PCCI to Spotlight Digital Transformation at 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is placing digital transformation at the core of its 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), scheduled for October 20-21 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

The annual gathering, which draws thousands of business leaders from across the country, will carry the theme, “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation.”

PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said the theme reflects the urgency for businesses to adopt digital tools and strategies to stay competitive in a fast-evolving economic landscape.

“It’s time to act boldly and strategically to harness the full potential of digital technology and innovation,” Mangio said.

She emphasized that Philippine enterprises must become digitally equipped if they are to remain relevant in the global marketplace.

Mangio also called for a unified national digital roadmap, one that fosters stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to align infrastructure rollout and policy frameworks.

The conference will be led by Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony H. Uy, who also chairs PCCI’s Information Technology and Telecommunications Committee.

Uy is expected to present his vision of a digitally empowered Philippines where every household and business is connected to fast, reliable internet and digital tools.

“Digital transformation is the key to unlocking our nation’s full potential and ensuring no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital world,” Uy said in a statement.

To drive this vision forward, PCCI and Converge have partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to launch a nationwide series of hackathons.

These events, held in North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region, challenge Filipino innovators to develop practical tech solutions to real-world problems faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The goal is to bridge the technological gap that continues to hinder many small businesses from thriving in an increasingly digital economy.

According to the Asian Development Bank, 99.5 percent of Philippine enterprises fall under the MSME category, making them a crucial pillar of the economy.

However, many MSMEs still lag behind in terms of digital adoption due to high costs, limited digital skills, and inadequate infrastructure.

This year’s PBC&E will also feature a technology expo, showcasing emerging innovations ranging from artificial intelligence-driven automation to smart infrastructure tools.

Uy said local and global tech companies will participate, offering demonstrations and insights into how their technologies can streamline operations and accelerate growth.

“This conference is more than just a discussion — it’s a launchpad for ideas, partnerships, and innovations that can bring every Filipino business into the digital age,” Uy said.

Organizers expect more than 2,000 delegates to attend the two-day event, which will include plenary talks, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and immersive exhibits.

Since its inception, the Philippine Business Conference & Expo has been PCCI’s flagship platform for engaging policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs in meaningful economic discourse.

The conference serves not only as a forum for dialogue but also as a venue to build consensus and shape policy recommendations for national development.

In past years, the event has tackled issues such as trade liberalization, industrial modernization, workforce development, and regulatory reform.

This year, digital transformation takes the spotlight, as Philippine businesses grapple with the global acceleration of digital economies brought about by the pandemic and rapid technological shifts.

In a 2023 report by Google and Temasek, the Philippines was projected to be one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, expected to reach $35 billion by 2025.

PCCI hopes that by aligning public and private sector efforts through initiatives like PBC&E, the Philippines can better capitalize on that growth trajectory.

As the global economy becomes increasingly digital-first, industry leaders believe now is the time for the Philippines to take bold steps in embracing innovation.