After two years of lockdown, business leaders of PCCI South Luzon and the Bacoor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. led by AVP Sallie Lacson and President Jayson Atienza respectively, successfully organized the first major face-to-face event of PCCI since 2020, the 31st South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC) on July 21-22, 2022 at the Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Cavite.

 

Anchored on the theme “Accelerating South Luzon’s Business & Economic Recovery,” the conference provided the delegates an insightful glance at the current state of business and the economy of South Luzon and presented solutions to some of the region’s most pressing issues.

 

The SOLABC featured prominent business leaders, key national and local government officials, industry associations, academe, and other stakeholders who presented solutions, strategies, and business practices that would help businesses become more resilient and future-ready.

 

The said event was well-attended by around 300 participants including the presidents, officers, and members of the twenty-one (21) strong local chambers in South Luzon. 

 

In his opening statement, PCCI President George Barcelon emphasized the importance of public-

private sector collaboration and the role of chambers in local economic development.

 

“Strategic partnerships with economic stakeholders, such as the national and local governments, NGOs, donor agencies, academe, and firms have to be formed to enable us to realize our common goal of economic inclusivity and sustainability,” Barcelon said.

 

In line with this, AVP Sallie Lacson stressed in her welcome message the significance of strengthening the LGU and private sector collaboration at the local level to fast-track economic development that is inclusive wherein more jobs and employment opportunities and income are generated through sustained efforts.

 

In his keynote address, Governor Jonvic Remulla mentioned of the importance of gaining access to the new administration, such that forming synergy within the key stakeholders to determine and track what hinders the industry, and how we can structure its recovery process.

 

The 31st SOLABC covered four (4) main plenary topics which featured experts and professionals who have first-hand knowledge and expertise on the following:

• Addressing Supply Chain Bottlenecks in South Luzon

• Emerging Trends and Opportunities for South Luzon’s Tourism Industry

• Fast-tracking the Recovery of MSMEs: Government Support Services

• Industrial Developments in South Luzon

 

During the concluding ceremonies of the 31st SOLABC, the resolutions were turned over by AVP Sallie Lacson to the 48th PBC Chair Mr. Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer. Presented by the three (3) Regional Governors – RG Romy Race, RG Jeff Armedilla and RG Ferdinand Sia, the resolutions gathered from the consultations with the South Luzon local chambers enclosed motions on Agriculture, Ease of doing Business, Education, Energy and Power, SME Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Taxation, Transportation, Logistics and Infrastructure, and Tourism.

 

Some other speakers in the 31st South Luzon Area Business Conference included AGRI Party-list Representative Hon. Wilbert Lee; City of Bacoor Vice Mayor Rowena Bautista-Mendiola; Anti-Red Tape Authority OIC Director General Ernesto Perez; Tourism Promotions Board Deputy Chief Operating Officer Charles Bautista; Philippine Economic Zone Authority Group Manager Aleem Guiapal; Regional Directors Bevienne Malateo (DOT Region 4B), Marissa Argente (DTI Region 4A), Naomi Lyn Abellana (DOLE MIMAROPA) and Dr. Mary Grace Rodriguez (DA RFO 5); ICTSI Philippines Commercial Director Justin Tolentino; and Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Managing Director Lorens Ziller.

 

As a pre-conference activity, a Chamber Development Workshop was conducted on July 21 (Thursday) to orient LCCIs and the private sector on their critical role on local governance with specific focus on education, as well as the implications of the Mandanas Ruling. The LCCI Manual and strengthening LGU and LCCI partnership were also discussed throughout the afternoon.

 

The aforementioned workshop featured three speakers namely: Mr. Kit Atienza, Consultant, The Asia Foundation; Ms. Lucita LV. Dela Pena, OIC Assistant Chief – BLGD, DILG; and Dr. Alberto P. Fenix Jr., Chair of PhilCDI and Past President & Adviser, PCCI. All of whom provided in-depth discussion on the Private Sector Participation in Local Governance, and on the LCCI Manual.

 

The successful SOLABC only proves the dedication of our leaders to strive for a better, bolder, and wealthier local economy. With this drive and amount of influence, the PCCI South Luzon leadership aims to achieve its goal of attaining a region that is united and resilient. --- Russell Ponce and Kharylle Carnaje

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