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 holds economic briefing with expert and private sector representatives on opportunities and challenges beyond the pandemic
As the economy reopens and we move to the post-pandemic period, the entire community particularly businesses are keen on what the immediate future brings.
In the economic briefing for PCCI’s members, Jonathan Ravelas, Chief Market Strategist of BDO Unibank presented a comprehensive outlook on the state of the Philippine economy.
On the domestic side, he said that consumer spending is increasing while lowering infection cases. The Philippine peso versus US$1 is projected to reach P51 by yearend.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Ravelas pointed out that the impact on Philippine foreign trade will be at a minimum as the country exports only about 1% of goods to Russia. The country however has to be prepared for inflationary effects of the rise in fuel prices. Inflation, he pointed out, has slowed down the momentum of business activities and domestic consumption.
With the national elections coming in May, the new administration, Ravelas said, will have to put impetus on social, health, and economic concerns during its first 100 days to sustain the level we are in today.
Moreover, he said that government and businesses need stronger and bolder decisions to align efforts to support our economic fundamentals, achieve peaceful elections, strengthen rapid pandemic response and sustain consumer and infrastructure spending.
Panelists Mr Calixto Chikiamco, President of the Foundation for Economic Freedom and Dr. Ma. Lourdes Monteverde, President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industryb both expressed optimism on the economy getting back on track as long as the right infrastructure mechanisms and policy reforms are maintained.
Chikiamco commended the economic reforms instigated by the Duterte Administration such as CREATE Law, the Rice Tarrification Law, support to responsible mining and satellite broadband and trade liberalization law, among others.
On the other hand, Dra. Monteverde conveyed that the creation of ecozones and capacity building programs are among the necessary mechanisms to improve job generation and financial fitness of businesses especially MSMEs will enable them to thrive the critical phase of recovery. --- Edith Suelto