looking-ahead-philippines-2025

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for March 7, 2025, and join us at the New World Makati Hotel, Metro Manila, Philippines for LOOKING AHEAD: PHILIPPINES 2025.

We have gathered for this occasion industry leaders, political analysts, officers of supply chain organizations, policymakers, and business stakeholders.

General Agenda

The General Agenda for this series of Panel Discussions can be accessed here:
Conference Agenda

Don't miss out on this highly anticipated event!

For more information, visit LOOKING AHEAD: PHILIPPINES 2025.

AGENDA

8:00 – 8:30 | Networking Morning Snacks

8:30 – 9:00 | Keynote Address

9:00 – 9:45 | A. BUSINESS IN A FRACTURED WORLD OF GEOPOLITICS AND UNCERTAINTY

Moderator: Mr. Jose Luis U. Yulo, Jr., President, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands

2024 saw a shift from a once stable cooperative order to a more uncertain geopolitical global framework marked by conflicts, trade tensions, and territorial disputes. This session will present the general impact of such disturbances on global business and the economy.

Issues for discussion:

  • Uncertainty compounded by rivalry between US and China
  • Geopolitics in the burgeoning digital economy
  • Impact of political risks on food security
  • Shadow fleet operating in Russian oil trade
  • Geopolitics and supply chain issues
  • Regulatory changes and compliance
  • Others

Presenters:

  • Dr. Jesus S. Domingo, Undersecretary for Civilian Security & Consular Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Mr. Guido Alfredo A. Delgado, Chairman & CEO of G.A.A. Delgado, Inc. and Former President, National Power Corporation
  • Mr. Charlie Villasenor, Chair & CEO, Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA)

9:45 – 10:45 | B. DEFINING THE PHILIPPINES’ THRUSTS, PLANNING, AND EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVES

B1. Manufacturing and Trade

Moderator: Mr. Jose Luis U. Yulo, Jr., President, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands

This panel will discuss the impact of geopolitical futures on manufacturing and trade, exploring industry trends and strategic measures.

Panel Members:

  • Undersecretary Allan Gepty, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
  • Mr. Jesus Arranza, Chairman, Federation of Philippine Industries
  • Ms. Marites T. Directo, Chairman and President, Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI)
  • Mr. Earl Lawrence Qua, President, Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines (EIAPI)

10:45 – 11:30 | B2. Tourism

Tourism is highly vulnerable to geopolitical risks, with immediate effects such as trip cancellations and flight suspensions. This session will analyze the current market situation and strategies for growth.

Panel Members:

  • Mr. Benito Bengzon, Jr., Executive Director, Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc. and Former Undersecretary, Department of Tourism
  • Ms. Maria Lourdes Japson, President, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA)
  • Ms. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, President, Philippine Travel Agencies Association, Inc. (PTAA)

11:30 – 12:30 | B3. Construction and Real Estate

Despite geopolitical challenges, international construction, particularly in the Middle East, continues to offer opportunities. This session will examine the Philippine construction industry's readiness to meet international and local demands.

Topics:

  • Sustainability and technological innovation
  • New sourcing strategies and supply chain partnerships
  • Workforce development
  • Revenue diversification
  • Alternative financing options

Panel Members:

  • DPWH
  • Philippine Constructors Association
  • Mr. Joey Roi Bondoc, Director, Research, Colliers
  • Mr. Ibarra G. Paulino, Chief of Staff, International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA)
  • Mr. Jorge A. Consunji, President & CEO, D.M. Consunji

12:30 – 2:00 | Lunch


2:00 – 2:45 | B4. E-Commerce and Retail Sector

Moderator: Mr. Demetrio P. Salipsip, Jr., President, Enderun Colleges

Issues for discussion:

  • The rise of e-commerce in the Philippines
  • Cybersecurity risks in digital commerce
  • Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
  • Tariffs, sanctions, and trade restrictions
  • Consumer behavior shifts during global conflicts
  • Currency fluctuations and their impact on retail
  • Prioritization of essential goods during crises

Panel Members:

  • DTI
  • Mr. Jere Von Basa, President, Philippine Ecommerce Association (PECA)
  • Mr. Steven Cua, Executive Director, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc.

2:45 – 3:30 | B5. IT – BPO – Outsourcing

Moderator: Mr. Jose Luis U. Yulo, Jr., President, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands

Issues for discussion:

  • Trade agreements and economic alliances
  • Protectionist policies in outsourcing countries
  • Technological advancements and their impact
  • Trade wars and political instability
  • The rise of BPOs in emerging markets
  • Security compliance and concerns
  • Transformative shifts in the BPO landscape
  • Expansion of BPO into financial services

Panel Members:

  • Mr. Tim Scyner, Senior Director, Fraud and Compliance, Security, IntouchCX
  • Mr. Riki Dacanay, President, ICT Council of the Philippines (ICTIC)

3:30 – 4:00 | B6. SMEs

Moderator: Mr. Demetrio P. Salipsip, Jr., President, Enderun Colleges

Issues for discussion:

  • Adaptability in response to tariff structures and customer shifts
  • Efficiency and innovation in supply chain and delivery services
  • Energy savings and technological adoption
  • Building strong customer and supplier relationships
  • Strategic partnerships for business growth

Panel Members:

  • DTI
  • Mr. Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III, Founder, Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo & CEO/President, RFM Corporation
  • Ms. Anna Melissa Nava, Co-Founder & CEO, 1Export Philippines, Inc.

4:00 – 4:30 | B7. A Vision of the Coming Year for Business in the Philippines

Speaker: Dr. Roberto F. de Ocampo, OBE

  • Chairman, Philippine Veterans Bank
  • Former Secretary of Finance
  • Former Chairman of APEC and ASEAN Finance Ministers
  • Former Member, Boards of Governors of World Bank, IMF, and ADB
  • Former Chairman & CEO, Development Bank of the Philippines
  • Former Chairman, Land Bank of the Philippines
  • Former President, Asian Institute of Management

4:30 – 5:00 | Networking Merienda