THE first Philippine Industrial Summit kicked off on Monday, November 25, with an exhibit participated by some 25 firms or locators of the Phividec Industrial Authority in Misamis Oriental.
Phividec Administrator Franklin Quijano said over the years, industrialization has slowed down.
"2 or 3 decades ago, we have robust industry. Basketball teams are formed because of the prosperity of our industries, pero wala na sila now, even our textile are not made in the Philippines anymore. We don't have large indsutries anymore," he said.
Quijano urged the public to be optimistic and move forward despite the challenges.
"Instead of grieving for the demise, but we should move forward, we should ask what should the picture now be?" he added.
With the theme "Building the Industrial Philippines," the three-day summit will mark the jumpstart of an industrial revolution that will set the nation forward on a global economic platform.
The summit will be a gathering of tycoons from various industries, including leaders from private and public sectors, government agencies, policy makers, members of the academe, and the media.
Participants will engage in relevant discussions to establish networks, create a cohesive vision of a modern industry and share ideas on courses of action.