GMA leads Ecop gab on job creation

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) will hold its 25th National Conference of Employers on April 21-22 at the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel.

President Arroyo is the guest of honor and main speaker. Conference resolutions will be presented to the President by ECOP officers led by chairman Miguel B. Varela, president Soriano, and conference chairman Feliciano Torres.

Torres said participants aim to (1) build up a social consensus on a national-enhancing reform agenda to save and strengthen industries and jobs, and (b) institutionalize a process on how social partnerships can strengthen the ranks of employees and managers, and (c) share each other’s formula for success.

The conference theme is "Forging Winning Social Partnerships for Global Competitiveness."

Main sponsors are the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, International Labor Organization, US Agency for International Development, Asia Foundation, Social Security System, Ford Motors Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Manila Bulletin, Manpower Outsourcing Services, Nestle, Commercial Market Strategies, Bank of Commerce, Home Mutual Development Fund, Philippine Airlines, Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing

Splash Manufacturing, Toyota Motor Philippines, Proest Philippines, Employees Compensation Commission, Globe Telecom, CS Garments, Automotive Interiors Corp., San Miguel Corp., Union Home Appliances, Business World Online, G8Way Media Corp., and Visteon Phils.

Keynote speaker is Associate Justice Artemio V. Panganiban of the Supreme Court. To be introduced by ECOP president-emeritus Ancheta K. Tan, Panganiban will discuss recent decisions of the Supreme Court that have impact on business and investment decisions.

Varela and Abhik Ghosh, senior labor administration and labor relations specialist of the International Labor Organization — Manila, will deliver opening statements. Welcome remarks will be delivered by Soriano.

Five plenary sessions will be held. The main topic of Session 1 — World Competitiveness Report: Insights, Lessons and Prescriptions — will be discussed by Sittie Hannisha Mayo Butocan of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center.

Other speakers are Dr. Rolando B. Hortaleza of Splash Manufacturing Corporation; Carlos C. Ejercito, United Laboratories, Inc.; Ernest L. Cu, SPI Technologies, Inc.; and Jovel M. Cipriano, Pinoy Delikasi.com.

Annabel T. Abaya of the Conflict Resolution Group Foundation will take about Alternative Dispute Resolution. Speakers for the panel discussion on managing employment flexibility are Ernesto R. Bitoio Jr., assistant labor secretary; Nilo Cruz, Hewlett Packard Phils. Corp.; and David Arkless, Manpower Inc.