
Photo Courtesy of PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Philippine business sector as a powerful catalyst for transformation within the country and called for their unwavering support in the government’s efforts to address vital issues like food security and climate change. Speaking at the 3rd APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting in Cebu City on Friday, President Marcos recognized the pivotal role of the business community in upholding responsible business conduct, contributing to the growth and progress of the Asia-Pacific region. “We need not only cooperation but the leadership of the business sector in setting up standards on responsible business conduct that will encourage sustainable practices while balancing rapid growth, not a simple job to do,” stated the President. Highlighting the business sector’s ability to collaborate with the government in finding solutions to pressing challenges, President Marcos emphasized the significance of their partnership in combating energy insecurity, as well as the triple threat of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The President further encouraged the exploration of innovative technologies and approaches, citing nuclear energy and small modular reactors as potential options to pave the way for low or zero-carbon energy sources. The 3rd APEC Business Advisory Council meeting gathered business leaders from the 21 APEC economies to engage in discussions about critical issues, including energy security, food security, climate change, digitalization, and innovation. ABAC serves as an annual dialogue platform, facilitating discussions between leaders and APEC officials to tackle matters of business interest and formulate recommendations for positive advancements. With President Marcos Jr. advocating for the collaborative efforts of the business and government sectors, the Philippines aims to take significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient future.