CONFERENCE AGENDA

8:00 – 8:30   Networking Morning Snacks

8:30 – 9:00   Keynote Address

Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan

National Economic Development Authority

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

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 examine 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

Invited/Confirmed Presenters:

Dr. Jesus S. Domingo

Undersecretary for Civilian Security & Consular Affairs Department of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Charlie Villasenor

Chair & CEO
Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA)

B. DEFINING THE PHILIPPINES’ THRUSTS, PLANNING AND EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVES

9:45 – 10:45.      B1. Manufacturing and Trade

Moderator: Mr. Jose Luis U. Yulo, Jr.

President
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands

This session is a Panel Discussion on the impact of geopolitical futures on manufacturing and trade. Discussions will uncover what these sectors are beginning to see in their industry and what strategic measures should work.

Invited/Confirmed 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)

Dr. Earl Lawrence Qua

President

Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines (EIAPI)

10:45 – 11:30.    B2. Tourism

Moderator: Mr. Guido Alfredo A. Delgado

Chairman & CEO, G.A.A. Delgado, Inc.

Former President, National Power Corporation

Tourism is more vulnerable to geopolitical risks than any other industry as the effect is almost immediate and direct with the cancellation of trips and suspension of flights which instantly lead to excessive seat demand.

This session will deep dive into the present situation of the market and discuss options to keep the industry growing.

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members:

Mr. Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.

Executive Director

Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc. (PHOA)

Former Undersecretary of Department of Tourism

Ms. Maria Lourdes Japson

1st Vice 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

Moderator: Mr. Rogelio Singson

President & CEO

Metro Pacific Water

Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical developments, international construction particularly in the Middle East Area still presents opportunities for sustainable construction and real estate development in the light of climate change. Locally, infrastructure projects and real estate property developments continue to offer opportunities.

This session will look into our local construction industry's readiness and competitiveness to meet international and local demand in

- emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation - exploring new sourcing strategies and supply chain partnerships
- building a strong local workforce
- diversifying revenue streams
- exploring alternative financing options

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members: 

DPWH

Engr. Gerardo V. Pancho

President
Philippine Constructors Association, Inc.

Mr. Jorge A. Consunji

President & CEO

D.M. Consunji, Inc.

Mr. Joey Roi Bondoc

Director

Research of Colliers

Engr. Levi V. Espiritu

Executive Director

International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations

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:

• E- commerce in the Philippines is becoming the dominant form of business in this digital stage, opening vast opportunities.

• Cybersecurity should be a major area of concern since this can be damaging to an organization's reputation and customers' trust. Recently, high profile state - sponsored large scale hacks appeared to target large retail stores and food chains.

• Geopolitical tensions can lead to disruption in the supply chain, affecting retailers' supply inventory

• Tariffs, sanctions and trade restrictions between conflicting country sources can suddenly increase the cost of imported goods or even pose challenge in supply

• Consumer behavior change during periods of global conflicts. Retailers need to adapt to changes in demand and reposition their product offerings

• Fluctuations in currency exchange rates due to global conflicts can affect retailers' currency risk

• Local retail sales can suddenly plummet as people prioritize essential goods and safety.

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members:

DTI

Ms. Martha Sazon

CEO

GCash

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 with other countries

  • Protectionist policies in outsourcing countries

  • Technological advancements

  • Trade wars and political instability in key markets

  • The rise of BPOs in other countries

  • Security compliance and concerns

  • Shifts in political alliances

  • Transformative shifts in the global BPO landscape in the
    ascending of knowledge - driven and specialized
    outsourcing

  • Expansion of BPO into financial realms

Invited/Confirmed Panel Members:

Accenture

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:

• Focus on adaptability and agility in relation to changes in tariff structures, changing customer base, etc.

• Prioritize efficiency and innovation particularly with supply chain, delivery services, energy savings, adopting technology to streamline operations

• Develop close relations with customers, maintain trust with partners/ suppliers, build strategic partnerships

Invited/Confirmed Panel members: 

DTI

Mr. Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III

Founder of Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship–Go Negosyo and

 CEO/President of RFM Corporation

Ms. Aileen Judan-Jao

President & Country Manager

 IBM Philippines

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

Dr. Roberto F. de Ocampo, OBE

Chairman, Philippine Veterans Bank

Former Secretary of Finance

Former Chairman of the APEC and ASEAN Finance Ministers

Former member of the Boards of Governors

of  World Bank, IMF, and the ADB

Former Chairman and CEO of the Development Bank of the Philippines

Former Chairman of the Land Bank of the Philippines

Former President of the Asian Institute of Management

4:30 – 5:00.        Networking Merienda