Pilipinas Conference 2024: Day 2 | 7 November | Photos
On 7 November, the Stratbase Group hosted The Pilipinas Conference 2024 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. This event aims to advance multi-sectoral collaboration to shape policies that address the complex social, political, and economic challenges impacting the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Day 2 of the Pilipinas Conference 2024 emphasized the strategic initiatives necessary for fostering a robust economy and resilient society through the creation of green and high-quality jobs, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure, critical minerals, and clean energy to position the Philippines as a key player in the global supply chain.

Representing ECCP at the conference were Director for Public Policy, Advocacy, and Projects Sophia Ordoña, Senior Advocacy Officer Austin Sy, Advocacy Officer Kyla Uy, Advocacy Officer Joaquin Reloj, and Advocacy Research Associate Alyssa Marcos.

Ceremonial Signing of the CREATE MORE Act | 11 November 2024 | Photos
The ECCP is proud to witness a new milestone in Philippine economic reform!

ECCP President Paulo Duarte proudly joined key leaders today at the Malacañang Palace for the Ceremonial Signing of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

For years, ECCP has championed policies that strengthen the Philippines’ position as a premier investment destination. This landmark legislation sets the stage for a level playing field, more robust economic growth, and expanded opportunities for businesses to thrive.

We commend the Philippine government for taking this significant stride and eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will provide to the European and local business communities alike. With the CREATE MORE Act in place, ECCP is optimistic about the stronger momentum this will generate for economic progress.

To view and download a copy of the law, please visit this link.

ASEAN Policy Forum on Higher Education 2024 | 11-12 November 2024 | Photos
ECCP proudly participated in the ASEAN Policy Forum on Higher Education 2024, with our Director for Public Policy, Advocacy, and Projects Sophia Ordoña representing the Chamber at this key event held from November 11-12 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Hosted by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports in partnership with UNESCO and the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE), the forum gathered leaders from policy, academia, industry, and international organizations to drive forward the theme, “Moving Higher Education Forward Together: Building Resilience and Flexibility by Connecting and Including All.” Participants discussed strategies to strengthen ASEAN higher education, tackling the challenges of rapid technological progress, economic shifts, and environmental change.

ECCP meets ECCIL EuroCham Laos | 12 November | Photos
ECCP Director for Public Policy, Advocacy, and Projects Sophia Ordoña met with Enrico Bargnani, Deputy Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR (EuroCham Laos) earlier today. They discussed ongoing advocacy efforts, member initiatives, and exciting opportunities for collaboration to support shared goals across Southeast Asia.

We’re thrilled to explore new avenues for partnership with EuroCham Laos, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing business climate and advocating for policy initiatives that drive growth and development in the region.

ECCP Environment and Water Committee Meeting with House Committee of Economic Affairs Secretary Atty. Ma. Luz Concepcion Baldueza-Principe | 18 November | Photo
On 18 November, the ECCP Environment and Water Committee convened with Committee Secretary Atty. Ma. Luz Concepcion “Alou” Baldueza-Principe of the House Committee on Economic Affairs via Zoom.

During the meeting, Atty. Alou presented the recent developments of the proposed Circular Economy Act covering its salient provisions, issues, challenges, and next steps needed to propel the bill forward. Following this presentation, the committee members discussed industry updates regarding the creation of the Department of Water and the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act.

To join or inquire about the Environment and Water Committee, please reach out to advocacy@eccp.com

Finance in the Climate-Health Nexus: Adapting to Heat | 19 November | Photos
Current investments in the critical intersection of climate change and health remain alarmingly low – how do we change this?

In the recently concluded dialogue organized by the ECCP in collaboration with its Special Committee on Open Finance and Financial Inclusion (SCOFFI) and partner Pru Life UK, industry leaders and experts came together to explore sustainable strategies to safeguard public health in the face of escalating climate-related challenges.

Leading this important discussion were Climate Change Commission PH Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio Cuenca, Prudence Foundation Executive Director Nicole Ngeow, Employers Confederation of the Philippines Occupational Safety and Health Academy Head Rhodora "Dang" Buenaventura-Snyder, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Climate Change Adaptation Specialist Dr. Natasha Kuruppu. Hosting and moderating the event was Atty. Michael Macapagal, Partner at Quisumbing Torres.

The dialogue highlighted the staggering impact of climate on health and livelihoods, barriers hindering effective cross-sectoral collaboration between healthcare practitioners, financial sector, policymakers, and environmental agencies, actionable solutions to undertake, and available opportunities for innovation and co-investment in climate and health.

Our sincerest thanks to Pru Life UK CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty for opening our event, and to Pru Life UK for hosting us!

ECCP Healthcare Committee Meeting | 22 November | Photo
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Healthcare Committee held a meeting on 22 November 2024, via Zoom. The session delved on the committee’s position with regard to the Government Procurement Reform Act or Republic Act (RA) No. 12009. During the hour-long discussion, members discussed their recommendations, insights, and perspectives on what should be included in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 12009 and the best way for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector to be represented.

To join or inquire about the Healthcare Committee, please reach out to advocacy@eccp.com

ECCP-AsBAA Meeting with CAAP | 22 November | Photo
Earlier today, November 22, 2024, the ECCP and Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) met with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at their main office in Pasay City to discuss potential areas of collaboration for the 2025 Aviation Summit. Co-organized by ECCP and AsBAA, the 3rd installment of the Summit aims to showcase the Philippines on the international stage and advance key discussions on aviation development.

The meeting was attended by key representatives from CAAP, including Atty. Danjun Lucas, Deputy Director General for Administration; Capt. Chuck Aquino, Flight Standards Inspectorate Service (FSIS) Chief; Atty. Nester Mendoza, Corporate Secretary; Atty. Ice Iruguin, Corporate Planning Office; Sofia Fulmaran, Strategic Planning Office; Atty. Irish Precion, FSIS; John Beau Masiglat, Executive Assistant V; and Jose Edison Torres from the Events Team.

From ECCP, participants included Director Jussi Joikka and Aviation Committee Co-Chair Atty. Manolito Manalo. Meanwhile, COO for Southeast Asia Penny Lim and Member of the Board of Governors Max Motschmann represented AsBAA.

To inquire about the 2025 Aviation Summit, email avsummit@eccp.com.

2nd Public Consultation of the Draft Implementing Guidelines of the Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program on Fuel Economy Label for Road Transport Vehicles (VFELP-IG on FEL-RTV) | 26 November | Photo
The ECCP participated in the 2nd Public Consultation of the Draft Implementing Guidelines of the Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program on Fuel Economy Label for Road Transport Vehicles (VFELP-IG on FEL-RTV). Chaired by Department of Energy Director Patrick Aquino, the session was held virtually on 26 November via MS Teams and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their insights.

JFC Meeting with DOTr Secretary Bautista | 27 November | Photo
Represented by President Paulo Duarte and Aviation Committee Co-Chairperson Atty. Manolito Manalo, the ECCP took part in a Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) meeting with Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. Held on 27 November at PRIMEX Tower in San Juan; the Secretary, along with other DOTr officials, shared the plans and projects of the Agency until 2028. The JFC likewise handed over the Arangkada Philippines 2024 Airports Policy Brief, as well as tackled the policy recommendations on aviation, maritime, railway, and road sectors.