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, PYEA to engage youth through Commerce and Industry Club
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA) plan to establish a Commerce and Industry Club in higher education institutions (HEIs) to capacitate the youth in entrepreneurship skills and industry knowledge and as they enter the workforce.
“We would like to engage student organizations that relate to the Chamber’s objectives of having an innovative and inclusive economy in the Philippines. We are at a juncture where we need to start attracting student leaders become entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” PCCI President Mr. George Barcelon stated.
PCCI Innovation Committee Director Mr. Perry Ferrer echoed this and added that apart from educational institutions, PCCI would also like to strengthen its relations with foreign chambers of commerce.
“There’s always a youth segment in our dialogues with them. We shouldn’t just talk about business exchanges, we should also begin engaging next-generation leaders,” he expressed.
In January 2020, the youth population (15-29 years) of the Philippines accounted for 28%, or 28.1 million out of 101.6 million, of the entire population. The first ASEAN Youth Development Index reported that among the four domains of youth development (Education, Employment & Opportunity, Participation & Engagement, Health & Wellbeing), the Philippines ranked lowest in Employment and Opportunity.
This indicates that the youth is prone to vulnerabilities in the labor market due to lack of experience and/or professional networks, lack of bank accounts, lack of upskilling opportunities, and lack of access to credit for entrepreneurial endeavors.
"There are actually a handful of entrepreneur trainings and support groups available in our country. The challenge lies in the lack of visibility and awareness. Ultimately, it is a matter of promoting these programs and groups through the correct channels that would allow them to reach their target audience more effectively," notes Ms. Charmaine Co, President of the PYEA.
Co adds, "This is what we at PYEA hope to double our efforts on. PYEA is a staunch advocate of promoting the holistic development of entrepreneurship. We believe that being an entrepreneur starts within and reverberates outwards. If we equip the youth with the right values, discipline, and skills early on, we are will, in effect, entrust the future of our country into capable hands." --- Anya Marie Cruz