Setting a map for MAP

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has just inducted into office its 67th set of directors and officers led by its new president, Att. Perry Lim Pe, a managing partner at the Romulo Mabanta law firm and trustee of De La Salle University-Manila. The MAP, founded 66 years ago,  is now considered as the leading professional management organization in the country. Its membership is composed of almost 1,000 CEOs, COOs, and management practitioners from the top local and multinational companies in the Philippines. Its roster also includes management educators and government officials.

Its history and membership composition has also made MAP an influential voice in Philippine society and has become a serious advocate for public sector policies. During his inaugural address, president Perry Pe said that his focus, during his one year term, would be improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines especially in the area of foreign investments which will lead to creating more jobs and promoting inclusive growth.

He explained: “Our country’s competitiveness rankings over the last five years are encouraging. The Philippines has been blessed with the largest jumps in selected competitiveness ranking: + 49 in the Transparency International corruption perception Index; + 45 in the World Bank-IFC Ease of doing business Report; + 39 in the Heritage Foundation’s Economic Freedom Index; and + 38 in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness... There is a high correlation between the rankings and the attractiveness of our country to foreign direct investments. While our country has experienced a rise in investments, much still needs to be done.”

While the MAP intends to focus on identifying bureaucratic problem areas in national government agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Trade, it is also clear that many of the biggest problems to doing business are caused by local government units. The corruption and inefficient bureaucracies in local government units oftentimes extend to the barangay levels.

The guest speaker and inducting officer was Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. He offered his services to the MAP based on his experience in local government. Before he joined the national government in 2010, he served as City Administrator of Quezon City for nine years.

Perhaps the MAP can form a task force to focus on reforming  local governments. After he steps down, plain citizen Jojo Ochoa might  be persuaded to either head the task force or, at least, take an active role. His expertise in local government administration should be exploited by the business and non-government sectors.

While the MAP focuses on issues related to management excellence and good governance, the organization also believes that it should take a public stand on issues related to business, the economy and the general welfare of the Filipino people. The main instrument for studying and recommending MAP’s stand is the National Issues Committee (NIC).

This year, the NIC will have four main thrusts. The first is to support the organization’s aim to concentrate on reforms that will make it easier to do business and invest in this country. The second is to pursue the issues that were identified and included in the MAP‘s 2015 programs and proposals. One  important proposal is the creation of a Department of Information and Communication Technology. The Philippines has the capability and potential to become a major ICT in the world similar to India.

Another critical legislation  is the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The MAP and other major business organizations have publicly and actively supported the passage of this law. Hopefully, the BBL can still be passed by the present Congress.

Other pending proposals include retaining the Mining Act complemented by implementing a competitive fiscal regime; addressing smuggling and improving trade facilitation; reforming the judicial system; rationalizing fiscal incentives;  and, promoting anti-trust and competition policy.

The third thrust will to prepare a proposed economic agenda and proposals for the first 100 days of the next administration. Hopefully, this can help the next president and his or her team to “ hit the ground running” during their first 100 days in office. One proposal would be to take the necessary steps that would lead to the amendment of the Philippine Constitution of restrictive economic provisions that prevent greater inflow of foreign investments. Another proposal is to ensure that the Department of Education is fully manned and organized within the first 30 days of the new president’s term. This is crucial because this is the first year of the actual implementation of the K to 12 program. The more ideal alternative might be to convince Br. Armin Luistro to continue, as DepEd Secretary for the next two years until the K to 12 is fully implemented.

The fourth thrust would be to study how to further define the goal of inclusive growth. A growing concern by economists and social leaders is the continuous worsening of income inequality. Pope Francis has said, in his encyclical, that income inequality is the root of social ills and is the primary cause of violence in the world. Recently, Credit Suisse has released a study that shows that the wealthiest one percent in the world has more wealth than the remaining 99 percent of the world’s population. Serious income inequality is a primary obstacle to poverty alleviation and a potential trigger for populist revolutions.

The Management Association of the Philippines expects that in 2016 it will continue to conduct programs that will promote good governance in the business and government sectors; make the Philippines truly globally competitive; and, promote sustainable development that will give every Filipino a life of human dignity.

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The Aquino Legacy: An Enduring Narrative is a collection of essays and stories on Ninoy, Cory and the Aquino family who have played such a pivotal and dramatic role in shaping Philippine history. The book is co-authored by Elfren Sicangco Cruz and Neni Sta. Romana Cruz and is available in Fully Booked stores.

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