The 35th North Luzon Area Business Conference (NLABC) officially opened on Tuesday, April 14, at Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant, gathering over 400 leaders from government, business, and development sectors across Regions 1, 2, 3, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tarlac Chapter led by President Aileen Uy-Chan, this year’s conference carries the theme “North Luzon Now: Stronger in Inclusivity and Sustainable Prosperity,” emphasizing urgency, collaboration, and long-term resilience.
In her welcome message, Uy-Chan underscored the region’s growing role in the national economy and the need for decisive action.
“North Luzon is not just a supporting player in the national economy. We are a growth center in our own right,” she said. “Opportunities will not wait—and neither should we.”
She stressed that growth must be both inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and communities are not left behind.
“Today is a signal that North Luzon is ready to work together, dream bigger, and act faster,” Uy-Chan added.
Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, who also addressed delegates and members of the media, highlighted ongoing reforms in the city, including efforts to digitalize business processing and improve public services.
“We are moving towards digitalization… so all inquiries will not require you to go to City Hall,” Yap said, noting plans to establish a contact center to streamline transactions.
She also emphasized the importance of peace and order and urban readiness in driving economic growth and tourism.
“Any LGU should answer the needs of the constituents in peace and order,” she said, adding that cleanliness and waste management remain key concerns. “When you invite tourists, the city has to be ready.”
Mayor Yap called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to position Tarlac as a competitive destination, while expressing gratitude to the PCCI and MSMEs for hosting the regional gathering.
The NLABC serves as a premier platform to align development priorities, strengthen MSME integration into regional value chains, and foster public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth in North Luzon.
