PCCI pushes reforms to attract investments, strengthen Philippine businesses and create jobs

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 16, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the government to pursue economic reforms that will bring more investments into the country while ensuring Filipino businesses, workers, and local industries benefit from new opportunities.

The country’s largest business organization approved a set of policy resolutions on October 14 during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel. The proposals aim to strengthen domestic supply chains, improve business competitiveness, and address longstanding barriers to economic growth.

Developed with research support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the resolutions call for an integrated Economic Corridor and Enterprise Competitiveness Agenda, linking major infrastructure and investment projects with opportunities for Philippine enterprises.

The central message is that attracting foreign investments alone is not enough. The country must also develop local suppliers, strengthen industries, and equip Filipino workers with the skills needed to participate in expanding markets.

Turning major investments into opportunities for Filipino businesses

A major focus of the resolutions is the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), a strategic infrastructure and investment initiative intended to improve connectivity and economic activity across key areas of Luzon.

The PCCI wants investments associated with the corridor to create opportunities beyond large corporations, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturers, and local suppliers to participate in developing supply chains.

Projects in New Clark City, including potential manufacturing, energy, and technology investments, were identified as examples of opportunities that could support broader industrial development.

The business group also highlighted the United States-led Pax Silica initiative, which focuses on investment, technology, infrastructure, and connectivity.

PCCI considers these initiatives important starting points but stressed that the country’s economic strategy should extend beyond individual projects or geographic areas.

Its proposals cover several industries, including agriculture and food production, energy, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, tourism, halal products, logistics, e-commerce, and digital services.

The chamber wants these sectors to develop stronger connections with domestic enterprises so that new investments can translate into business activity, jobs, and opportunities for Filipino suppliers.

Addressing costs and barriers to business growth

While the Philippines continues to pursue major investments, the PCCI identified several obstacles that make it difficult for domestic companies to expand and compete.

Among the challenges are high electricity and infrastructure costs, transportation and logistics bottlenecks, complicated regulations, and limited access to financing and technology.

Businesses also face workforce skills gaps, certification requirements, and insufficient mechanisms to connect smaller suppliers with larger investors.

These difficulties can prevent local enterprises from taking advantage of economic opportunities, even when major infrastructure projects and investment commitments are already in place.

To address them, the chamber is seeking closer coordination between government agencies and the private sector.

The proposed reforms cover infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment promotion, energy security, digital transformation, agricultural modernization, and workforce development.

Agriculture, manufacturing and workers among priorities

The PCCI also wants the government to strengthen industries that can generate wider economic benefits, particularly agriculture and manufacturing.

For agriculture, the agenda emphasizes improving productivity, reducing logistics costs, connecting producers with buyers, and expanding opportunities for food processing and distribution.

In manufacturing, stronger supplier networks and improved access to technology could help Philippine companies participate more actively in regional and global production chains.

Workforce development is another priority, with the business group calling for programs that better prepare Filipino workers for the needs of growing industries.

The proposals aim to ensure that economic expansion is supported not only by new infrastructure but also by businesses and workers capable of taking advantage of it.

PCCI calls for accountability in implementing reforms

Beyond investment and industrial development, the PCCI emphasized that effective governance will be necessary to turn its recommendations into measurable results.

The chamber called for greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in public investments and economic programs.

It also proposed practical reforms that the government could pursue within the next 12 months, including measures to address logistics bottlenecks, improve infrastructure coordination, and connect domestic suppliers with major investors.

The resolutions reflect a broader push to make economic development more inclusive by ensuring that large-scale investments create opportunities throughout the Philippine economy.

With the proposals now approved, the PCCI is pressing the government to translate its recommendations into coordinated policies and programs that can improve the country’s competitiveness while expanding opportunities for Filipino enterprises and workers.