Government Dialogue

The MBC Government Dialogue series is a platform for MBC members to engage with key government leaders to address socioeconomic issues and support policy reforms and solutions that drive business growth and investment.

2025 MEETINGS

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco T. Laurel Jr

On November 14, 2025, the Makati Business Club (MBC) met with Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco T. Laurel Jr. for a dialogue on advancing Philippine agriculture through government and private sector collaboration. The discussion highlighted MBC’s ongoing initiatives and tackled critical challenges in the agricultural value chain, including rice importation policies, price transparency in local trading hubs, and logistics solutions.

The meeting also explored practical ways to support farmers, strengthen the sector, and identify new areas of collaboration between the business community and government to drive sustainable agricultural development.

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno

The Makati Business Club met with Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to discuss key customs concerns affecting the businesses and explore opportunities for public–private collaboration aimed at enhancing customs efficiency and strengthening the Philippines’ investment and trade competitiveness. Commissioner Nepomuceno was joined by Asst. Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla of the Post-Clearance Audit Group, along with Asst. Secretary Carlos Bathan and Asst. Secretary Jek Casipit.

During the discussion, the Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the digitalization of its systems and processes to enhance transparency, expedite trade, and curb smuggling and corruption. MBC expressed its full support for the BOC’s ongoing modernization efforts and its initiatives to continuously improve systems and service delivery for trade.

Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao

Makati Business Club held a government dialogue with Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao on October 30 at the Makati Diamond Residences.
The discussion highlighted Iligan’s growing role as one of Mindanao’s emerging leaders in development, driven by its digital transformation roadmap, tourism and hospitality initiatives, industry-based upskilling, agroinnovation efforts, and a strong commitment to a business-friendly climate.

Iligan City was also recognized as a Digital Democracy Champion during MBC’s Digital Democracy Awards in November 2024.

Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto

Makati Business Club (MBC) met with Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto to express the business community’s support for government efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ investment climate, improve ease of doing business, advance digital governance, and create more jobs for Filipinos.

Held on October 14, the dialogue served as a platform for business leaders to raise key tax and non-tax policy concerns and propose solutions aligned with national economic priorities. Secretary Recto welcomed and encouraged the continued participation of the private sector, through the BIR’s Partnership with the Multi-Sectoral Group (PMSG) of which MBC is a member, to advance reforms and initiatives that promote transparency, efficiency, and overall investment competitiveness.

Government Dialogue with Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia and Hermosa Mayor Anne Inton

On August 14, MBC organized a Government Dialogue with Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia and Hermosa Mayor Anne Inton to discuss key investment priorities in the province and municipality and explore opportunities for private sector support.

The session discussed Bataan’s strategic position for infrastructure and logistics, including updates to the Bataan-Cavite Link Bridge, the Freeport Area of Bataan as a growing investment hub, and opportunities to strengthen Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and possible avenues for collaboration between the LGU and the private sector through Makati Business Club.