More than 1,000 business delegates from the Philippines and the international network of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will gather at The Manila Hotel on October 13–14 for the 52nd Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E).
As PCCI’s flagship annual event, the conference brings together business leaders, policymakers, economists and development partners to discuss priorities for economic growth and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors. This year’s theme, “Raising the Bar: Empowering Business for a Resilient Future,” highlights the need to strengthen business resilience and competitiveness amid changing global economic conditions.
PCCI President Perry A. Ferrer said the conference comes at a critical time for the Philippines and the wider region, as geopolitical developments continue to affect economic stability, trade and investment.
“The global business environment continues to be shaped by rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, which heighten economic instability and introduce persistent uncertainty for trade and investment. Our theme this year is a direct and timely response to these imperatives,” Ferrer said.
The two-day event will feature plenary sessions covering key sectors, including energy and power, agriculture and food security, infrastructure development, connectivity and digital trade, workforce empowerment, and ASEAN connectivity. A special forum will also bring together the next generation of business and industry leaders.
Butch Guerrero, chairman of the 52nd PBC&E, said the conference will feature discussions and speakers focused on improving the productivity and competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in helping them benefit from new investments such as the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Vice President Sara Duterte is scheduled to formally open the conference.
A major highlight will be the presentation of policy recommendations developed through consultations with PCCI’s local chambers and the 2026 Economic Security and Competitiveness Agenda. The agenda brings together SME-driven policy proposals and reforms aimed at helping Philippine businesses participate more fully in economic opportunities generated by infrastructure and corridor development.
Its priority areas include agriculture and food security, energy security, digital trade and e-commerce, and semiconductors and electronics.
The agenda also identifies six cross-sectoral reform priorities intended to translate infrastructure investments into wider economic participation and opportunities for local enterprises. The public-private consultations that helped shape the recommendations were conducted with support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).
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