Guest of Honor and Speaker
Sec. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry
30th Biennial Convention
Century Park Hotel, Ballroom, Malate, Manila
March 28, 2015

Greetings

The Filipinos and the Chinese share a common history of friendship and trade. Here in this part of our world, our collaboration and partnership are considered significant for mutual economic growth. With the Philippines placed at a very strategic region in the Pacific, it is important that we preserve our relationship to sustain our socio-economic ties. The Federation of Filipino – Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry is an institution that signifies the solid relationship of the two countries. This was best exemplified when the Federation expressed their assistance in the rehabilitation of the Yolanda devastated areas. They were one of the first institutions who pledged for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the province. We can see here how the Federation acted as a mover and collaborator in helping the Filipinos in their perhaps darkest and most trying times.

One of the most critical elements in our country is the market. Actually, this is the driver which ensures the country’s survival both economically and socially. Our market structures dictate the route of our economic progress that is why I am certain that we are all aware of our commitment to uphold and be proactive in the protection of both our customers and businesses. True enough, we were able to accomplish many feats, sustaining the strength of our industries, which in turn lures both foreign and local investors on our shores. Together with this, are our growing power requirements, which the Department and the whole sector must continue to address.

We need to understand that our GDP growth follows a direct relationship with our power demand. With our supply-demand outlook as our reference, we are literally in a race in the facilitation of new power projects to keep our industries afloat. This is a challenging task; several meetings from different industries as well as prospective developers are being scheduled every day. The realization of an energy independent nation still remains to be seen, but I am more than confident that someday soon, this aspiration will be a reality.

With our economy geared for development and international standardization, it is imperative that we also address business sustainability. What we need is not actually high impact business opportunities but sustainable ones that can last for a long period of time ensuring employment opportunities for the Filipinos. Integration of our economies is most likely the best method to achieve our target. We are fortunate because we can now have the capacity to undergo this through the ASEAN integration. Our region is prosperous, filled with potential business ventures. What we need is to maintain our standards and integrate for equal protection, sustainability and expansion.

The question still remains, how can we sustain our market structures amidst ASEAN integration? The question rests in our future policies and programs. On the part of the Department, we are preparing our industries side-by-side the continuation of our present initiatives. Policies play an important role here, most especially since laws are very important to define our future roads.

It is our desire that business chambers will be active in policy making. As stakeholders of multiple sectors, your voice is important to us. You have a vast experience which we believe is essential for us to know and consider. Not only do we need to be active in this pursuit, more so we should see to it that the execution of statutes are carried on.

I am certain that your federation together with your present endeavors is already enough to illustrate how deep is your concern not only to your fields of business but also to the country and its people. With this, I would like to thank you all for being a great partner in the nation’s journey towards economic progress.

On behalf of the Department of Energy, I wish you well on your future engagements.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!