PASIG CITY, PHILIPPINES — Fostering a future built on technological advancement and market inclusivity, the Pasig City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PasCham) hosted the highly anticipated Pasig Business Community Assembly on July 9, 2026, at Sentro 1771.
Centering on the theme “Building Resilience Through Technology and Innovation and Launching of Halal Pasig 2026–2028,” the premier networking and fellowship event gathered an elite roster of government leaders, business executives, and international diplomats.
A Unified Vision for Inclusive Progress
The afternoon commenced with high-profile keynote addresses emphasizing public-private collaboration. Specifically, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto delivered the opening keynotes. Both leaders reinforced the city’s unwavering commitment to fostering local innovation and sustaining inclusive economic growth.
Furthermore, the event’s regional and international significance was elevated by key messages of support:
- Hon. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Representative of the Second District of Pampanga) extended a special video message advocating for strategic regional cooperation.
- His Excellency Malik Melvin Castellino (Ambassador of the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines) underscored the booming global potential of the Halal sector. He also emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships.
Navigating the Future: Economic Trends, AI, and SME Finance
To equip local enterprises with actionable strategies for an evolving market landscape, the assembly featured a series of masterclasses led by seasoned industry experts:
- Jonathan Ravelas (Managing Director of eMBM Corp and Senior Adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co.) provided a comprehensive outlook on economic trends to help businesses navigate financial climates.
- Jerry Ilao (President of the Philippine AI Business Association) outlined AI-driven business frameworks designed to optimize local operations and enhance market competitiveness.
- Charilene L. Viray (Account Officer from the Land Bank of the Philippines) shared crucial roadmaps for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) financing to open doors for sustainable capital.
Pioneering Inclusivity: The Launch of Halal Pasig 2026–2028
A major milestone of the assembly was the official unveiling of the Halal Pasig 2026–2028 Development Program. This forward-thinking roadmap intends to position Pasig City as a progressive hub for culturally inclusive and responsible enterprise.
Following the launch, an insightful panel discussion explored the intersections of technology, ethics, and cultural markets. The panel featured prominent advocates and policy drivers, including:
- Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte (Director of the DTI Export Marketing Bureau)
- Analiza G. Flores (Halal Industry Development Advocate)
- Sheikh Sabuddin N. Abdurahim (Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos)
Guided smoothly by emcee Cha Pestaño Diaz (Co-Founder and Business Development Director of Artisano Studio), the panel collectively emphasized a key point. They noted that true business resilience relies heavily on adopting modern tech while maintaining doors open to diverse consumer demographics.
Setting the Stage for Sustainable Growth
In conclusion, the 2026 Pasig Business Community Assembly successfully bridged the gap between traditional enterprise and futuristic market demands. By seamlessly weaving together technological adaptation and the structured expansion of the Halal industry, PasCham has firmly established a resilient benchmark for chambers across Metro Manila. Ultimately, this milestone sets the stage for Pasig’s continued evolution as a hub for innovation and responsible commercial enterprise.