Robi Del Rosario

‘The strength of the Philippines is really in its people’

17 June 2017 – The Philippines is currently refocusing its energies towards deeper regional integration, partly due to recent geopolitical changes. This shift in policy has already resulted in ODA worth over $19 billion from China and Japan alone. Also FDI grew by over 40% in 2016 – China even just recently pledged another investment of $1.7bn, much of which will be used to invest in infrastructure. In fact, by 2020, 7.1% of GDP is expected to be allocated for related projects. How does this contribute to the competitiveness of Philippine export goods on a regional level and what role do PPPs play in this context? What will be the benefits in terms of the ease of doing business for risk-adverse countries such as Japan that might shy away from thick red tape and unclear policies?

With freedom and prosperity for all

17 June 2017 – One concrete output from the Philippines’ Asean hosting is the recently launched, business-sector-driven Prosperity for All Alliance. With GoNegosyo as its secretariat, the alliance includes groups like AmCham, Bankers Association, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Financial Executives of the Philippines, Indian Chamber, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Semi-Conductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, among others. I understand the alliance now has 18 of the most influential business groups in the country, so apologies to the others I did not name. You are all doing God’s work!

Business Groups honors outgoing BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.

24 May 2017 – “Value independence and integrity, because these are the foundations for credibility that in turn engenders effectiveness and purpose.” This is what Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando “Say” Tetangco Jr. considers as the foremost important lesson he learned from BSP which he shared before the business community at the joint testimonial luncheon organized in his honor. The BSP Governor, who will officially step down from post on July 2nd, shared that his over four-decade career in BSP, and being a civil servant for the country, was both an honor and a privilege for him.