By Justine Irish D. Tabile again Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Journalists
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should identify obstacles to business operations, create an infrastructure master plan, put in place a comprehensive investment bill and digitize local government services for more investments and jobs, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
In an 11-page document detailing the government’s action plans, the PCCI also urged the government to strengthen food security by increasing farm production and improving market access, as well as reforming the education system, improving workforce skills and improving health care to improve human resources. .
The business group released a wish list on the last day of the 50th Philippine Business Conference & Expo in Pasay City near the Philippine capital.
“We propose to improve business performance in the country by improving infrastructure, transportation, and logistics support and creating a good environment for investment and creating job opportunities,” said the statement.
The PCCI called on the Marcos government to form a consultative body composed of private sector leaders and policy makers to identify barriers to business and address the conflicting administrative and regulatory functions of the agencies.
It cited as an example the conflicting activities of the Philippine Ports Authority and the Laguna Lake Development Authority.
The PCCI also demanded a “comprehensive investment bill” that would specify incentives for exports and local businesses, adding that a team should be formed to monitor compliance and effectiveness of the incentives.
In particular, the group asked for tax incentives and subsidies for renewable energy (RE) and waste management projects.
The business group also called for the creation of a long-term infrastructure plan for transport, energy and communication networks.
He said the government should prioritize investment in roads that go from farms to the market and major transportation hubs to facilitate the transportation of goods in the region.
PCCI also proposed the establishment of a “Digital Governance Initiative” that would provide technical assistance and tools and implement training programs for local governments.
It mentioned the need to establish a national team focused on streamlining business processes through digital platforms.
FOOD SAFETY
PCCI also called on the government to assist domestic manufacturers in navigating export regulations and market access opportunities and protect consumers from additional costs as the country transitions to RE.
“We are calling for a multifaceted approach to improving food security that will prioritize agricultural production, improve market access, and ensure that it is sustainablefnutritious food for all Filipinos,” PCCI said.
In order to achieve food security, the business team called for the establishment of a technical team that includes representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural experts and technology companies.
The PCCI said the task force should identify and implement modern farming technologies such as climate control systems, precision farming tools, climate-resistant crop varieties and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for real-time monitoring of conditions.
The Marcos government should identify specific strategies to restore the coconut, pig and aquaculture industries and develop a financial assistance program for disease control measures and new technologies, it added.
Also on the wish list is increased budget support for agricultural cooperatives and investment in transport infrastructure including modern warehouses, distribution centers and utilities.
The PCCI reiterated its call for changes in the Agrarian Reform Act to increase the land holding limit from five to 24 hectares and remove the ceiling on agricultural land ownership. This was also included in the group’s policy proposals last year.
“We urge the government to reform the education system, improve the skills of the workforce through skills development and re-skilling programs, and improve the health care system to encourage a productive population,” PCCI said.
It expressed the need to amend the Philippine Qualifications Framework law with a focus on establishing the Philippine Qualifications Authority.
It said there is a need to negotiate to ensure the correlation of educational outcomes with the needs of the labor market and to balance the law against the qualification frameworks of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The group also called for the establishment of research and development centers that will develop new products, research industry trends, set practices and maintain an improved curriculum.
On health and malnutrition interventions, PCCI said the government should prioritize the construction of level 3 and 4 facilities in underserved districts and initiate community-wide campaigns against malnutrition.
“These decisions represent the collective voice and wishes of the business sector, reaffwe emphasize our deep commitment to work with the government to achieve a progressive, sustainable and inclusive economy,” said PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio in her speech at the business conference on October 23.
‘NEW WAYS’
Meanwhile, planned investments since the launch of green lanes in February 2023 have hit more than P4 trillion, the Marcos government said, as it vowed to pursue skills development for Filipino workers amid the digital revolution.
“Now we have… 162 projects worth about P4.4 trillion that have been approved to work on the green route,” said Mr. Marcos in a speech read by his Special Economic Adviser A.fexhibition Frederick D. Go on the last day of the PCCI event.
Green Lanes seeks to speed up the issuance of permits and licenses for approved strategic investments.
Mr. Marcos said more than 800 local governments use the one-stop shop platform for local government services such as business licensing, local community registration and building permit issuance.
He also mentioned the executive order he issued in 2023 to improve the processing of permits for the construction of information and communication technology infrastructure.
The Philippine economy grew by 6.3% in the second quarter, “making the Philippines one of the most efficient emerging economies in Asia,” the President said.
He also mentioned the advantages against inflation, which reached 1.9% in September, the lowest since May 2020fThe bank has given the central bank room to ease monetary policy, delivering a 25-basis-point reduction in the second consecutive meeting last week.
“However, we also see pressing challenges that persist in this increasingly competitive sector,” the Philippine leader said. “We understand your concerns and are working closely with you fto show what is happening and efpractical solutions.”
Mr. Marcos said Filipino workers are essential to the economy, citing efskill development centers and workforce development.
“We continue to find new ways for our economy to succeed, especially in today’s rapidly changing technology,” he added, promising to develop a new system for the country.
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