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"The Grand Launching of the ATA Carnet System in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs, with Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio signing the Customs Memorandum Order on the Procedure of ATA Carnet Implementation. (15 July 2024)"

ATA Carnet Grand Launching

"3rd Customs Industry Consultative Advisory Council Meeting of Bureau of Customs and Industry Associations hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (29 April 2024)"

ICYMI: 3rd Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council of Bureau of Customs hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

New PCCI Board gets fresh mandate in office

ICYMI: PCCI Board of Directors headed by President George T. Barcelon with Honorable. Senator Cynthia A. Villar during the 2nd Legislative Talks: New Agrarian Emancipation Act

PCCI Board with Honorable. Senator Cynthia A. Villar

GO SPEARHEADS ANTI-RED TAPE CAMPAIGN

Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council 

50th PBC

The 33rd Visayas Area Business Conference

Indonesia President Joko Widodo graces chambers' meet

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.

Philippine Franchise Association (PFA)

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines 

LT Group, Inc. 

San Miguel Corporation

ICCT Colleges

Huawei

VC Securities Corporation

Megaworld Corporation

Philtrust Bank

Converge Business

Angkas

Philippine Business Bank

Zesto Corporation

ARC Refreshments Corporation

Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc.

EMS Group

Integrated Computer Systems Inc

PMFTC

Intel

Lenovo

SM Investments

Hotel 101

Wilcon Depot

Metrobank

Waterfront

ECPAY

PAGIBIG

PAGCOR

Jaguar

First Gen

Filremit

Jollibee Foods Corporation

Toyota

Questworks

J. Chemie Laboratory Inc.

Grentek Solutions Inc

Itbs Corp

33rd North Luzon Area  Business Conference

Greetings from the PCCI-NCR!
We are delighted to announce the anticipated 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference, scheduled for August 21-22, 2024 at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel. This business event promises to be a convergence of brilliant minds and innovative ideas, exploring the theme "Integrating Trade, Technology &amp; Tourism for Sustainable Economic Transformation."
Mark your calendars and secure your spot early to take advantage of exclusive early bird rates. Registrations are now open through this link <a href="https://bit.ly/2024MMBCRegistration?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR29xD1aIl06KrT9Vwweb6OjSm1Z0kgNuclxQqXvvnqqSRUttGctkGGeUfA_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw" target="_self">https://bit.ly/2024MMBCRegistration</a> or by scanning the QR code below.
Join us as we delve into thought-provoking discussions, foster meaningful connections, locally as well as globally, and be engaged in shaping the future of business in Metro Manila. Don't miss this remarkable opportunity to gain invaluable insights, network with industry leaders, and be part of a transformative journey towards sustainable economic growth.
Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 MMBC!
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/metromanila?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZVl2sqbFIXjZKon7d1k6ncGfQ7UncXgAW3YrgoCVKjMSApUE0fm0cLP4jF9VWYplioyO2byUliu4sAXlVrr5zW486lArf8t5T9R2HqMNoZppNySPfLDMXzBUU5nGkJ9KBglZDzh9eN2WBxP2QHsuOhFl76EOr1jzGUs3mldm-I6KG6tUd0HnWAIxzRrUgtjppO1Z_07QT56m6FoRfqk3_4d&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#MetroManila</a>
--
John Lord Mangulabnan
Project Development and Regional Affairs
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
3F Commerce and Industry Plaza, 1030 Campus Ave., cor. Park Ave., McKinley Town Center, The Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634 | (T) 632 - 846 - 8196 | (F) 632 - 846 - 8619 | Website: <a href="http://www.philippinechamber.com/" target="_self">www.philippinechamber.com</a>

2024 MMBC

33rd Mindanao Business Conference

Business World

Business Mirror

The Manila Times

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Malaya Business Insight

Daily Tribune

The Philippine Star

Manila Bulletin

DZAR 1026

GMA Network

DZBB Super Radyo

ABS CBN

DZMM TeleRadyo

Cathayland

BA Securities Inc

VALENZUELA CITY, [26 June 2024] - The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) officially launched the 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC), a convergence of brilliant minds and innovative ideas, at Casa de Polo, Valenzuela City. This landmark event, held during the PCCI-NCR North Sector Joint General Membership Meeting, attracted over 100 attendees from CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) chambers and members from the South and Central Sectors.
The launch event showcased the theme of the 2024 MMBC, “Integrating Trade, Technology &amp; Tourism for Sustainable Economic Transformation (3T’s for SET)” with “Local integration, Global Outlook” as subtheme. This conference is expected to address key issues affecting the region's economic landscape and provide a platform for networking and collaboration among business leaders.
"The 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference represents a crucial opportunity for our business community to come together, share insights, and chart a course for sustainable economic growth in our region," said Dr. Hernando B. Delizo, Area Vice President for NCR/Chairman, 2024 MMBC.
Other notable attendees included Mr. Raymund Jude Aguilar, Chairman of the 50th Philippine Business Conference and Vice President for International Affairs, PCCI; Ms. Emelita A. Alvarez, Regional Governor for South Sector/ Conference Director, 2024 MMBC; Ms. Yolanda R. Dela Cruz, Regional Governor for North Sector; Mr. Jose E. Francisco, Regional Governor for Central Sector; and Mr. Joel Ryan Tugade, Chairman for 50th PBC&amp;E Publicity and Promotions/ Chairman, PCCI SDG Committee. Mayor Jeannie Ng Sandoval of Malabon City also graced the event.
The MMBC is annual event of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-NCR, Inc. (PCCI-NCR, Inc.), a non-stock, non-profit organization under the umbrella of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). PCCI-NCR serves as the regional organization of PCCI for the private business community in the National Capital Region (NCR) acting as the coordinative and administrative body for the sixteen (16) chambers of commerce and industry in NCR. Headed by PCCI Area Vice President for NCR, Dr. Hernando B. Delizo with three (3) sectoral Regional Governors, and 34 Trustees.
Interested participants may register through this link: <a href="https://bit.ly/2024MMBCRegistration" target="_self">https://bit.ly/2024MMBCRegistration</a>.

PCCI-NCR Launches 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC)

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry joins other business and socio-civic organizations supporting the phaseout of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
Consul Enunina V. Mangio, PCCI President, said these POGOs, some of which were issued licenses by the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), pose immense social threats as they were exploited as breeding grounds for crime, scams, and human rights violations,” Mangio added.
While PCCI supports the stoppage of POGO operations in the Philippines, it cautioned against a haphazard, indiscriminate and sudden closure of all POGOs in the country because of the possible massive loss of jobs and related displacement of many businesses and industries, from food services to administrative support and transport services.
Furthermore, PCCI is concerned over the wide-ranging impact on other sectors especially the commercial property sector as many investors constructed office buildings to house the POGOs. Relatedly, PCCI is worried over the spillover effects of the POGO closures on the financial institutions who funded new office buildings to accommodate the POGOs and the collateral damages for ancillary industries such as real estate and communication services.
“We support a tiered phaseout of POGO operations in the country. First, we call for the immediate closure of all POGOs operating illegally and without operating licenses. Second, we call on PAGCOR and other government agencies involved in regulating the POGO business including the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Immigration to carefully review the mandates from licenses, work licenses and tax obligations of the POGO operators,” the PCCI leader said. She added that PAGCOR and other government agencies create credible alternative employment opportunities for those who will be affected by the POGO closures.
“We hence enjoin the national government and PAGCOR to carefully manage the POGO phaseout or ban to avoid serious economic displacement,” Mangio stressed.

PRESS RELEASE
July 18, 2024

PCCI supports closure of POGO operations

The Philippines will be implementing the ATA Carnet system effective July 15, 2024, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) announced today following a meeting with Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio recently.
“We are pleased to partner with the Bureau of Customs in launching the ATA Carnet system in the Philippines,” said Consul Enunina V. Mangio, PCCI President. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to fostering a conducive environment for trade facilitation, ease of doing business and economic growth,” she added.
Mangio said that the strategic move aims to streamline and facilitate temporary exports and imports of goods, making cross-border trade more efficient and cost-effective for businesses.
ATA Carnet, also known as the “passport for goods,” is an international customs document that simplifies customs procedures for admission of goods up to one year. It allows businesses to temporarily export and import into participating countries without the need to pay duties and taxes, provided that the goods are re-exported within a specified timeframe. Thus, it is an indispensable marketing tool which helps businesses especially SMEs to successfully develop their exports.
In conjunction with the implementation of the ATA Carnet system, PCCI is now accepting accreditation applications from businesses who intend to utilize the passport for goods.
PCCI will also be scheduling the local workshop for Exporters, Industry Associations, Chamber of Commerce, Sports Associations, Film and Entertainment organizers, and Business Professionals.
Businesses interested in obtaining accreditation and attending local workshop for the ATA Carnet system are encouraged to contact the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for further information and assistance.
The implementation of the ATA Carnet system underscores the Philippines’ commitment in efficiently facilitating trade and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.

PRESS RELEASE
May 15, 2024

PH to implement ATA Carnet in July

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said on Wednesday that the P35 wage hike for workers in the National Capital Region is ‘reasonable’ even if it raises concern and negative implication on its members that are struggling to survive and stay in business.
PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said that employers will strictly adhere to the new minimum wage approved by the Regional Tripartite and Productivity Wage Boards.
“It’s a decision made by the wage board, we will respect and follow that. On the part of PCCI, we will monitor and evaluate its impact on our micro and small enterprises that we consider the backbone of our economy,” Mangio said.
While she acknowledged government’s effort to enhance wage levels in the country, it is also important to consider its impact on businesses that will be forced to adjust to higher labor costs particularly the MSMEs.
Mangio said that the increase is fair enough compared to previously proposed P100 which was way too much for employers and could likely lead to closure of businesses and unemployment.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), small enterprise establishments employ 10-99 workers while medium enterprises have a total of 100-199 workers.
“I believe it’s a win-win decision for both employers and workers. We also recognize how inflation is affecting all of us,” she added.
The PCCI President also emphasized the importance of fostering constant and constructive dialogue and collaboration among concerned stakeholders towards achieving an equitable and sustainable economic growth for all.

PRESS RELEASE
July 04, 2024

NCR wage hike reasonable – PCCI

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed its support to Senate Bill 2654 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) bill underscoring its importance to the survival and growth businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and retaining and attracting more foreign direct investments (FDIs).
In a letter to Senate Committee on Ways and Means chair, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, PCCI noted the inconsistencies in the CREATE Act and corresponding administrative issuances relating to taxes and incentives enjoyed in freeport and economic zones.
Administrative issuances implementing CREATE limited the applicability of the VAT exemption on importation and VAT zero-rating on local purchases by a registered export enterprise.
PCCI pointed out that under the CREATE Act, such incentive is granted to "Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs)" in general and does not make a distinction between an export enterprise and a domestic market enterprise inside separate customs territories.
The distinction made between between export and domestic enterprises has disadvantaged the latter as they have now ceased to avail of their incentives including the 5% tax on gross income earned (GIE) that they are supposed to enjoy for ten (10) more years as specified in the transitory provisions of the CREATE Law, PCCI said.
"This situation not only disincentivizes local suppliers of manufacturers inside freeport zones; it also puts manufacturers/exporters at a disadvantage as they must now absorb the VAT passed on to them by their local suppliers, and which they pass on to the consumers making them uncompetitive in the global market," PCCI president Enunina Mangio emphasized.
PCCI further supported CREATE MORE's intent to improve the country's tax refund process, which currently takes an average of four to six years to process and approve.
Under the VAT refund process, any excess input VAT credit arising from zero-rated sales, or previously from significant capital expenditures, would have to be paid back by the Government. While the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) requires the BIR to process VAT refund or tax credit claims within 90 days, processing and approving such claims have taken an average of four to six years.
"VAT refunds represent sums of money owed by the Government to zero-rated taxpayers and investors, who already paid the VAT upfront on their purchases or investment. These are taxpayers’ money trapped with the government, idle, instead of being used to generate economic activities. Bureaucratic inefficiencies in the VAT refund system has resulted to higher costs of doing business in the country as compared with other countries vying for the same market or investment," Benedicta Du-Baladad, PCCI'sdirector for taxation and investment policy and promotion of PCCI lamented.
Du-Baladad outlined the following specific provisions of the CREATE MORE bill that PCCI welcome:
1. The duty exemption on importation, VAT exemption on importation and VAT zero-rating on local purchases on goods and services directly attributable to the registered project or activity of a registered business enterprise inside economic zones with no distinction whether these are export or domestic enterprises, consistent with the CREATE Act.
2. The application of the principle of Separate Customs Territory/Cross-Border Doctrine for VAT purposes - that the sale and delivery of goods to registered enterprises within a Separate Customs Territory, shall be subject to 0% VAT.
3. Transitory provisions affecting RBEs where said RBEs currently availing of the 5% tax on GIE granted prior to the effectivity of the CREATE Act shall be allowed to continue availing the said tax incentive at the rate of five percent (5%), including all corresponding exemptions from local and national taxes for a period of ten (10) years or up to December 31, 203_.
4. The option to avail of RBELT (Registered Bussiness Enterprise Local Tax) in lieu of all local taxes, which shall include local business tax, real property taxes except on property owned by developers, among others, for RBEs availing of Income Tax Holiday, Enhanced Deductions, and after the Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) entitlement period, as follows:
a. Manufacturing Industry – 1%
b. Service Industry – 0.5%
To further strengthen CREATE MORE, PCCI recommended that CREATE MORE expressly provide that existing RBEs which are in good standing with their respective Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) continue to enjoy indirect tax incentives such as duty exemption on importation, VAT exemption on importation, and VAT zero-rating on local purchases for the duration of the period of registration of such project or activity with the IPA.
Finally, that CREATE MORE streamline and simplify the VAT refund system with a set timeline for processing of applications.
“Amid the aggressiveness of the current administration to draw in foreign direct investments and strengthen the local economy, we must be able to improve our absorptive capacity by easing and making the cost of doing business more competitive,” Mangio said.

PRESS RELEASE
May 30, 2024

PCCI urges immediate passage of CREATE MORE bill

With the advancement of the digital technology and innovation, the need for students to be equipped with technical knowledge and skills is paramount. This as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Thursday expressed hopes that the new DepEd Secretary, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara will have ICT development and proficiency of students as part of his priority agenda.
“We welcome the appointment of Senator Angara to the DepEd; and as we prepare our students to be future members and leaders of our workforce, we hope that our government could prioritize honing their skills and equipping them with right information and tools to cope with the ever-changing digital landscape,” PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said.
Among the legislative measures that Angara authored when he was Senator include Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, the National Digital Transformation Act, the Local ICT Officers Act, and the Science and Technology Parks Incentives Act.
In the 2023 Coursera’s Global Skills Report, the Philippines ranked last, placing 99th out of 100 countries, among its peers in East and Southeast Asia in the areas of technology, business and data science.
“I believe this is something that we should seriously assess and address to better improve our ranking; our competitiveness in these areas have been deteriorating,” Mangio added. Based on the report Technology pro?ciency fell to 5% from 29%, while data science pro?ciency worsened to 1% from 21%.
Mangio lauded Angara for his extensive experience as a legislator and visionary leadership that he could carry on to do more reforms within the Department.
She said that PCCI is confident that under his stewardship, educational institutions will thrive, fostering an environment where students can excel and educators are empowered.
Mangio hopes Angara will continue the policy reforms and programs that Vice President Duterte has initiated and implemented to ensure students especially in the far-flung areas will have access to better and quality education.
Among the programs that Duterte implemented include Matatag Curriculum, National Learning Camp, Free wifi sa mga paaralan, Inclusive Education, Pansarap Program, Repaired 4,542 schools nationwide, Farm School and 30-day straight break without work for teachers.
Moreover, she said that PCCI, through its Committee on Education and Human Resource Development Foundation (HRDF) will proactively work with DEPED in creating an equitable and competitive educational system for all.

PRESS RELEASE
July 05, 2024

Angara urged to prioritize students’ proficiency in ICT, digital technology

Recognizing the need for equal opportunity for all in the workplace, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Tuesday launched a livelihood project dubbed as "Karunungang Pangkabuhayan Pangkababaihan" to reintegrate women into the workplace and provide them with the opportunity to earn decent incomes for their families through a capacity building program.
Over 150 women from four Gawad Kalinga communities were chosen as the first beneficiaries of said project, which not only extended training on the basics of haircutting and styling but employment opportunities for successful trainees as well as health intervention through free tuberculosis screening for seniors aged 50 and up.
PCCI Enunina V. Mangio said that this project will be rolled out nationwide through the PCCI regional chapters, in collaboration with the local government units.
“We hope to teach and educate more women with new skills and hopefully, reintegrate them into the workforce,” she said, adding that gender inequality used to be a thing of the past.
“Women are treated secondary to men for a position with the same qualifications as men and women. Napipili ang lalaki. But not anymore,” she added.
Mangio hopes that the project could generate support so that more women can benefit and be provided with the skills needed to earn for their families.
In the latest Labor Force Survey, the percentage of employed women this year slightly went down at 45.53 percent compared to 45.8% percent of the same period last year.
The project, an undertaking of the Office of the PCCI President together with the Committees on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), was attended by ambassadors from Colombia, Australia, Singapore, France, the Netherlands, and Malaysia, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and Alay Buhay Foundation, and supported by Jollibee Foods Corporation, EMS Group, Reyes Haircutters, Francorp Philippines, and Coolaire Consolidated Inc.
The event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PCCI and the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition led by Manila Hotel President Atty. Jose Lina Jr. The MOU seeks to undertake a community-driven approach to address the issue of malnutrition and stunting in the country.
The event, the first undertaking of this kind which provides capacity building, employment opportunities and introduces health interventions to the needy, addressed the following SDGs: 1 No Poverty, 2 Zero Hunger, 3 Good Health and Well Being, 5 Gender Equality, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10 Reduced Inequalities and 17 Partnership for the Goals.

PCCI launches livelihood project for women

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling on the country’s policymakers to adopt a balanced and rational approach on legislations and other policies and programs that impose stringent de-carbonization targets on industries to reach the net-zero emission by 2050 of the Paris Agreement.
In a meeting to discuss House Bill 7705 or the Low Carbon Economy bill called jointly by the PCCI’s Committees on Energy and Power, Industry and Environment and Climate Change, private sector stakeholders raised their concern on the impact to industries and to the sustainability of the economy, if the bill as it is, is enacted into a law.
“This legislation represents a bold step towards sustainability and responsibility. But it should not come at a cost to businesses and to the economy as a whole,” PCCI Chairman and Director for Energy and Power George Barcelon, said.
The cost is most pronounced in the agriculture and food industry. While farming/food production is not directly affected, inputs to and processes and that go with food production and those along its supply chain are among those that will be required to have de-carbonization targets.
“This will eventually affect the food production sector and threaten further the country’s already fragile food security situation,” Atty. Joseph Fabul of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers emphasized out.
The cement and construction industries echoed similar apprehension. Mr. Cirilo Pestano of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) noted that the cement industry (as well as steel and construction) relies heavily on energy and power which is 40% of their production cost, and logistics and transportation for distribution.
“Compliance options will come at a heavy price. Even now, the cement industry is already suffering from cement imports from Vietnam, where production and cost of power are subsidized by their government,” Pestano said.
PCCI’s Energy Committee Officers David Chua and Carlos Aboitiz noted that the standards set forth in the proposed bill are first world standards and need to be aligned with third world realities. The Philippines, they said, is a small country consuming small amounts of energy and produces little amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with 3 times less than the global average in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per capita.
Barcelon stressed that attaining targets for a low carbon growth will entail advances in technology. But developing these technologies are themselves costly to the environment, he said citing the case of a Tesla battery, which needs 12 tons of rock for Lithium, 5 tons of cobalt minerals, 3 tons of nickel ore and 12 tons of copper ore.
PCCI urged the country’s legislators and policymakers to anchor de-carbonizaton targets on actual data gathered from various industries and to come up with policy and/or program recommendations after undertaking a thorough cost-benefit analysis, benchmarking on what other countries in ASEAN are doing with respect to reducing their carbon emissions and identifying best practices.
Currently, there are programs already in place by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, by the Department of Energy (DOE) on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation and the Renewable Energy Acts and by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the e-Vehicles Act.
Government may also consider other proactive measures such as establishing a voluntary carbon market, encouraging and incentivizing Tree-Planting Agreements and implementing Forest Cadastre.
PCCI will continue to monitor the bill and create its own Technical Working Group that will work on the business sector’s position and the best way forward for de-carbonization.

PCCI calls for balanced and rational approach on carbon emission reduction strategies

Electronic Commerce Payment Inc. (ECPay) executive Raymund Jude Aguilar is leading the Philippines’ biggest business conference happening on October 22-23 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.
Consul Enunina V. Mangio, the President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), announced the appointment of Aguilar as Chairman of the 50th Philippine Business Conference &amp; Expo following an executive session that unanimously voted him for the position. Aguilar is also the Vice President of the PCCI and Director for International Affairs.
“We are glad that Jude accepted the challenge of leading this year’s conference. We know the task ahead is daunting but we trust in his expertise, competence, and commitment to lead and deliver, especially now that we are celebrating the golden year of PBC&amp;E,” Mangio said.
The 50th PBC&amp;E banners “Embracing Innovation. Empowering Business. Enriching Lives.” It looks back on the role of PBC&amp;E over the years in promoting a transformative agenda for the country and how it has strategically positioned businesses to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities.
“I am honored for the trust and at the same time excited for the job. I will do everything I can with the support of my colleagues and the hardworking secretariat to make this conference bigger, better, and bolder,” Aguilar said, who is currently a director of ECPay Inc., the largest e-payments service provider in the Philippines with over 500,000 touch points and outlets nationwide.
The PBC&amp;E is an annual business event organized by the PCCI that serves as a venue for policymakers, business leaders, international partners, academe, and MSMEs to meet, discuss issues and come up with policy recommendations to help create a business environment that is sustainable and resilient.
It traditionally opens with the Vice President of the Philippines delivering a keynote address and concludes with the President of the Philippines receiving a set of policy recommendations that emanate from PCCI members, local chambers, and industry partners.
Aside from ECPay, Aguilar is also a founder and director of several companies including Recycle Plus Inc. (RPI), a waste management and recycling company; GATE Distribution Enterprise, Inc., an accredited major distributor of telco and online gaming products and services in the Philippines; WERRA Logistics Inc., AXIOS Ventures Inc., Genzai Corporation and Pharmaco Inc.
Aguilar finished his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Philippines and took his Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

ECPay exec leads 50th Philippine Business Conference & Expo

The Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) welcomed the enactment into law of Republic Act No 11985 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act in an effort to revive the country’s dying salt industry.
PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio hopes that the new law will address the gaps in the implementation of the ASIN Law or An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide and create opportunities for people, especially in rural areas.
“We are an archipelagic country with over 7,000 islands yet, we import more than 90 percent of our salt requirement. It’s a sad reality that we need to collectively address through the effective implementation of the law,” Mangio said.
The law is expected to not only attract more farmers and producers to return to salt farming and production but also generate new investments and new technologies to elevate the industry and become competitive. “We should aim for our country to become salt self-sufficient and minimize dependence on imports,” Mangio added.
In 2022, the PCCI jointly with the Exporters Confederation of the Philippines (PHILEXPORT) and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), in a letter to Congress, expressed its support for the passage of the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act.
“This made us wonder why after 27 years of implementation, we continue to suffer the consequences of iodine deficiency among certain segments of the population, aside from the serious adverse effects of the ASIN Law on local sea salt production and export,” the statement said.
Furthermore, it said that the salt industry has the potential to generate 100,000 green jobs, especially in the countryside, and save foreign exchange from importing 550,000 metric tons of salt every year which constitutes around 93% of the salt requirement of the country. In terms of export, the Philippines can partake in the share of the world export of salt which exceeded $2.59 billion (in 2021). In Asia alone, the total salt trade is estimated at 20,000,000 MT valued at US$1.2 billion, mainly supplied by Australia and China. The Philippines is closer to its ASEAN neighbors compared to Australia, giving it a logistics advantage.
For his part, Dr. William S. Co, director, PCCI Agriculture and Fishery Committee said that there is no reason the country cannot produce enough supply of sea salt as “we are surrounded by waters.” He said that government should ensure the effective implementation of the law.

PCCI welcomes passage of law reviving the PH salt industry

33rd NLABC

MMBC 2024

ATA Carnet

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