South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC)

The theme “Building Resilience and Sustainability, Embracing Diversity” of the SOLABC held at the Enchanted Kingdom Events Place in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, last April 24-25, resonates well with my advocacies and those of the institutions where I belong. For example, my engagement with the volunteer regional organization Tabang Bikol Movement centers around the precepts that promote the HEAL or health, environment, and alternative livelihood program for sustainability and economic resilience. The HEAL program is a comprehensive initiative that aims to improve the health and well-being of communities, protect the environment, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. Doesn’t that blend well with the theme?  As an educator and NGO leader, I believe sustainability is more than a slogan; it is the solution to Earth’s material problems. Working towards industrialization, however, remains a missing link in the conference.

At the 34th South Luzon Area Business Conference, I was part of the 30-member or so Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce (CSCCII) delegation led by Lady President Anne Gaite Badong. This opportunity to join the CSCCII came in 2023 upon the invitation and endorsement of chamber officers. I am truly grateful for this chance. As a late bloomer in the field of business and the world of MSMEs, I continue to learn from the school of the hard knocks, drawing lessons far more from the difficult trial and error and painful experiences to meet the ups and downs of real-life business. The conference attracted 300 participants from 25 local chambers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in South Luzon, key business leaders, industry professionals, policymakers, government representatives, other stakeholders in various industries, and sustainability advocates like me. For three days, it aimed to “shift mindsets for growth and sustainability; leverage digital innovation; embed sustainability in business models; and promote the region as an investment hub.”  PCCI President Dr. Alberto Fenix re-introduced why the PCCI remains the “voice of business” and should take the lead in addressing issues that business faces in the country. The PCCI plays a crucial role in advocating for business-friendly policies, providing a platform for business networking, and promoting the interests of its members in the local and international business arenas.

Did the conference achieve its goals? With a set of experts and practitioners in their trade, I believe it did. The global and domestic challenges ahead are indeed overwhelming. However, the conference was a success with the collective efforts of the chamber members, particularly the industry leaders, who have taken the responsibility to think sustainably and overcome these challenges. This collective effort, driven by an open mind, patience, and hard work, will significantly impact our communities, serving as a measure of our success.

From the SOLABC, we gathered the following: 1) Climate change tops the risks for sustainable business. According to Bonar Gil Laureto of the SGV Principal Assurance, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, integrating climate-conscious investment strategies and implementing policies encouraging responsible and sustainable business practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, is essential; 2) To enhance connectivity and logistics for a future-ready economy, experts highlighted infrastructure, climate change, air pollution, and global demands, which require a shift towards stronger measures for clean air, greener infrastructure, investing in renewable energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These measures are both deterrents and economic opportunities that can create green jobs and industrial competitiveness for long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth. Hoover Picar, former CSCCI president and now PCCI Regional Governor, introduced the speakers, Rosemarie Rafael of Airspeed Atty John Epic of ACEN, whose presentation triggered more interest in solar power when he said that today, Filipino consumers will soon have more renewable energy especially solar power providers to choose from through aggregate use of households and establishments, to save electric cost and become more self-reliant and environment friendly; Cherry Lyn Cruz of the Sustainability Transformation Practice Lead Kantar Phils who spoke lengthily on research-based sustainable practices for green business;

3) In determining strategies for attracting investments to foster sustainable economic growth and empower local businesses, Gil Gonzalez, advisor of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, identified the CIA, or China-India-Asia, as the emerging central sustainable growth area, especially for ASEAN countries to ensure long-term economic resilience. Think Asia for long-term growth. The CIA concept refers to the collective economic potential of China, India, and the rest of Asia. Climate change is a common threat and opportunity. Economic development in linear growth has led to environmental degradation and poverty; 4) The power of digitalization – e-commerce, digital payments, and social media – is a hope for MSMEs looking to expand their market reach. Better access to technology, digital tools, and capacity building can help leverage the full potential of digital transformation in business. Ida Tiongson, Trustee of the Board of Women Biz Ph, emphasized mentoring, exposure to AI tools, and training on fintech solutions to reduce operational costs. Patrick Henry Panlileo of the Laguna Chamber reminded the audience that, more than technology and tools, the more important aspect to consider is the quality and compliance of standards; 5) With inequality and poverty deeply embedded in Philippine society, creating inclusive and decent employment is a key and moral imperative to unlocking sustainable economic growth. This understanding of our social responsibility was a key takeaway from the conference.

During the conference, I met enterprising booth owners, mostly from Laguna, including Lachi Handicrafts, Krigkrafts, Wood Krafters, Casedo’s Embroidery, Montealegre Furniture, CocoPlus Aquarian, Rannie Pearls, and portrait artist Tom Alvarado, who generously created a personal sketch, among others.