More than 400 leaders from the government, business, and development sectors across Regions 1, 2, 3, and the Cordillera Administrative Region convened on Tuesday for the opening of the 35th North Luzon Area Business Conference (NLABC), underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity across Northern Luzon.

Hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tarlac Chapter led by President Aileen Uy-Chan, the conference, which opened at the Bulwagang Kanlahi, Diwa ng Tarlac Convention Center, is anchored on the theme, “North Luzon Now: Stronger in Inclusivity and Sustainable Prosperity,” highlighting the need for urgency, cooperation, and long-term resilience amid a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, who graced the conference, described the NLABC as an important gathering of leaders from the business, government, and industry sectors to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Northern Luzon.

Governor Yap underscored the importance of collective action in building a more inclusive economy, expanding investment opportunities, and promoting long-term development for communities across the region.

He said the Province of Tarlac remains committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunities in business, tourism, agriculture, and other key sectors that contribute to economic growth and improve the lives of residents.

Yap likewise emphasized that stronger collaboration among stakeholders is essential in broadening opportunities for development and securing a more prosperous future for Northern Luzon.

The NLABC serves as a premier platform for aligning regional development priorities, strengthening MSME integration into regional value chains, encouraging investments, and fostering public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating economic growth throughout North Luzon.