From Naga to Lipa for the 35th SOLABC

Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the 34th South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC) in Santa Rosa, Laguna, with the theme “Building Resilience and Sustainability, Embracing Diversity.” It was my first time participating as part of the delegation of the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI). The conference brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, local chamber representatives, members of the academe, and development organizations from across South Luzon. Coming from the education and NGO sectors, I found the experience both refreshing and enlightening. For a change, I attended not only as an educator and volunteer advocate but also as a businesswoman eager to learn from entrepreneurs and corporate executives who shared valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and leadership.

One of my major takeaways was the growing recognition that sustainability is no longer merely a corporate social responsibility initiative but a business imperative. Speakers demonstrated how organizations are integrating environmental stewardship, innovation, and community engagement into their operations while remaining competitive and profitable.

The conference was a marathon of presentations, discussions, and networking sessions. Despite the long hours, I left convinced that future SOLABC gatherings would become even more relevant as businesses confront challenges involving transparency, accountability, climate resilience, and sustainable development. That is why I looked forward to attending the 35th SOLABC at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa City, Batangas. This year’s theme, “South Luzon Ascending: Taking Flight through Lipa-D (Leadership, Innovation and Partnerships for Accelerated Development),” emphasizes that regional progress depends on strong leadership, innovation, and collaboration. The conference seeks to align initiatives and strengthen partnerships toward a more resilient and prosperous future.

A quick look at the program revealed an impressive lineup. Governor Vilma Santos-Recto leads the opening ceremonies, while former CSCCI President, 35th SOLABC Chair, and PCCI South Luzon Area Vice President Hoover Picar welcomes delegates. Joining them are PCCI President Ferdinand Ferrer, CSCCI President Regina Melchor, and chamber leaders from various provinces across South Luzon. The keynote address will be delivered by Undersecretary Nicasio Conti of the Department of Public Works and Highways, whose presentation is expected to focus on infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and the National Building Code. The program also features representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), highlighting government efforts to improve the ease of doing business and create a more competitive investment climate. Among the sessions that particularly caught my attention are discussions on strategic engagement among stakeholders, financing and capacity-building for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the role of local chambers in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. CSCCI past president Emma Llorin is among the panelists expected to share insights on strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Leaving Naga City at two o’clock in the afternoon, my husband and I embarked on a long but memorable journey through Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Quezon Province, and the CALABARZON region. We arrived in Lipa City around midnight after a long and sometimes bumpy ride across Southern Luzon. As we entered the city, I was immediately struck by its transformation. Once known primarily as an agricultural center, Lipa has evolved into a highly urbanized first-class city and one of Batangas’ leading commercial, educational, and financial hubs. Its wide roads, modern infrastructure, well-lighted streets, and expanding business districts reflect years of strategic planning and sustained investment. Driving through the city, I found myself reflecting on development in the Bicol Region. While Naga City has recently achieved Highly Urbanized City status and continues to serve as Bicol’s center of commerce, education, and governance, the differences in infrastructure, road networks, and commercial expansion between the two cities are noticeable. Lipa’s growth offers valuable lessons on how long-term planning, effective governance, and strong public-private partnerships can accelerate development. Our driver casually remarked, “What can Naga learn from Lipa?” It was a simple yet thought-provoking question.

Holding SOLABC in Lipa City provides participants not only with a venue for learning but also with a living example of development in action. Today, SOLABC is regarded as the premier regional business conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for South Luzon, covering CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and the Bicol Region. It brings together chambers, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, and development partners to discuss investment promotion, infrastructure, digital transformation, MSME development, tourism, workforce development, climate resilience, and the emerging Blue Economy. For the Bicol Region, SOLABC can provide an important platform to highlight priorities such as port and maritime development, tourism investments, agribusiness opportunities, renewable energy projects, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. But how would it differ from today to tomorrow?

In this context, I believe business must go beyond profit generation. Chambers can combine effectively with social enterprises, cooperatives, and community-based organizations to become genuine partners in social progress—creating jobs, promoting innovation, protecting the environment, and improving the lives of marginalized communities. As the 35th SOLABC opens in Lipa City, I hope the conversations, partnerships, and commitments forged here will inspire concrete actions that strengthen resilience, advance sustainability, and promote inclusive growth throughout South Luzon and beyond.