The Philippines enters 2026 anticipating an economic rebound after an otherwise disappointing year. As the nation searches for bright spots amid a cloudy economic outlook, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) remains firm in its commitment to helping the country achieve its growth goals.

Headed by Sabin M. Aboitiz, president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Group, PSAC was launched in July 2022 to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors in pursuing national economic priorities under Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Aboitiz is joined by other leaders from across the private sector, who contribute expertise from their respective industries.

At the start of his tenure, Aboitiz emphasized that closer public-private collaboration would be key to economic recovery.

He expressed optimism that working hand in hand with the government to advance PSAC’s five priority areas — digital infrastructure and connectivity, labor development, infrastructure, logistics and supply chain reforms, agriculture, and healthcare — would yield broad-based benefits.

“The close partnership between the public and private sectors will continue to deepen with the establishment of PSAC under President Marcos. We are optimistic that by working hand in hand with the government to develop the five priority areas, we will see a revitalized economy that all Filipinos will benefit from,” Aboitiz then said.

Digital infrastructure quickly emerged as a cornerstone of PSAC’s work.

Since 2022, the council has pushed for faster broadband rollout, streamlined permitting for telecommunications infrastructure, and stronger public-private coordination to improve nationwide connectivity.

During a PSAC meeting with the President in April 2024, Aboitiz stressed the importance of execution over policy abstraction.

“By aligning the private sector’s strengths with the government’s supportive mechanisms, we are setting the stage for a rapid and sustainable enhancement of our nation’s connectivity,” he said.

On jobs and education, PSAC focused on workforce upskilling to future-proof the Philippines’ services and digital economy.

Beginning in 2023, the council supported large-scale training initiatives for BPO and digital workers, which Aboitiz described as inclusive efforts “not just for tech experts — but for all Filipinos.”

Aboitiz also spearheaded initiatives aimed at food security and sustainability, including the Brown Rice/Single-Pass Rice Initiative and the Half-Cup Rice Initiative.

These programs seek to reduce rice waste, promote healthier consumption, and improve national rice self-sufficiency.

“These efforts go beyond addressing food security. They represent a meaningful step toward sustainability, healthier living, and more efficient use of our resources,” Aboitiz said.

PSAC’s initiatives underscore sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector leaders, and local communities.

“Our approach is clear: we work together as a nation. These programs are a testament to the strength of public-private collaboration, and I’m optimistic they will deliver meaningful results,” Aboitiz stressed.