar said.

PCCI 1.png — EMPOWERING BUSINESS. Leaders in business celebrate 50 years of Philippine business excellence. Leading this year’s celebration is Raymund Jude Aguilar, 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE) chairman and PCCI Vice President for International Affairs and PCCI President, Consul Enunina V. Mangio. In photo from left: Bernardo Benedicto III, Assistant Treasurer; Atty. Pablo Gancayco, Corporate Secretary; Ruben J. Pascual, Secretary General; Anthony Guerrero III, Director for Labor; Dr. William Co, Director for Agriculture; Edgardo G. Lacson, Director for Education; Samie S. Lim, director for Tourism, Franchising, and Retail; Joseph Sy, director for Mining; Alegria S. Limjoco, Vice President for Regional Affairs; Mangio, Aguilar; George T. Barcelon, Chairman; Ferdinand Ferrer, Executive Vice-President and Director for Innovation; Michael Tan, Vice President for Trade and Industry; Bryan Ang, Vice President for Trade Facilitation; and Elena U. Haw, Area Vice President for Mindanao; Melanie Ng, Area Vice President for Visayas; Sallie Lacson, Area Vice President for South Luzon; Atty. Maria Amalia Cayanan, Area Vice President for North Luzon and Dr. Hernando Delizo, Area Vice President for NCR.

PCCI 2.png — Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Frederick Go graces the 50th PBCE representing President Ferdinand B. Marcos. With him from left: PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio, Go, PCCI Chairman George T. Barcelon and 50^th PBCE Chairman Jude Aguilar, PCCI Vice President for International Affairs.

PCCI recognizes business ingenuity, excellence

At the PBCE, the PCCI conferred numerous awards to individuals, professionals, companies, chambers of commerce and local government units that have exemplified business development ideas and excellence in business.

PCCI 3.png — Alfredo M. Yao Innovation Award Winner. Vice President Sara Duterte conferred the AMY Award (Undergraduate Category) to Mr. Mark Cris (center) from Samar State University for his invention *“The Synergistic Effects of Light and Sound in Enhancing Squid Fishing Efficiency: A Novel System Approach to Marine Resource Management for Intelligent and Sustainable Practices.”* In photo are PCCI Chairman George Barcelon, PCCI President Enunina Mangio, 50^th PBCE Chairman Jude Aguilar and AMY Award Chairman Anton Sayo.

**Most Outstanding Chamber Award.** PCCI- Quezon City received the Hall of Fame distinction for the Most Outstanding Chamber Award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the recently concluded 50^th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Grand Marriott Ballroom in Pasay City. PCCI- Quezon City has consistently won the Most Outstanding Chamber Award (Large Chamber) in the last three years solidifying its reputation as a leading advocate for business excellence and community development.Photo (L-R): Dr. Albert P. Fenix Jr. , Chairman, MOCA 2024; Mr. Raymund Jude G. Aguilar, Chairman, 59th PBC and E; Sec. Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs; Atty. Arnel D. Mateo, President PCCI-Quezon City; Dr. Hernando B. Delizo, Area Vice President, PCCI-NCR; Consul Enunina V. Mangio, President, PCCI and Mr. George T. Barcelon, Chairman, 50th PBC&E Awards.

LGU 2.png — **Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Award.** The Municipality of Pakil, Laguna, has been awarded the prestigious Hall of Fame distinction from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the recently concluded 50th Philippine Business Conference & Expo at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on October 23, 2024. This esteemed recognition highlights Pakil's consistent achievement as the "Most Business-Friendly LGU in the Philippines" in the Municipality Level 2 category, a title it has earned three times in the last five years. This award celebrates Pakil’s sustained commitment to implementing innovative governance and best practices, undertaken in collaboration with the private sector, which have significantly benefited both the local business community and residents.Photo from L-R: PCCI corporate secretary and 2024 Most Business Friendly Award chairman Atty. Pablo Gancayco, PCCI vice president for international affairs and 50^th PBC&E chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar, Secretary of the new Office of the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Frederick D. Go, PCCI president Enunina V. Mangio and PCCI chairman and 50^th PBC Awards chairman, George T. Barcelon.

LGU 3.png — **Excellence in Ecology and Economy Awards.** The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) conferred the Excellence in Ecology and Economy Award (Large Enterprise) to Filinvest Land, Inc. in recognition of its outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability by embedding sustainability throughout its projects and business operations, prioritizing energy and water conservation, biodiversity, and resource efficiency, ultimately minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high performance and cost efficiency. The award was presented during the recently concluded 50^th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Grand Marriott Ballroom in Pasay City.Photo from L-R: PCCI chairman and 50^th PBC Awards chairman, George T. Barcelon, PCCI president Enunina V. Mangio, Filinvest Land, Inc. vice president and controllership head Geraldine Caringal, Honorable Vice President Sarah Duterte, Filinvest Land, Inc. Sustainability Manager Chester del Rosario, PCCI vice president for international affairs and 50^th PBC&E chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar and PCCI director for education, environment and climate change Edgardo G. Lacson.

LGU 4.png — **PCCI Injap Sia Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Award.** Ralph Ray D. Chua, President of Immuni Global PH received the prestigious Injap Sia Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Award (ISOYEA) - Industry Category from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in the recently concluded 50^th Philippine Business Conference and Expo. Chua’s visionary leadership and dedication to enhancing the daily lives of Filipinos have revolutionized the health and wellness industry through the development of **IMMUNIPLUS**. This innovative product merges the healing powers of Filipino herbal medicine with modern scientific research, providing effective relief from common ailments like fatigue, cough, and colds. By empowering Filipinos to prioritize their health, Ralph has not only improved individual well-being but also addressed the broader economic impact of preventable illnesses.Photo from L-R: PCCI chairman and 50^th PBC Awards chairman, George T. Barcelon, PCCI president Enunina V. Mangio, Honorable Vice President Sarah Duterte, President of Immuni Global PH Ralph Ray D. Chua, 50^th PBC&E chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar and PCCI MSME committee chair and 2024 ISOYEA Chair Apolinar E. Aure.

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