About the Chamber

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government business organization comprised of small, medium, and large  enterprises, local chambers and industry associations  representing various sectors of business, all working together to foster a healthier  Philippine economy and improve the viability of business in the community.

PCCI is the result of a merger in July 1, 1978 of Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, established in July 19, 1903 and the Philippine Chamber of Industry, established in March 4, 1950.  PCCI is recognized as the “sole official representative and voice of entire private business community” by virtue of Letter of Instruction No. 780 signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos.

 

 

History and Milestone

History 

April 19, 1886 – Camara De Commercio De Filipinas

To promote business interests, a group of Spanish businessmen formed the Camara de Commercio de Filipinas on April 19, 1886. The three largest Spanish companies in Manila— La Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas, La Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel, and Elizalde y Cia – founded the Camara primarily to “settle petty disputes between merchants.” Not many accounts on the member companies of the Camara were available, except that their businesses range from manufacturing tobacco, sugar, liquor, and rope, among other ventures.

 

July 19, 1903 – Chamber Of Commerce Of The Philippines

During the turn of the century, the popularity of La Camara began to wane and a new organization the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CCP) led by Filipino and Chinese mestizo businessmen was formed on July 19, 1903 which included: Don Ricardo Aguado, Don Tomas Arguelles, Don Ariston Bautista, Don Telesforo Chuidian, Don Manuel Cuyugan, Don Rafael del Pan, Don Pedro de Roxas, Don Vicente Fernandez, Don Bernardino Hernandez, Don Luis Hidalgo, Don Faustino Lichauco, Don Mariano Limjap, Don Francisco Reyes, Din Rafael Reyes, Don Juan Rodriguez, Don Rogaciano Rodriguez, Don Vicente Samoza, Don Ramon Soriano, Don Tomas Sunico, Don Ignacio Syyap, Don Miguel de Velasco, and Don Teodoro Yangco.

 

March 4, 1950 – Philippine Chamber Of Industries (PCI)

In 1948 Hilarion Henares, Sr., and 20 local industrialists and entrepreneurs estabished the Small Industries and Machine Shop Owners of the Philippines (SIMSOP). With Henares as SIMSOP president, which by then was composed of 200 members, held its first national convention on March 4, 1950, with the theme “Intensified Manufacturing and Solid Support for Basic Philippine Industries.” It was during this convention that Gonzalo Puyat, the “Dean of Filipino Industirlaists,” urged the SIMSOP to change its name to Camara de Industria de Filipinas or the Philippine Chamber of Industries (PCI). SIMSOP now became known as PCI. Advocated for Philippine- made products through educational campaigns aimed at altering the centuries-old colonial mentality, and eventually fostered the interest of Filipinos to become manufacturers and entrepreneurs ready to take risks by investing huge capital in new industries.

 

July 1, 1978 – Merger Of The CCP And PCI

As both the CCP and the PCI became strong forces in the business sector, and their functions and projects overlapped, top officials of both organizations began to entertain the idea of a merger. After the two groups approved of the unification, 15 charter members from the PCI and CCP were elected to formulate the constitution and by-laws of the newly established the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). From the PCI elected were Teofilo Reyes, Jr., Boncan, Jose Policarpio, Remedios Fournier, David SyCip, Mariano del Rosario, Ireneo Obligacion III, Victor Lim, Augusto Espiritu, Jose Marcelo Sr., Hilarion Henares Jr., Ricardo Guevarra, Edgardo Villavicencio, Cesar Sison, and Felix Maramba. From the side of the CCP, charter members Emilio Abello, Sixto Roxas, Roeto Benedicto, Ernest Khan, Ceferino Follosco, Vic Barrios, Roberto Ongpin, Manuel Lim, Sr., Jose Madrigal, Pio Pedrosa Sr., and Leonardo Ty.

On July 1, 1978, the PCCI was officially established. Its initial funding came from the individual contributions of Charter members, together with some funds from the defunct PCI matched by a counterpart contribution from the CCP.

 

When the PCCI was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, seven PCI directors and eight from the CCP were its incorporators. The PCI representatives were Petronilo Guevarra, Dante Santos, Rosalinda Antiporda, Raoul Inocentes, Francisco Floro, Mario Alinea, and Antonio Chuidian. The CCP, on the other hand, had Elizalde, Periquet Jr., Jose Barredo, Jose de Leon, Charito Planas, Jose Luis Yulo, Jr., Vicente Angliongto, and Eduardo Escobar.

 

December 7, 1978 – PCCI Designated As “Single Voice Of Business”

During the 4th Philippine Business Conference, the Palace issued Letter of Instruction No. 780 designating the PCCI as “single voice of Philippine business.”

Letter of Instruction No. 780

Recognition of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Official Representative of the Private Business Sector in its Relationship with the Government

WHEREAS, national policy dictates that Government and private sector should work hand-in-hand for the economic progress of the country;

WHEREAS, the fragmented state of the private business sector of the country tends to disunity and unhealthy rival among them to the prejudice not only of the private sector but of the national interest as well;

WHEREAS, organized business and industry are concentrated in Metropolitan Manila and a few urban centers while small business units in other parts of the country are left unorganized and unrepresented in the various national forums, both public and private, thereby resulting in an undesirable economic and social imbalance;

WHEREAS, in the international business forums such as the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry, it is imperative that the country’s private sector be represented by a cohesive single organization;

WHEREAS, there is a necessity for the establishment of a strong and united voice for the entire private business sector in the country;

WHEREAS, cognizant of this necessity, the two major national business and industrial organizations in the country, your Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Philippine Chamber of Industries, have unified and merged into a single chamber known as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

WHEREAS, in the pursuit of its lofty objective, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry deserves the encouragement, assistance and support of the Government;

NOW THEREFORE, in line with the foregoing aims and objectives, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hereby recognized as the sole official representative and voice of the entire private business community. As such, it shall serve as the liaison and channel of communication on matters and issues which are of common concern to the business community and government. It shall likewise be the recognized representative of the private sector in international business forums.

All Ministries and other government agencies and instrumentalities concerned are therefore hereby directed to extend to your chamber all necessary cooperation and assistance, particularly on projects and matters which call for joint government-private sector participation in the attainment of national development goals.

Done in the City of Manila this 7th day of December, in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy eight.

FERDINAND E. MARCOS

President

Republic of the Philippines

Board of Directors and Officers

The Board of Directors constitute the governing body of PCCI. It is composed of 20 Directors elected by the voting members in good standing. From this 20, five (5) represents the main geographical areas of PCCI, namely National Capital Region (NCR), Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each Director holds a term of two (2) years.

The Directors are responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the policies and procedures of the PCCI. As part of the governing body, they have supervision, control, and direction of the affairs of PCCI, its committees and publications. They determine policies of the Chamber or changes therein, promote its objectives, and supervise the disbursement of its funds.

The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it is advisable, and may, in the execution of the powers granted, delegate certain authority and responsibility to the Secretary-General and full-time staff of PCCI.

The Directors meet once a month. Nevertheless, special meetings of the Board of Directors or the Executive Board of Directors may be called whenever necessary as provided for in the PCCI by law.

 

            PCCI SECRETARIAT

The PCCI Secretariat is involved in the day-to-day operations of the Chamber and in the implementation of the policies and decisions of its governing bodies, under the direction of the Secretary-General.

The Secretariat is comprised of the following departments and independent services:

 

  • Advocacy, Research and Corporate Communications
  • Chamber Management and Regional Development
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • Resource Generation, Membership Recruitment & Management
  • Administration
  • Finance and Treasury
  • Customs Affairs

 

 

ADVOCACIES

ENHANCING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

In line with its thrust to promote business development in the country, PCCI works closely with key government and legislative bodies in the formulation, development and implementation and evaluation of government plans, polices and programs. PCCI articulates its position on bills or laws affecting the business industry by actively participating in various public hearings and technical working groups in Congress and other government agencies. PCCI also offers advisory or technical consultancy services on various issues such as local taxes to help improve the business climate.

PROMOTION OF SMES

Realizing the special character and role of mico, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and as engines for economic growth, PCCI has pledged its all-out support to their promotion and development. PCCI spearheads efforts in a number of SME development projects such as creation of a national SME database; technology transfer; improvement of SME access to financing and marketing programs; access to business consultancy/experts dispatch; information and education campaigns on various issues and concerns; and training and scholarship programs. The PCCI SME Program also covers the promotion of legislative initiatives to strengthen PCCI’s institutional framework and expand its menu of services.

PCCI is represented not only in the national Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council but also in most of the Provincial SMED Councils where local chamber leaders are usually elected as chairs.

CHAMPIONING PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

Recognizing the importance of improving productivity and quality of enterprises to be able to compete globally, PCCI implements various activities geared towards developing world class entrepreneurs. These also include fostering a products and “culture of productivity and quality,” networking with various agencies and organizations involved in the promotion of quality and productivity and implementation of specific project and activities. These activities include the promotion of the Total Quality Management via the implementation of R.A. 9013 otherwise known as Philippine Quality Award, promotion on the importance of the use of competitive packaging containers among SMEs and provision of assistance to its members on trade-related issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT

As part of its commitment to Philippine Agenda 21, the PCCI works closely with other stakeholders to promote sustainable industry practices to protect the environment. PCCI actively participates in the various Technical Working Groups in Congress and in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).

NATIONAL AND COUNTRYSIDE DEVELOPMENT

PCCI works side by side with government to promote industrialization and the modernization of the agricultural sector. Efforts in this regard have proven fruitful with the holding of partnerships and agreements with different government agencies on various growth projects such as employment generation, promotion of trade, creation of business opportunities in the countryside, as well as the promotion of tourism and foreign investments.

Through its nationwide membership, PCCI has been a major contributor in local government efforts to identify and further explore potential growth areas, such as those in the countryside and in special economic areas/ecozones. Realizing the exigency of decentralizing growth, PCCI and its regional chamber network are engaged in a number of development activities such as regional development planning, revitalization of agricultural production, and advocacy support for infrastructure projects.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

PCCI’s role continues to evolve as it draws focus on corporate citizenship aimed at enhancing business particip0ation in the promotion of social development in various communities in the Philippines. Among PCCI’s CSR initiatives are the promotion of the Global Compact Initiative, which encourages SMEs to pioneer strategies that adhere to basic labor and human rights and environmental protection. PCCI also supports advocacy campaigns in support of various population management projects, poverty alleviation through the KALAHI Program of the government, youth and micro-enterprise development, among others.

  

ACTIVITIES

Advocacy Information Seminars

These seminars serve as venues for the Chamber to provide its members that latest information on key issues affecting business, and to draw valuable inputs and feedbacks that would be needed for the formulation of PCCI positions and advocacy papers.

General Membership Meetings

The General Membership Meeting (GMM) is another important venue for business networking and provides opportunities for members to meet and listen, as well as to discuss and exchange views with government and industry leaders.

Fellowship, Networking and Special Events

The Chamber provides venues to enable members to make new contacts and identify potential customers and suppliers.

The Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E)

The Philippine Business Conference and Expo is the biggest annual gathering of businessmen in the country aimed at strengthening and continuing linkages between the private sector and the government. The Conference is participated in by key and high level government officials and business leaders who exchange views on the general state of the economy and formulate policy recommendations in improving the business climate. Preparatory to the PBC are the five Area Business Conferences (ABC) that are held in the five geographical areas of PCCI namely: North Luzon; South Luzon; Visayas; and Mindanao.

Chamber Management Workshops

PCCI also regularly conducts Chamber Management Workshops which aim to enhance the services and advocacy capabilities of its local chamber members.

PCCI Project Development& Regional Affairs                                                       

In line with its commitment of providing good and quality services to our members, PCCI through its Training Institute organizes and conducts trainings and seminars that assist SMEs in developing and enhancing entrepreneurship and skills of various business professionals.

             PCCI Human Resource Development

PCCI implements programs to strengthen the human resources of the country. It capacitates local chambers, associations, and companies with tools to become leaders in human resource development in their respective areas focused on advocating dual education and training to address the problem of skill mismatch.

WHAT CAN PCCI DO FOR YOU

  • REPRESENTATION IN GOVERNMENT POLICY-MAKING BODIES

As the recognized voice of Philippine business, PCCI represents the business sector in a number of government bodies tasked to implement various policy and support program.

The Chamber’s opinion is likewise eagerly sought by the country’s top leaders even on non-economic matters affecting national interest.

  • OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN PCCI STANDING COMMITTEES

Membership in committees is a privilege granted only to PCCI members. Involvement in PCCI committees keeps one abreast of the issues and concerns besetting various industries or sectors. Here, one gets the chance to directly influence the decision-making processes within the chamber, which shapes PCCI’s positions/actions on local and international economic issues.

  • PARTICIPATION AS OBSERVER IN BIDS AND AWARDS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

To ensure transparency in government pursuant to Section 9 of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Executive Order No. 40, PCCI also participates as observer in bids and awards of various government agencies.

  • ACCESS TO COUNTRYWIDE BUSINESS THROUGH THE LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

PCCI has over a hundred local chambers of commerce and industry members throughout the country. These chambers represent a significant network of local entrepreneurs and business leaders. They are divided into five (5) major geographical areas — North Luzon, NCR, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — and into nineteen (19) regions. These local chambers replicate the services of PCCI in their respective communities. They are also expected to have a strong and effective advocacy on local concerns and issues.

  • ACCESS TO TRADE AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

The Chamber also has a wide network of trade and industry associations which serve as sounding board on issues and concerns of their respective industries / sectors.

  • OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND DO BUSINESS WITH FOREIGN BUSINESS PARTNERS

The PCCI regularly receives foreign trade missions. Depending on the area of interest of these visiting businessmen, PCCI is able to identify members meeting the requirements of the mission and they are invited to one-on-one meetings to explore possible tie-ups. PCCI continually seeks out potential local and foreign business and trading partners through:

Inbound/Outbound Trade Missions. PCCI regularly sends and receives trade missions and delegations to or from different countries and international institutions. These missions aim at exploring possible tie-ups or in fulfillment of pre-existing bilateral agreements with other countries, foreign organizations or counterpart bilateral councils. These visits and bilateral exchanges are fertile sources of contacts from which significant joint ventures grow.

Business Councils. Business Councils are organized to promote trade and business relations among and between PCCI members and members of trade organizations abroad. These councils aim to: establish closer relations and collaboration through information exchange; organize seminars, trade missions and exhibitions; and form joint business councils. There are 54 business councils under the PCCI which promote trade in countries such as Australia, Argentina, Bahrain, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Cote d’ Ivoire, Croatia, Italy, Ivorian, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, People’s Republic of China, and Romania.

  • ACCESS TO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The PCCI regularly receives trade, business and research inquiries from all over the world. Most of these inquiries come from companies which are either looking for suppliers and buyers or business tie-ups. Through the PCCI’s system of trade opportunities referral, these foreign business inquiries are matched with local counterparts from PCCI’s database for possible trade partnership.

PCCI members may also avail of this service when looking for buyers and suppliers, both local and foreign. PCCI provides the following venues to access business opportunities:

  • National Business Database System
  • Matching, Opportunities, Ventures And Exchanges (M.O.V.E.) Towards Economic Development
  • One-on-One Business Matching Session
  • Lending Facilities for Businesses

 

  • BUSINESS FACILITATION

PCCI provides services that facilitate efficient conduct of business activities. These include the following:

  • Issuance of Certificates of Origin (CO)
  • APEC Business Travel Card
  • ATA Carnet

 

  • ACCESS TO LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAINING & SCHOLARSHIPS

Through PCCI’s extensive links with various local and international government and private institutions such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Scholarship Committee; Colombo Plan Secretariat; Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Employers Confederation (NIKKEIREN),the Employers Confederation of the Philippines; Kansai Economic Federation (KANKEIREN); Asian Productivity Organization (APO); Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), members are provided with firsthand opportunities to attend training programs here and abroad.

  • INFORMATION SERVICES

The PCCI offers a wide range of information services thru:

PCCI E-Newsletter

Philippine Trade and Industry Directory

PCCI Website (www.philippinechamber.com)

PCCI Facebook page

PCCI President’s Report

Link https://www.facebook.com/pcciofficial/inbox/