2025 FPI Business Summit: Helping Local Industries Thrive Through Turbulent Times

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) held its annual Business Summit at the Manila Polo Club on October 8, 2025. With the theme “Thriving Thru Turbulence: Advancing Philippine Manufacturing Resilience & Growth”, the summit was aimed to help revitalize manufacturing and production in the country through joint efforts with the affected industries, concerned government agencies, and subsequently, the consumers. FPI has long been the advocate of the “Buy Filipino” movement to support local industries and a staunch supporter of the “Philippine Standard (PS) Mark” to ensure the quality of local products.

“Why is an automotive website such as Power Wheels Magazine covering an event for local manufacturing industries?” you may wonder. The reason is simple: The Philippine automotive industry is affected when other manufacturing industries are on the decline. You see, the few automotive factories that are left in the country after most car brands moved their manufacturing bases to Thailand, China, or elsewhere in the region, still rely on the local steel, aluminum, glass, wood, paper, cement, plastic and other industries for supplies. Similarly, these local industries provide employment for our countrymen, most of whom are customers of the auto industry, in one way or another. It’s a local ecosystem that every Filipino must protect and support.

 Shared Responsibility

FPI Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jesus “Jess” Arranza emphasized that building a strong economy does not rest solely on the shoulders of the local industry. It is a shared responsibility of both the private sector and the government. He believes that by working together, the Philippines can have a robust domestic market that supports the local industries and sustains an inclusive growth that will benefit all Filipinos. He enjoins the government to shield domestic industries from smuggled and substandard imported products and, strengthen and support local research and development (R&D).

FPI Chairperson Elizabeth “Beth” Lee stated that the federation is the embodiment of the strength of Philippine manufacturing, the grit of local enterprises, and the determination of the local industries, which is the backbone of the National Economy, to promote meaningful change. She emphasized that the annual summit is a working platform to openly discuss issues affecting the industries, confront the challenge, and create action plans that will help move the country towards a brighter future. She shares that idea that a working collaboration between the local industries and government will ultimately lead to lasting progress and prosperity.

Government Commitment

Secretary Cristina “Cris” Roque expressed the support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) towards the goals of FPI. She emphasized that the government agency has always worked towards the welfare of the Filipino consumers and even reminded the audience that October every year is “Consumers’ Welfare Month” that shows the government’s thrust towards consumer protection. She says that DTI is working with the private sector and other government agencies to cut red tape and help implement the “ease of doing business” in the country. Sec. Roque called on the audience to help her help the industry by working closely with the DTI.

The message of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick “Fred” Go was delivered by Assistant Secretary Angel Ignacio. She stated that the President constantly monitors foreign and local investments and has instructed Sec. Go to keep a close tab on local industries to ensure that government acts on their concerns. She said that Sec. Go is working with the concerned government agencies and the private sector to help strengthen the Philippine industry through the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) program, which is a flagship business initiative of the current administration.

Protecting Local Industries

For his part, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno admitted that corruption in government will be difficult to stop because of its decades-long roots and wrong practices. However, as the recently-appointed Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Nepomuceno stated that he will make it extremely difficult to smuggle, undervalue importations and falsify customs documents by implementing the digitalization and streamlining of Customs processes and procedures. Commissioner Nepomuceno later signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FPI, the BOC and the Civil Defense establishment to curb smuggling and help protect local industries.

FPI President John Reinier Dizon expressed the federation’s appreciation for the support extended by the DTI, BOC and the Office of the President, as well as the support of FPI member-companies, the event sponsors, and the members of the media, who took time out of their busy schedules to make the 2025 FPI Business Summit a resounding success. Dizon appreciated the achievements made during the event and hopes that the effects can be soon felt by Filipino consumers.

Chairman Emeritus Arranza, President Dizon, Director Greg Chan, and other FPI officials openly expressed their appreciation of FPI Chairperson Elizabeth Lee for her tireless efforts to ensure the success not only of the event and the revitalization of FPI, but of her concern for the entire Philippine industry. For our part, Power Wheels Magazine will cover the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) with renewed fervor and update you, our dear readers, about the developments in the local industry. Buy Filipino, support local industries, and together, let’s help grow the National Economy.