IN THE 4TH QUARTER 2024 survey of business executives, their top worry is still corruption, followed by education, the economy, ease of doing business (EODB), climate change, cybersecurity, and dealing with local government units.
These concerns were voiced at the 77th inaugural meeting for newly-elected president Alfredo S. Panlilio of the Management Association of the Philippines last January 16.
The survey, conducted late last year, showed fewer MAP members or 45 percent saying that corruption is a top concern for 2025. This was slight down from the previous survey where 47 percent said corruption as a top concern.
Education followed with 38 percent of MAP members identifying it as a top concern, rising from only 25 percent in the previous survey.
Another 33 percent of MAP members said they are concerned about the economy this year, a big reduction from the 40 percent being concerned in 2025 compared to the results of the previous survey.
Last year’s cluster… has been merged… not so much because there is less to do, but because our hope is that in focusing, we sharpen impact.
FOUR THRUSTS
Panlilio thus cited four thrusts for MAP to address the top concerns namely: member engagement; country competitiveness; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and shared prosperity, and investing in the youth.
“Last year, there were five thrusts. This year, we will merge it into four. Last year’s cluster on innovation, technology, and digitalization has been merged into the cluster on country competitiveness,” he said as he explained that “not so much because there is less to do, but because our hope is that in focusing, we sharpen impact.”
Panlilio said the MAP will also continue working with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to address issues on corruption, EODB, and LGUs.
MAP members also expressed concerns about dealing with LGUs, versus 13 percent in the previous survey.
He recalled that when he was still in PLDT Inc. during the pandemic, “we had some issues also, but ARTA came in a big way to help us. Actually, there was a directive by the President then to improve connectivity, and one of the hindrances at that time was the licensing and business permits.”
“There were like, 30-plus signatures that were needed to do a project. And because of ARTA, we were able to cut that process down,” he added.
He noted that any project that requires LGU involvement typically experiences delays.
“It is hard. We are talking about telco, power, and any project related to some involvement with LGU where there’s always a delay,” he said.
VITAL REFORM PROPERTIES
Panlilio said that during his term, MAP will continue to participate actively in ARTA’s programs to address corruption and ease of doing business.
Member engagement will continue to ensure the “relevance” of the topics and issues covered in the MAP general membership meetings or GMMs in order to engage the membership in a more meaningful way.
“We will cover relevant topics and developments so as to benefit the members, their companies and the economy. We will hold 1 to 2 GMMs outside Metro Manila, so we can engage our members in the Visayas and Mindanao,” the MAP president noted.
MAP will also pursue “vital policy reforms” through executive or legislative action that will eliminate corruption, improve ease of doing business, ensure food security through agricultural productivity, and sustain an enabling business environment for local and foreign investors.
On ESG and Shared Prosperity, he assured the public that MAP will continue advancing environmental, social and governance principles and “fostering Shared Prosperity” as a key strategic thrust for the year.
“By integrating sustainable practices, promoting ethical leadership, and driving inclusive growth, we aim to create long-term value for MAP members and all other stakeholders. We will continue pushing for the discourse and activities to champion responsible business, uplift communities, and contribute to a resilient and equitable future for the Philippines,” Panlilio added.
On investing in the youth, MAP will continue campaigning against malnutrition and child stunting and advocating for the government and the private sector to pursue relevant education, health and wellness programs, particularly for the youth.
“The objective is for the youth to become productive members of society, with competitive skills and capacity that will ensure a progressive economy of the future,” he said.
