The upcoming Philippine Business Conference (PBC), the country’s largest annual gathering of business organizations in the country, will push forward strategic policies that address the most urgent needs that arise with digital transformation, highlighting a national hackathon championship.
The 51st PBC & Expo with the theme “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” is happening on October 20-21, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The business gathering is an annual event of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This year’s PBC&E will bring together national leaders, global experts, technology innovators, and entrepreneurs to turn the promise of digital transformation into concrete, actionable solutions for Philippine businesses and communities.
It is expected to press for government action on the country’s digitalization pace. Some of the expected PBC Resolutions to be submitted to President Marcos include:
*Expanding nationwide broadband access and last-mile connectivity
- Providing tax incentives and financing programs for MSMEs adopting digital tools
- Exploring the labor-impacts of AI
- Implementing nationwide digital literacy and upskilling programs
- Strengthening data privacy and cybersecurity frameworks
- Setting-up innovation hubs and tech incubation programs through public-private collaboration.
“This year is about action — not just talk,” said Mr. Dennis Anthony H. Uy, PCCI 51st PBC&E Chairman. “We are creating a space where ideas become projects, where technology meets opportunity, and where the benefits of digital tools are made accessible to all sectors of society.”
True to its commitment to bring in more tangible and actionable conference components this year, the PBC&E Tech Showcase will be highlighting this event. For the first time, the tech expo will be available to the public on October 20-21, offering attendees a hands-on experience with cutting-edge solutions from both local and international tech companies.
Nationwide Hackathon Championship
Another major highlight of this year’s PBC&E is the National Hackathon Championship, the grand culmination of months of innovation and competition across the country. Regional champions from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will converge in Manila to battle it out in an intense final round — brainstorming, coding, and pitching their tech-driven solutions to real-world challenges in front of an elite panel of industry experts, investors, and government leaders.
From AI-powered business platforms that can transform SMEs, to digital inclusion tools that bring education and opportunities to underserved communities, the ideas on stage promise to be bold, disruptive, and impactful.
The stakes are high: winning teams will take home not just national recognition and coveted mentorship from top innovators, but also a substantial cash prize, free high-speed internet connection, and exclusive opportunities for their solutions to be adopted and deployed by both public and private sector partners. More than a competition it is a launchpad for the country’s next generation of tech trailblazers.
