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2 years agoon
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adminAcknowledgment of VIPs
Good morning everyone! (Maajong buntag kaninjong tanan!
Congratulations to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) and this year’s host, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industries! Thank you for inviting me today.
First, may I extend my appreciation for the hard work and dedication you put into the business sector and your role in contributing to the development of our country.
My friends, I stand before you today as someone who’s been fascinated with the ever-evolving world of technology, governance, and innovation, and how they interconnect in the uplifting of our economy. We stand on the brink of a world redefined by these forces. And on this occasion of the 32nd Visayas Business Conference with its suitable theme, “Exploring New Economic Frontiers in
Technology, Governance, and Innovation,” I am truly thankful, humbled, and excited to share the stage with you.
I believe it was Nikola Tesla who said, “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” This speaks to the future of technology and innovation as determining forces in transformative economic frontiers.
1 Innovation and technology have revolutionized our lifestyles and economies in ways we would never have imagined a few decades ago. As we envision the future, it’s crucial to consider the far-reaching effects of these advancements and
how they shape sustainable business practices.
The recent declaration of Bohol Island by UNESCO as the first Global Geopark in the Philippines is proof of how sustainability and technology can harmonize to achieve milestones. This geological heritage is of international geological significance and can serve local communities by combining conservation with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development. We thank the team of researchers from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning, and the provincial government of Bohol for their hard work
and efforts.
It is these synergies between technology, governance, and innovation that we must harness as we journey towards a digitized Philippines. That journey must be ecological and equitable – for, in the riches of our technology, we must not lose sight of the wealth of our ecology, or disregard the fairness of our society.
We are welcoming the age of digital technology where business models, societies, economies, and governance are constantly reshaped. As we ponder over the potential economic frontiers that will define our future, it is clear as daylight that the digital revolution holds unimaginable potential. It is a defining factor for growth. It can provide us avenues for job creation, economic empowerment, enhanced communication, and most importantly, sustainable business practices.
In the natural reserves of Bohol, we may find a microcosm of what we may dream for the entire Philippines. The way technology has collaborated with natural preservation and sustainable tourism in Bohol should serve as inspiration.
Further, its traditions and culture are proof of how the people adapted to their natural environment. An example is the technology that has allowed geologists to study the unique biodiversity and geological features of the geopark. This synergy between technology and nature is a crest of sustainable exploration.
2 A business is not just a commercial entity, but an important part of our social framework, that affects lives in countless ways. If business is a tree, its social responsibility is the shadow that it casts. It is extending the shade that promotes the sustainability of any business enterprise.
Technology can be an empowering tool. From affordable, green energy solutions to digital banking for remote areas, from e-learning platforms to telehealth, technology could reshape our economies in a way that is more inclusive, more comprehensive, and more sustainable.
However, the digital revolution comes with challenges. Cybersecurity and data privacy are some of the important concerns that need attention. This is where governance comes in. The role of governance goes beyond regulations and checks – it extends to fostering an enabling environment for technology and innovation to flourish, and for businesses to thrive ethically and sustainably.
For instance, I am pushing for the Internet Transactions Act in the Senate, which will resume its period of interpellations next week. This bill aims to support and maintain a robust e-commerce environment and build trust between online merchants and consumers through secure and reliable e-commerce platform where goods, services, and digital products are transacted online withappropriate transparency and utmost efficiency.
As the author and sponsor of the bill, I am for the establishment of an encouraging and enabling e-commerce environment, rather than a restrictive, discouraging, and punitive one. We will ride the momentum of the growth of e-commerce, that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated.]
In the Senate, I also filed my version of “An act mandating transition of the government to e-governance in the digital age”. The bill shall mandate e-governance as a mandatory part of public service and administration. The use of the internet, intranet, and governance thru electronic means should therefore be institutionalized as part of public service.
3 On sustainable business, the One Town One Product (OTOP) or Senate Bill No. 1594 that I authored and sponsored is a signature away from becoming a law. This bill will enact the long-overdue institutionalization of the OTOP Program. institutionalize the OTOP Program to promote products, as well as the traditions and heritages of localities, and therefore, stimulate local enterprises and employment.
Another key legislation that I want to highlight is the Maharlika Investment Fund.
As we all know, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos recently signed the Maharlika Law, which I sponsored and defended in the Senate. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, Currencies, and Financial Institutions, I believe that the Maharlika Investment Fund is a vehicle to further improve the economy and deliver more infrastructure projects under the Build Better More Program. It will also be an effective tool for the country’s investments and increased economic activity.
A digitized Philippines does not mean running away from our roots. It is moving towards innovations that respect and uphold our heritage, ecology, and livelihoods, while simultaneously opening new avenues for prosperity.
At the end of the day, it is about striking a balance between the new and the old, the local and the global, the human and the technological. It is about carving out a pathway that could take us towards a future that embraces advancement, sustainability, and equitable growth.
Before I end my speech, I would like to emphasize the importance of collaboration in attaining business sustainability. Let this be our shared vision as we explore the new economic frontiers of technology and innovation at this conference.\
I hope this conference will offer more areas for renewed collaboration and with great enthusiasm, I know that we will be at par in attaining socio-economic development and sustainability through financial inclusion. Let us use this platform to address questions, share ideas, and initiate dialogues. And most importantly, let us use it to take definitive actions for a more sustainable,
inclusive, and digitized Philippines.
4 Once again, I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to making this conference possible every year. I am looking forward to the ideas that will be exchanged.
Muli, Maraming salamat po!
Mabuhay ang PCCI at Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
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