Amid ongoing debates on flood control projects and corruption issues, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has pointed to key sectors that continue to support the economy.

During a media roundtable on Thursday, Sept. 25, Jeffrey T. Ng, executive vice president of FFCCCII, said the Senate hearings on flood control projects have not only affected the economy but also caused a slight shake-up in the construction industry.

Despite this, he believes that remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector have been the economy’s “saving graces” so far.

“As long as they can find jobs abroad, then that’s good for the economy,” Ng stated.

Earlier this week, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) projected industry revenues to rise by five percent to $42 billion in 2026, from the $40 billion expected this year. The IT-BPM industry currently employs approximately 1.90 million workers, a figure expected to increase to 1.97 million by next year.

Meanwhile, OFW remittances reached $3.18 billion (or about ₱184.8 billion) in July, a three percent increase from the same month in 2024, driven by higher demand at the start of the school year.

While these sectors have made gains, the FFCCCII executive said the economy has yet to achieve its full potential, especially as the country continues to grapple with infrastructure-related corruption.

“We need to grow our economy by nine percent, but we never grow I think seven percent,
 Ng said, noting that an eight to 10 percent increase in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) would significantly help efforts to reduce poverty.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) previously stated that the economy expanded by 5.5 percent in the second quarter, while the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier projected growth of around six percent in the third quarter of 2025.

Even as the Philippines grapples with corruption issues, the FFCCCII has continued to advance its socio-economic advocacies.

FFCCCII President Victor Lim noted the federation’s initiatives, including turning over more than 6,500 school buildings nationwide and donating 30 motorcycles to Manila for use as patrol vehicles. Since assuming the presidency in April, Lim has also led relief operations in response to typhoons and monsoons.

Lim used the approaching holiday as a symbol of resilience: “Amidst the challenges we face as a people, we stand in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos in our quest for a better and brighter future. For this, we can take inspiration from the Mid-Autumn Festival, which carries the message of Hope and Unity—with the bright full moon that symbolizes embracing change with a positive outlook, and togetherness as one community with a common aspiration.”