The Philippines risks economic underperformance unless the government implements urgent structural reforms, a leading business group warned, following a 2026 growth forecast that falls below the nation’s potential.
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) described a De La Salle University projection of 4.5 percent growth for 2026 as a sobering warning.
FFCCCII president Victor Lim said in a statement the forecast necessitates an immediate and unified national response to restore confidence and accelerate inclusive growth.
The business group urged national leaders to adopt a decisive seven-pillar reform agenda. The proposal focuses on revitalizing manufacturing and agriculture through stronger incentives for technology adoption and food security.
The group also called for stricter and transparent enforcement of anti-corruption measures to rebuild trust in public institutions.
To drive capital, the FFCCCII pushed for aggressive efforts to attract domestic and foreign investments by strengthening protections and ensuring greater ease of doing business. The agenda include a push for a comprehensive tourism renaissance supported by world-class infrastructure.
The group also identified human capital as a priority, calling for expanded investments in education, skills development and universal healthcare to address poverty.
The federation cited the need for a faster rollout of strategic infrastructure such as ports, logistics hubs and broadband connectivity.
The final pillars of the proposal focus on green and digital transformation to position the country as a regional hub for sustainable technologies.
Lim said the business community stands ready to work with the government by rallying behind these reforms to prevent the economy from falling behind its regional peers.
