“What shared vision and concerted action could do”
The recently concluded Pilipinas Conference of the Stratbase Group has underscored one undeniable truth: the Philippines stands at the brink of transformative growth, driven by a spirit of collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. As we face global uncertainties, leaders across sectors are doubling down on strategies to harness our country’s economic potential while staying resilient to the complexities of an ever-shifting geostrategic landscape.
On the second day of the conference, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto highlighted the nation’s strong economic trajectory, with growth rates of over 6%. He stressed that sustainable progress demands more than just numbers—it requires partnerships rooted in transparency and shared commitment to uplift millions of Filipinos. “When businesses flourish and investors succeed,” he noted, “the benefits ripple out to uplift more Filipino lives.” Recto urged the private sector to support green projects, especially as the nation embraces renewable energy and digital innovation.
The drive toward sustainable growth was a recurring theme. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized a strategic transition to clean energy. With a goal of achieving 100% electrification by 2028, the focus is on diversifying energy sources like solar and wind while using natural gas as a transitional fuel. “This transition must occur over time, not overnight,” Lotilla said, as the country aims to secure both economic growth and environmental resilience. By focusing on energy security and affordability, the country is not only looking to meet its immediate economic needs but also laying the foundation for long-term environmental resilience.
Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga presented a balanced approach to leveraging the country’s rich mineral resources. As the world moves towards cleaner technologies, the demand for critical minerals like nickel, copper, gold, and rare earth elements has skyrocketed. Loyzaga emphasized that the Philippines, with its vast untapped reserves, is in a prime position to be a significant player in global supply chains for these minerals. However, she was quick to point out that economic progress should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. By lifting moratoriums on mining under stricter environmental safeguards, the government aims to strike a delicate balance between development and conservation. “We must align our resource development with our climate goals,” she urged, advocating for responsible mining practices that benefit both the economy and local communities.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman outlined reforms to modernize procurement through the new Government Procurement Act, incorporating digital tools to enhance transparency. “We are leveraging the latest technologies to streamline procurement,” she said, highlighting how a fully digital system can reduce corruption. The focus also includes green procurement to ensure sustainable public spending that aligns with global standards.
Representing Secretary Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Assistant Secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston highlighted the government’s drive to attract investments and boost infrastructure. The “Build Better, More” program and the Luzon Economic Corridor aim to position the Philippines as a prime investment hub. “By liberalizing policies and simplifying processes, we are opening doors to more investments,” she noted.
Most insightful was the CEO dialogue wherein Ayala Corp Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala emphasized that investing in education and healthcare is key to preparing the Filipino workforce for modern industries, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes how we work and live. He stressed the need to prioritize digitization and organizing structured data to maximize AI’s potential.
ACCIONA Infrastructure CEO Jose Diaz-Caneja for his part highlighted that a sustainable approach to infrastructure is essential, focusing on efficiency and smart execution. He called for careful planning and strong collaboration among stakeholders to ensure impactful infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision that transcends political administrations.
In his message, Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration. “Good governance, rule of law, and policy stability are critical to attracting global investors,” he emphasized. As the country approaches elections, he called on leaders to prioritize transparency and accountability. “Collaboration across all sectors is not an option; it is the way forward,” Prof. Manhit declared.
The conference conveyed a message of hope and shared responsibility to seize great opportunities. It is up to all of us—government leaders, business magnates, civil society advocates, and every Filipino—to seize the momentum and build a future where economic progress does not come at the expense of our values and our planet. The Pilipinas Conference has shown us that with shared vision and concerted action, we can indeed create a brighter, more prosperous future for the Philippines.
