PCCI Courtesy Visit to DEPDev Strengthens Collaboration on Regional Development and Economic Planning
March 5, 2026 -- The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), led by President Ferdinand “Perry” A. Ferrer, paid a courtesy visit to Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). The meeting reaffirmed PCCI’s commitment to be a solutions-oriented partner in advancing regional development and national economic priorities.
A key topic of discussion was enhancing private sector participation in the Regional Development Councils (RDCs). President Ferrer shared that PCCI’s nationwide chamber network can be mobilized to support RDC initiatives and help ensure that private sector proposals are feasible and aligned with national priorities.
The meeting also explored opportunities for public–private collaboration in infrastructure monitoring, where PCCI and its network of 126 local chambers could serve as partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and project integrity.
Secretary Balisacan welcomed PCCI’s support, emphasizing the crucial importance of institutional reforms in addressing the country’s economic and social challenges, and underscoring the need to maintain balanced leadership between government and the private sector in Regional Development Councils (RDCs).
Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination on RDC participation, including harmonizing accreditation processes for local chambers within the PCCI network for the 2025–2028 cycle and facilitating the sharing of nomination schedules and requirements for RDC Private Sector Representatives. DEPDev will also review guidelines on whether multiple local chambers under PCCI may be accredited simultaneously while maintaining proper representation.
The discussions also explored deeper collaboration in economic planning and innovation. PCCI proposed the creation of a secure data-sharing mechanism that would allow anonymized, real-time industry insights to support more responsive economic policymaking. DEPDev also welcomed closer engagement with PCCI in the National Innovation Council programs, including participation in the Philippine Innovation Awards to help connect promising innovators with mentorship, market access, and scaling opportunities.
The meeting also touched on key development priorities such as education, health, social protection, and the creation of quality jobs, with DEPDev reiterating its goal of aligning regional priorities with the National Expenditure Program.
PCCI delegates included Chairman Jude Aguilar, Vice President for MSMEs Melanie Ng, Directors Bernardo Benedicto III, David Chua, and Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Area Vice Presidents Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida and Yolanda Dela Cruz, Secretary General Ruben Pascual, and secretariat members Rhuby Conel, Grace Morella, Russell Ponce, and Eunice Decena.&nbsp;
The courtesy visit underscores the continued partnership between PCCI and DEPDev in promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic growth across the country.