East Asia Business Council (EABC) Philippines Chair Jay Yuvallos urged Philippine businesses to deepen their integration into the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), warning that the country could miss out on opportunities in the world’s largest trade bloc if it continues to pursue fragmented economic strategies.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Management Association of the Philippines, Yuvallos said the Philippines should treat regional integration as a long-term national strategy rather than a series of short-term initiatives.
RCEP, which took effect in 2022, groups 15 Asia-Pacific economies and covers about 30% of global gross domestic product and a market of roughly 2.3 billion people. The pact is expected to strengthen regional trade, investment and supply chain links.
Yuvallos said EABC Philippines is pursuing RCEP awareness programmes, business clinics, regional support units for enterprises, value-chain mapping for micro, small and medium enterprises, digital trade and payments platforms, and a circular economy toolkit to support sustainable production.
“These initiatives are small steps, but when coordinated, they can create meaningful impact,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as immediate past president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yuvallos cited Cebu as an example of how regional competitiveness can be built through stronger ecosystem development. He said Central Cebu has emerged as a hub for trade, services and manufacturing, while other areas support shipbuilding, logistics, agro-industry and tourism.
But he said Cebu’s progress also highlights a wider national problem.
“We must overcome our biggest challenge: fragmentation,” Yuvallos said. “Fragmented agendas, silos, and turf wars slow progress. The enemy is us.”
He said stronger coordination is especially urgent as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, adding that neighbouring economies such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are moving aggressively to secure positions in regional value chains.
Yuvallos said the Philippine chairmanship presents an opportunity to advance initiatives that could benefit local industries, particularly MSMEs, creative industries, semiconductors and critical minerals.
He also stressed the need to involve young Filipinos in shaping the country’s long-term direction, saying accountability, transparency and active participation would be critical as the next generation moves into leadership roles.
“We must do something for our youth and the future,” he said. “Their insights remind us that the future belongs to the prepared, united, and empowered.”
Business News Asia
