News Details

PCCI Pushes for Stronger MSME Empowerment, Digital Governance, and Anti-Corruption Reforms

NPO

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October 22, 2025

MANILA — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has urged the government to strengthen support mechanisms for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by enhancing inter-agency data systems, improving access to financing, and institutionalizing anti-corruption measures to create a more transparent and competitive business environment.

The call was part of the 13-point resolution released by PCCI during the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Empowering MSMEs and Streamlining Processes

PCCI emphasized the need for a secure and interoperable data-sharing system among government agencies to prevent redundant registrations and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The group also sought wider financing options through the Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and Small Business Corp., and enhanced capacity-building programs led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units to integrate MSMEs into global value chains.

To fast-track innovation, the PCCI encouraged DTI, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and local chambers to accelerate MSME digital transformation through specialized training, digital toolkits, and e-commerce access.

Promoting Good Governance and Transparency

PCCI also called for stricter anti-corruption measures in public projects and transactions, urging the government to enforce transparency and accountability mechanisms at all levels.

In addition, the organization recommended investing in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance public service efficiency and ensure data sovereignty.

Advancing Agriculture, Energy, and Digital Infrastructure

To sustain growth in key sectors, the group pushed for an integrated strategy to strengthen agriculture and energy through innovation, investment, and sustainability initiatives—ensuring food and energy security while enhancing national productivity.

Converge ICT Chief Executive Officer Dennis Uy, who chaired the conference, underscored the country’s growing digital economy, which expanded by 7.6 percent in 2024. He stressed the importance of establishing a sovereign cloud to protect national data and ensure technological independence.

“Our national security, economic resilience, and public trust should not be outsourced,” Uy said. “In the era of AI, data is the fuel of innovation and the foundation of decision-making.”

Government’s Digital Commitment

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to digital governance. He noted that automation and digital platforms are vital in minimizing corruption and improving efficiency in public service.

“Automated systems ensure consistency while digital platforms make transactions traceable,” Bersamin said. “Let us all harness the power of digital transformation to create a more effective, competitive, and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas.”

— NPO News Team | PNA-PR