Mere recommendations not enough

The recently concluded 39th Philippine Business Conference hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry posed four questions that feed on one’s curiosity, but really have been top of mind in many of us. 

“Can the Philippines sustain current trends to weave its way to the 16th largest economy by 2050 as projected by HSBC in its “The World in 2050” report?  What is in store for the economy beyond 2013?  How near is the economy into becoming a truly economic tiger?  How can the economy capitalize the opportunities under an integrated ASEAN?”

The first three questions need some sort of crystal ball to give a definitive answer. The last one suits the mind of a government planner or a businessman, it being a challenge to think on how the country may be able to take advantage of the changes up for grabs as the ASEAN moves to full integration.

Still, the first three questions need not be taken as figments of curiosity, but rather as a call to action, i.e., how can the country sustain its gains and become the 16th largest economy by mid-century, ensure that the economy maintains its growth beyond 2013, and push forward to being a truly sustainable tiger economy.

More recommendations

Of course, the PBC has always pushed for reforms in previous years with the end view of invigorating the economy. This year, the focus has been on strategies that will position the Philippines on the path to higher and inclusive growth.

In particular, the business group aims to ensure consistent and stable policies, maintain macroeconomic balance, and introduce further reforms in governance, rolling out infrastructure projects, and adopting international trade policies. 

It has also pledged to look into the crucial measures needed to create a more competitive business and investment environment in order for the country to achieve a tiger economy status.

There were 42 recommendations on specific issues covering 15 areas starting with the agriculture and ending with transportation. Utilities (power, water, energy and fuel), taxation, and the environment received the most number of proposals.

Recurring concerns

Compared to last year’s list (containing more than 60 major recommendations), there are a number of “repeats” that should easily have been resolved.

Among the recommended measures to revitalize the country’s agriculture sector is a recurring proposal addressed to the Department of Agriculture to promote the use of hybrid seeds to further increase rice production. This is a problem that should have been easily dealt with. But then, the apparent neglect by the DA to promote hybrid rice seeds may be due to its preoccupation on other things, like processing pork barrel funds.

An old issue that found its way in this year’s listing is the proposal urging the national government to prioritize public and private initiatives to modernize the agriculture and fisheries industry. Let’s hope that this call would be heeded.

In the area of power, three issues remain outstanding. First is the need for a program to speed up the construction of energy and power generating projects.

Another resolution that remains outstanding is the recommendation for the Department of Energy to tighten the power program in Mindanao to assure reliable, adequate and reasonably priced power supply.

Still another recommendation is for the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission to fast track the establishment of the ancillary reserve market and the provision of a mechanism for transparent procurement of ancillary services.

Review and follow up mechanism needed

There are more proposals that have remained in the list and we shall be reviewing these in future columns as against the action (or inaction) taken by government. In particular, it should be interesting to see a report that tracks the recommendations of the past PBCs and the corresponding action of government.

It would seem a waste of time by our business leaders to hunker down and discuss economic and business issues for three days, to make an effort to send this to the President, and not get any response at all aside from a stamp by the Office of the President that officially received the paper document.

If our business leaders are serious about wanting to see a tiger economy by 2050, it would help to institute follow up measures that would ensure that issues and concerns raised are given the appropriate attention, and that these are properly addressed at the soonest possible time.

If serious review and follow up are not carried out, for sure this country will never get to where it wants to go.

Champions League 2013 National Collegiate Championship

STI of Cagayan de Oro is the Northern Mindanao representative to the Champions League (PCCL) 2013 National Collegiate Championship after a series of elimination games with teams from Pagadian, Surigao City, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Marawi and Iligan.

The other collegiate teams involved were St. Columbian College, St. Paul University of Surigao, Christ the King College de Maranding, Bukidnon State University, Mindanao State University-Marawi and Medical Center.

There are two seats in the elite Sweet 16 group allocated to Mindanao in the Sweet 16 step-ladder phase of the collegiate championship. Competing for the Southern Mindanao slot are Agro-Industrial Foundation College Sailors, Jose Maria College Kings, Holy Trinity College Wildcats of General Santos and Southern City College Bulldogs of Zamboanga.

The representatives of Mindanao will join the champion of Visayas Islands, CESAFI champion, University of Visayas Green Lancers, Southwestern University Cobras and University of San Carlos Warriors in the step-ladder knock-out games to determine the Overall Southern Island Champion that will advance to the Final Four.

Facebook and Twitter

We are actively using two social networking websites to reach out more often and even interact with and engage our readers, friends and colleagues in the various areas of interest that I tackle in my column. Please like us at www.facebook.com and follow us at www.twitter.com/ReyGamboa.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.