The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines hosted the Arangkada Philippines Forum. The annual event took place on October 09 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. Business leaders, policymakers, and diplomats attended the gathering. This year’s theme was “FAST: Forging ahead a Sustainable Tomorrow”. The program focused on accelerating economic reforms and attracting investments. Attendees discussed key policy measures to boost long-term competitiveness.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay delivered a keynote address during the event. She highlighted the critical role of tourism in national economic expansion. “The tourism sector is huge and there are many different organizations working together to promote the Philippines,” she stated. She noted that public and private collaboration remains essential. She emphasized that shared strategy drives sustainable growth. “Also, I learned the role of tourism in our economy,” she added while reflecting on industry progress.
The forum addressed multi-sector development and policy reform initiatives. Government officials presented ongoing programs aimed at improving local industries. Business leaders highlighted the value of target-driven foreign direct investments. Private sector delegates praised the alignment of state and commercial goals. Tram Panaligan of Aboitiz Economic Estates emphasized this unified direction. “The private and public sectors share the same goal: to attract more foreign direct investments to the Philippines and strengthen the country’s regional competitiveness through partnerships that pave the way for sustained and unparalleled growth,” Panaligan said.
Participant discussions covered infrastructure, renewable energy, and economic resilience. Panelists noted that modern investments go beyond simple capital inflows. Uan Alindayo of Ateneo De Manila University underscored this broader perspective. “These discussions revealed that investment is not merely about financial inflows but also about building resilient systems, fostering collaboration, and aligning private initiatives with national priorities,” Alindayo noted.
Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Philippine economic transformation. The Joint Foreign Chambers will continue tracking advocacy recommendations. They aim to build a stronger economic climate across all island regions.