Online summit highlights business resilience and economic recovery

  • 3rd Mar 2021

The ongoing public health crisis has gravely wounded the national economy. And as businesses step into the post-coronavirus future, the need for essential information on economic and industry recovery becomes urgent. Providing a platform to discuss such issues surrounding the new normal was the primary goal of the recently concluded Batangas Development Summit (BDS) Online Edition held last December 04. 

Organized by FAITH Colleges, the 12th BDS sheds light on issues about the new normal, and shares insights about economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the areas of business innovation, tourism, education, and health. The summit, through the various speakers it has invited over the years, continues to focus on inclusive growth by highlighting contributions, plans, and programs for the sustainable development of Batangas by both the private and public sectors.

In his keynote speech, Batangas Governor Hermilando “Dodo” I. Mandanas highlighted the key role of Batangas in the socio-economic activities of the country and how the provincial government will continue to invest more in the areas of healthcare, education, livelihood, and agriculture, especially during these times.

“The private sector has been hampered tremendously by this pandemic. Therefore, the government has to step in substantially. And here in the province of Batangas, that is exactly what we are doing. We are currently mobilizing our resources to push forward with our development projects that will create more jobs and opportunities for our fellow Batangueños,” said Governor Mandanas. 

Among this year’s speakers were Mr. Artie Lopez, Co-Founder and Startup Coach of Brainsparks, who talked about social innovation and its growing significance; and Ms. Joanna Veronica V. Ortiz, Vice President of Batangas Lakelands, who shared the power of outdoor tourism in the new normal and its integral role in industry recovery. 

On the other hand, Ms. Maria Rosario B. Cesario, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of FAITH Colleges, and Mr. Brian Vincent L. Belen, Ph.D., President of Diwa Learning Systems, Inc., highlighted in their respective talks how academic institutions and learning solutions providers have adapted and risen to the challenges brought by online distance learning and other modalities in place. 

Also joining the roster of speakers was Dr. Venus Cloma-Rosales, Founder and Managing Director of 101 Health Research, who explained the future of the healthcare industry in the post-pandemic world. 

During his closing remarks, Team First Asia Chairman Mr. Saturnino G. Belen, Jr. extended his appreciation to all the attendees who made the first online edition of BDS a huge success. He also expressed his hope for a better and brighter road to recovery for the province of Batangas. 

“While the pandemic may be far from over, we need to find ways to change and adapt. Slowly but surely, every day, people, as well as institutions and businesses, should navigate their way to the road of recovery. Batangas province continues to be in the top 10 in the 81 provinces in the Philippines, maintaining its top 3 spot. And I’m sure that the competent and dynamic Batangas leaders, from both business, industry, government, and academe, will rise to the challenge of coping with the consequences brought about by the Taal Volcano eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr. Belen concluded.

For its latest edition, BDS was once again spearheaded by FAITH Colleges through Brainsparks, an innovation and startup hub engaged in mentoring, coaching, and incubating companies in the Philippines. The event was also made possible by its sponsors, namely Limapark Hotel, Batangas Lakelands, and Maxicare. 

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