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 to push for agriculture to be in priority agenda of the incoming administration
The combination of rising food prices and low domestic productivity must be addressed now, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said as the group convened industry leaders and experts in the agriculture sector to discuss their priority agenda for the incoming administration.
“Agriculture is one of the key advocacies of my leadership in the next two years and I want to ensure that it is given enough attention and support that would translate to farmers’ increased productivity and competitiveness vis a vis its ASEAN counterparts,” PCCI President George Barcelon said.
Food prices are near all-time highs due to elevated input prices.
In the meeting of the PCCI’s Agriculture Committee, one of the factors identified as causing the rise in food prices is the upsurge in the price of urea, a fertilizer and animal feed additive. Prices of Urea have gone up to P2,800/50 kilos per bag from approximately P1000/50kgs bag.
PCCI President George T. Barcelon said that immediate measures should be undertaken before prices worsen especially with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is integrated into the global agriculture as a major supplier of fertilizers.
PCCI Director for Agriculture, Roberto Amores said that in a chance meeting recently with Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the good Secretary assured farmers and agri producers that prices may start to stabilize in time for the rice planting schedules in April and May with supplies coming from excess production in China and dumping of stocks from Russia to China due to the economic sanctions from EU, USA and some Asian countries.
He added that the DA issues voucher for free fertilizers for Rice farmers “but not all are able to benefit like the high-value crops producers which maybe included as the HVCDP budget is up for review for increase.”
Barcelon said that the group should look into and study how costs can be reduced to insulate farmers from increased prices, such as buying in bulk directly to the supplier and rebagging the fertilizer in the Philippines.
The group agreed to craft immediate and long-term solutions for the sustainability of the agriculture sector and for the future generation to enjoy such benefits in the sector. A policy agenda will be prepared to submit to the incoming administration in June this year.
Present at the meeting were Paul Cuyegkeng, president/CEO, Sumitfru a pioneer in the Fresh Banana Industry ; Henry Lim Bon Liong, president, SL Agritech Corp of the famous Dona Maria Rice .; Danilo Fausto, president, Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI); Atty. Elias Jose Inciong, president, United Broilers Raisers Association (UBRA); Salvador Salacup, Consultant on Agri- Business of Philippine Food Processors and Exporters (Philfoodex); Larry Lacson, PhD, consultant for Market Access and SPS, Philfoodex. Others members are Mr. Philip Ong, Chairman, Santeh Feeds Corp and Edwin Chen, president, Bounty Farms Inc. --- Donna Brazas-Angulo