Security Bank Corporation (SBC) recently held its second economic forum for 2019 at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila in Mandaluyong City, highlighting the Build, Build, Build program of the government and its impact on various businesses nationwide.

Security Bank sees Build, Build, Build as a boon for the national economy because of the expected improvements in connectivity between key investment hubs across the country.

“We are in the middle of an economic milestone that will benefit the Philippines in the medium and long run. With 28 big ticket projects expected to be completed by 2022, truly, the country is at the cusp of the golden age of an infrastructure boom. This Economic Forum will hopefully help our clients determine how their companies can capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Security Bank President & CEO Alfonso L. Salcedo Jr.

Political and economic factors are intertwined prompting an expanded agenda in Security Bank’s Economic Forum.  “We have revised our economic forum to make it more interesting and relevant to its participants. We deem it important to include political developments and risks as necessary in helping the participants in the forum to make informed business decisions,” Salcedo explained.

The bank invited political and economic experts such as Professor Victor Andres C. Manhit, Founder & Managing Director of Stratbase Group, who talked about political risks and provided his insights on the 2019 midterm elections; and Calixto Chikiamco, President of the Foundation for Economic Freedom, who presented the structural weaknesses and strengths of the Philippine economy, and economic and political prospects.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral who served as the keynote speaker also highlighted the importance of the Build Build Build Program in the economy.

Salcedo said that this is the second economic forum of Security Bank this year, with five more in the pipeline. “This year we are taking our Economic Forum to key investment hubs nationwide to promote inclusivity of our BetterBanking commitment,” Salcedo added.

Security Bank is set to host the next Economic Fora in key cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

(in photo) Security Bank Chief Economist Robert Dan Roces, President of Foundation for Economic Freedom Calixto Chikiamco, SBC President & CEO Alfonso L. Salcedo Jr., ABS-CBN News Channel Anchor-Managing Editor Cathy Yang, and Managing Director of Stratbase Group, Professor Victor Andres C. Manhit