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 meets DTI Secretary Pascual, discuss strategic plans for business recovery
Officials of PCCI led by (from left) Atty. Pablo Gancayco, PCCI Corporate Secretary; Anton Sayo, chairman, Intellectual Property Committee; Chairman Dr. William Co; Honorary President Alegria Sibal Limjoco; Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr., director for Environment, Climate Change and Infrastructure Committee; Sergio R. Ortiz, Jr., honorary chair and treasurer; DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual; PCCi President George Barcelon; Engr. Enunina Magio, Vice President for Regional Affairs; Dennis Anthony Uy, chairman for Innovation and Digital Economy; Michael G. Tan, Director for Transport and Logistics; and, Ferdinand A Ferrer, VP for Industrial Affairs, Director for Digital Innovation, Science and Technology.
Officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), led by PCCI President George T. Barcelon met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual to discuss how PCCI and DTI can partner on various initiatives that support the growth of investments, particularly in manufacturing, and the expansion of micro-, small- and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs).
Barcelon presented to Pascual the PCCI’s REACH OUT Agenda which outlines issues and key recommendations needed to enhance the resilience of the economy to external shocks and facilitate transition to the post-pandemic new normal. He also highlighted the importance of innovation in creating a vibrant local economy.
Recognizing MSMEs as a principal sector that PCCI represents, Pascual shared that a DTI-branded e-commerce platform is currently in the works. This will provide MSMEs an online platform and the legal market to promote their products and services. He expressed that he wants Philippine businesses to fill up the gaps in the economy by helping MSMEs to “graduate”
“Significant economic reforms and expansion of production are ways to address these. One important priority is to promote local companies to meet domestic demand.” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of continuity in taking over the DTI projects of the past administration as seen in their technology-focused projects spearheaded by Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba. This includes the creation of two centers—the Artificial Intelligence Research Center which will develop ways in which MSMEs can access technology to improve operation, and the Industry 4.0 pilot factory that will serve as a demonstration facility for new technologies before physical production takes place.
Among other matters, also discussed were the rising costs of power, issues regarding the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR), the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector as a major contributor to the foreign exchange earnings, boosting workforce training, and improving the country’s environment for doing business.
Both PCCI officers and DTI officials hoped that the courtesy visit would serve as an important first step towards a fruitful and constructive engagement between PCCI and DTI. --- Avery Del Mundo