Vision
PCCI is the voice of Philippine business recognized by government and international institutions. As a proactive catalyst of development, PCCI promotes and supports the drive for globally competitive Philippine enterprises in partnership with government, local chambers, and other business organizations.
Mission
The main responsibility of PCCI is to provide focused advocacy for business growth and sustainable development by providing business services for the advancement of grassroots entrepreneurship, chamber development, international trade relations, business innovation and excellence, and operating efficiency. These will be achieved through a professional organization working in close cooperation with various stakeholders in public and private sectors.
PCCI-DICT push satellite connectivity for digital expansion
PCCI President George T. Barcelon presents PCCI’s REACH-OUT: Strategy for Long-Term Growth, Inclusivity and Resilience to DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy. PCCI paid a courtesy visit to Secretary Uy to discuss joint action that PCCI and DICT can undertake to strengthen digital connectivity in the country. REACH-OUT contains PCCI’s strategic agenda and recommendations for business productivity and economic Competitiveness. Joining Barcelon and Uy are (L-R): PCCI’s Assistant Secretar General for Advocacy, Research and Communication Rhuby Conel, Special Assistant to the PCCI President Chit Arce, Director for Innovation, Digital Economy and Science and Technology Perry A. Ferrer, Secretary-General Ruben J. Pascual, Philexport President and PCCI Treasurer Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., JP Miranda, Director for Membership and SDG Alegria Sibal Limjoco, PCCI Chairman and Director for Agriculture and Food Security Dr. William S. Co, (Secretary Uy and Mr. Barcelon), SEIPI President Dr. Dan Lachica, Director for Philippine Chamber Development Institute Engr. Enunia Mangio, Chairman of the SDG Committee Joel Tugade and Philippine Food Federation officer Jennifer Lim.
The adoption of digital technology is crucial to the Build. Better. More. agenda. As economies reboot post-pandemic, digital technology has become the engine of sustainable economic growth. Enabling this growth and making it inclusive requires a robust digital infrastructure and available and affordable connectivity for all.
In a meeting with Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), PCCI President George Barcelon stressed the importance of connectivity for economic recovery and PCCI’s readiness to participate in DICT’s digital transformation and infrastructure programs.
“PCCI is looking at enabling satellite connectivity to ensure that government services and social services such as education, healthcare and skills training will effectively reach the unserved and underserved areas while also facilitating economic activities in these areas,” Barcelon stated.
Perry A. Ferrer, Director for Innovation and Digital Economy and Science and Technology reported that PCCI is ready to launch the Phase 1 of PCCI’s Proof of Concept (POC) Project on Satellite Connectivity. Phase 1 of the POC will set up internet via satellite in six Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the country, divided equally among the three main islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Phase 2 of the project proposes that the Philippines will have its own satellite.
Supporting PCCI’s POC project, Secretary Uy pointed out that that a satellite dish orients itself and there is no need for engineers to do it. The deployment of a dish will also be quicker since no towers are needed. Furthermore, the current fiber backbone is only good for highly urban areas. When distance is far, connectivity becomes inefficient, such as in islands like Palawan.
Secretary Ivan Uy added that connectivity will also benefit the education sector. He shared that the DICT is working with the Department of Education for the development of online learning modules that makes use of readily available online teaching materials done by experts. Online modules will only need moderators or facilitators thereby accounting for the lack of teachers and classrooms in the country. This will also help to standardize knowledge among urban and rural areas.
Secretary Uy encouraged PCCI to promote online banking and provide eCommerce opportunities for rural communities. Most businesses were not able to transition online during the pandemic because of the cost of hiring a programmer.
Secretary Uy suggested to extend assistance to MSMEs in rural areas by providing an eCommerce platform that functions like an online marketplace with a digital payment system, logistics, and sourcing. A program and database that can be used as a model can be taken from a project the DICT is developing project for local government units (LGUs).
Mr. Barcelon expressed concern for data privacy as the lifestyle of an individual is captured through online footprint. Secretary Uy explained that to obtain data sovereignty, a local cloud must be deployed and programs to educate authorities must be enforced to avoid being taken advantage of.
PCCI and DICT will form a working team to launch the POC on satellite connectivity project. --- Avery del Mundo