Concepcion, Fil-Chinese businessmen commit support for Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion and business group Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) yesterday expressed support for President Marcos and his plans amid challenges faced by the country in terms of health and the economy.

In a statement, Concepcion congratulated Marcos on his inauguration as the 17th president of the republic, and said the new President has the support of the private sector, especially as the country is confronted with many challenges.

“President Marcos spoke of the people’s dreams being his own dreams, of wishing for a better life in a safer, more prosperous country. I think that resonated deeply with our country’s small entrepreneurs,” Concepcion said.

He said improving the lives of Filipinos is a shared goal, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are ready to put in the hard work for a better future.

He also said he is optimistic that Marcos’ plans to prioritize agriculture and promote self-sufficiency would lead to unprecedented government support for the country’s farmers, many of whom are self-employed “agripreneurs.”

On health, he said the private sector would continue to support the new administration in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The private sector is doing what it can to help the government on the health front,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to more collaboration between the public and private sector under the new administration.

“Together with the millions of Filipinos who aspire for a better life, I celebrate the beginning of this new phase in the country’s history with hopeful gratitude for our new president’s dedication to uplifting the Filipino entrepreneur,” he said.

For his part, FFCCCII president Henry Lim Bon Liong said the group supports Marcos’ plans and reforms for the country’s economic recovery and sustainable growth.

“This peaceful transfer of political power is a resounding victory for Philippine democracy and stability, and which shall bolster economic recovery and growth momentum. The success of the new government shall mean progress, stability and social peace for our whole Philippine society,” he said.

He said the FFCCCII supports the new administration’s goals on food self-sufficiency, energy supply stability, poverty alleviation, agriculture modernization, revival of tourism industry, jobs creation, expansion of industries, reforms and upgrading the education system under Vice President Sara Duterte as education secretary, strengthening independent foreign policy, continuing infrastructure modernization and safeguarding the environment.

While FFCCCII is hopeful of seeing the country’s economic recovery, there are challenges such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, economic volatility and the lingering negative effects of the global pandemic.

“We at the FFCCCII urge our fellow citizens, all sectors and our leaders to unite and work hard for a better, more progressive Philippines. In a world now confronted with economic and geopolitical uncertainties, let us strengthen national unity and reforms for strong economic recovery and better global competitiveness,” Lim said.