PARTNERSHIPS AND THE PATH TO PROSPERITY

Joey Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo, talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the sidelines of the recently concluded ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Laos PDR about the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA), a regional initiative for food security in the Philippines. Joining them is Christian Eyde Moeller, President of Lionheart Farms and a key private sector participant in the initiative.

After being away for about a month, I made it a point to mark my return trip with the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS). This year, it was held in Lao PDR.

At this gathering, I had the pleasure of introducing President Marcos as he delivered his keynote speech before the ASEAN leaders and private sector. Not that he needed any introduction. The President himself has often said that he considers himself the Philippines’s chief salesman, a role he has fully embraced.

In his address, President Marcos spoke at length about the current and future projects in the Philippines. His vision encompassed a wide array of sectors, including digital and physical infrastructure, disaster resilience, energy, industry, and of course, investments. The breadth and depth of his plans indicated that progress in one sector inevitably ripples out to benefit others.

 The ABIS is where innovative collaborations between the private sector and policymakers are initiated. It’s a unique space where business leaders and government officials can engage in frank discussions, share insights, and forge partnerships. Given the context of the event and the audience, it was no surprise that the President emphasized how the Philippines has enacted key reforms. Foremost among these is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which is designed to ease the way for transformative partnerships.

I can attest that this administration has indeed put the private sector as an equal partner in the transformation of our economy. There has been a tangible shift in approach that is already yielding results. In every key sector – be it jobs, technology, agriculture, education or others – this government has harnessed the expertise and sought the partnership of the private sector.