The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the nation’s largest business organization, is making digital transformation the central focus of its premier gathering for business leaders: the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E).
Set to take place on October 20 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, this year’s conference underscores the urgent need for local enterprises to embrace digital tools for competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio emphasized the conference theme, “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” as a call to action.
“It’s time to act boldly and strategically to harness the full potential of digital technology and innovation. If we want to compete for investments and capital, our local enterprises need to remain competitive on the global stage, and for our workers and youth to thrive in an evolving technological landscape, we must embrace digital transformation,” Mangio stressed.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony H. Uy, who chairs PCCI’s IT and Telco committee and heads the conference, shares a vision of a digitally empowered Philippines. “Digital transformation is the key to unlocking our nation’s full potential and ensuring no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital world,” Uy stated. Mangio further highlighted the necessity of a clear, unified digital roadmap, urging robust collaboration between the government and the private sector to accelerate digital infrastructure rollout.
In preparation for the conference, PCCI and Converge, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have already launched a nationwide series of hackathons across North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR. These initiatives aim to foster the development of practical tech solutions specifically designed to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) overcome real-world business challenges.
Digital transformation’s role in the Philippine fintech landscape
The emphasis on digital transformation at the PCCI conference holds significant implications for the burgeoning Philippine fintech industry. As businesses across all sectors are urged to digitize, the demand for innovative financial technologies — from digital payments and lending platforms to blockchain-based solutions and cybersecurity for financial transactions — will undoubtedly surge.
The call for a unified digital roadmap directly benefits fintech by providing a clearer regulatory and infrastructural environment for innovation. A robust digital infrastructure, as advocated by PCCI and Converge, is the bedrock upon which seamless digital financial services can be built, enabling faster and more secure transactions and expanding financial inclusion to underserved populations.
This heightened focus on digital adoption also encourages traditional financial institutions to accelerate their own digital journeys, often through partnerships with fintech startups or by developing in-house digital capabilities. The hackathons leading up to the conference, geared towards developing tech solutions for MSMEs, are particularly relevant.
Many of these solutions could directly integrate with or inspire new fintech services, such as streamlined digital invoicing, automated bookkeeping, or accessible micro-lending platforms, thereby empowering small businesses with the financial tools they need to thrive in a digital economy.
The conference serves as a crucial platform to forge these connections and accelerate the pace of fintech innovation and adoption across the Philippines.
Showcasing tomorrow’s tech today
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony H. Uy, who chairs PCCI’s IT and Telco committee
More than 2,000 delegates are expected to attend this year’s conference, where they will have the opportunity to explore “the future” through a tech expo. This expo will feature cutting-edge solutions ranging from AI-driven automation to smart infrastructure, all designed to help businesses operate smarter and grow faster.
Uy noted that both local and international tech companies will be present, showcasing emerging technologies and demonstrating how digital transformation can drive growth across various sectors.
“This conference is more than just a discussion — it’s a launchpad for ideas, partnerships, and innovations that can bring every Filipino business into the digital age,” said Uy.
Now in its 51st year, the Philippine Business Conference and Expo remains PCCI’s flagship event, serving as a vital convergence point for policymakers, industry experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and build crucial networking opportunities.
