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 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.
