09/05/2026
In a time of increasing global uncertainty, Baguio’s growth story is being tested—revealing both the strength of its economic foundation and the urgency of adapting to new realities.
At the recent Economic Survival and Growth Briefing, organized by the Baguio Business Club in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region and the Metro BLISTT Development Authority, leaders from business, government, academe, and national agencies came together to examine the region’s path forward under mounting pressures.
The Baguio Business Club extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished speakers who shared their valuable insights and perspectives:
• Engr. Mark Joseph G. Lacambra, President of the Baguio Business Club, for setting the tone on resilience and proactive leadership.
• Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, for providing a comprehensive national and global economic outlook while emphasizing three key priorities for long-term national resilience: strengthening food banking initiatives to minimize food wastage and support the nutrition and development of young children; encouraging the growth of urban gardens to help alleviate pressures on food security; and promoting the construction of mini dams to help address the ongoing energy challenges being experienced across the province, address the water shortage of the region, particularly Baguio, and for irrigation of farms.
• Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City, for grounding the discussion in local realities and response strategies.
• PD Felicitas O. Bandoniil of DTI Baguio-Benguet, for highlighting MSME support initiatives and trade opportunities.
• Asec. Ma. Monica C. Costales of MBLISTTDA, for outlining regional development directions within BLISTT.
• Mr. Angelo Madrid of Maya Bank, for presenting digital financial solutions and innovation opportunities.
• Hon. Alfredo B. Dacumos Jr., Mayor of Sablan and MBLISTTDA Co-Chairperson, for reinforcing the importance of unified action and regional collaboration
Discussions highlighted a broader economic landscape where growth remains present, yet more measured. While the Philippines continues to be among the faster-growing economies in the region, investments are becoming more cautious and external pressures—particularly rising energy costs—are creating a more complex operating environment for businesses.
For Metro BLISTT, these challenges are felt more immediately. With a service-driven economy accounting for a significant majority of local activity, even modest increases in fuel prices can cascade across transportation, tourism, supply chains, and daily operations. This interconnected structure reinforces the need for resilience strategies that go beyond individual sectors.
Insights shared during the briefing pointed to a critical shift in approach: viewing the local economy as an integrated system that must remain functional even under stress. Ensuring the continuity of essential services, strengthening support for MSMEs, enabling access to financing, and embracing digital solutions were all identified as key components in sustaining economic activity during periods of disruption.
Across all discussions, one message remained clear: resilience is a shared responsibility. The challenges ahead call for stronger alignment between public and private sectors, guided by sound policy, innovation, and a collective commitment to stability and progress.
The Baguio Business Club remains steadfast in its role as a platform for dialogue and collaboration—bringing together key stakeholders to help navigate uncertainty and shape a more resilient, adaptive, and forward-looking regional economy.
