Calamba Premiere International Park (CPIP) was honored to take part in the 46th National Conference of Employers—one of the country’s most prominent gatherings of business leaders and decision-makers. The two-day event, held on July 29–30 at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel, carried the theme “Leading Transitions for a Sustainable Future.”
Laying the Groundwork: Day 1 Highlights
The conference opened with a message from Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Governor and NCE Chairperson Mr. Cesar Mario Mamon, who introduced the core focus of this year’s discussions: the Triple Transition—green, digital, and social. These transitions, he emphasized, are not isolated trends but deeply connected shifts reshaping how businesses operate today.
“These shifts are reshaping the way businesses operate, demanding innovative approaches to sustainability, technology, integration, and workforce development,” Mr. Mamon remarked in his opening call.
Adding momentum to the message was the keynote address by Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan, Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. His speech laid out a forward-looking vision aligned with ECOP’s commitment to sustainability and transformation.
Spotlight on the Green Transition
The first major session focused on the Green Transition, viewing sustainability more than just a trend, but also a long-term commitment. ECOP Chairman Mr. Edgardo G. Lacson reminded participants that, “Sustainability is not a slogan. It is a discipline. It is not a 5-year plan, but a generational promise.”
A panel composed of leaders from Arthaland Corporation, Manbrella Packaging Experts, Pandayan Bookshop, and Security Bank—moderated by Mr. Jonas Marie Dumdum of NRI Singapore—shared approaches to environmental responsibility. Topics ranged from shifting to renewable energy, circular economy models, and pollution reduction, to broader strategies for climate resilience. The panel also discussed potential policy reforms that can support sustainable business practices across sectors.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
Next came the Digital Transition, with a conversation on how businesses can keep pace with rapid technological change. While digital tools bring undeniable benefits—efficiency, innovation, and connectivity—challenges like cybersecurity, data protection, and digital workforce readiness also demand attention.
Moderated by ECOP Governor Perry Ferrer of Gruppo EMS, the panel featured Hon. Rosanna Urdaneta (TESDA), Ms. Michelle Alarcon (Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines), and Atty. Jay-R Ipac (DivinaLaw). The session zoomed in on the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it’s transforming the workplace. The key takeaway: businesses must take the lead in shaping how AI integrates into the workplace, not the other way around.
Centering People in the Transition
Day 2 placed the spotlight on the Social Transition, emphasizing the need for people-centered change. The third panel focused on building inclusive and equitable workplaces—spaces where diversity is respected, labor rights protected, and workers are empowered through upskilling and lifelong learning.
Moderated by Ms. Rhoda Caliwara of the Women’s Business Council Philippines, the panel included insights from Mr. Khalid Hassan (ILO Philippines), Ms. Olivia Limpe-Aw (Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.), and Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog (UA&P). Together, they explored the intersection of social inclusion, labor rights, and workforce resilience in today’s evolving business landscape.
Looking Ahead: Integration and Commitment
To close the event, Hon. Bienvenido Laguesma, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, delivered a keynote on how Human Resource (HR) and Industrial Relations (IR) strategies must evolve to navigate the Triple Transition effectively. His address brought the three transitions together into one integrated vision—underscoring that a sustainable future requires action across the three transitions.
The conference concluded with the Kapatiran sa Industriya (KAPATID) awards and a special toast to celebrate ECOP’s 50th anniversary—marking five decades of leadership in labor and industry.
CPIP: Supporting Progress, Shaping the Future
CPIP is honored to have been part of this important event. Represented by General Manager Carlos Po and key team members from Administration, Accounting, Environmental Relations, Marketing, and HR, our participation reflects CPIP’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking growth.
As one of the country’s industrial parks, we recognize the responsibility that comes with our role. We’re focused on helping industries grow in ways that are cleaner, smarter, and more people-centered.
The conversations at the conference were both inspiring and grounding. They remind us that we’re not just managing a space—we’re building an environment where businesses can innovate, communities can thrive, and progress can be shared.
