Laying the foundation for a resilient Philippine capital market

Building a business in the Philippines demands more than grit. Entrepreneurs must navigate persistent challenges: inconsistent policies, constrained capital and constantly evolving investor expectations.

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(Part 1) It is against this backdrop that principles like clear leadership, transparent communication and the ability to earn market confidence become paramount—principles that formed the core of this year's Investor Relations Forum, held on June 11, 2025, and hosted by the Shareholders' Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL).

The forum featured candid insights from industry leaders: Edgar "Ed" Saavedra, CEO of Megawide and Citicore Energy REIT and Robrina "Robby" Go, country head of UBS Securities Philippines. They shared practical strategies for fostering effective investor engagement, in a discussion skillfully moderated by Rens Cruz II, group investor relations manager of Filinvest Development Corp.

The role of investor relations in building market trust

In her keynote address, SharePHIL chairperson Aurora "Boots" Geotina-Garcia hailed the appointment of former SharePHIL president and current trustee, Francis Edralin Lim, as the new Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, calling it "a milestone for the capital market industry."

Geotina-Garcia expressed widespread confidence in Lim's leadership: "The entire business community believes Francis will usher in a new era of development for our capital markets."

Highlighting the significance of this transition, she underscored the critical importance of investor relations (IR) professionals. Geotina-Garcia stressed that core principles—leadership in corporate strategy, unwavering transparency and cultivating robust market confidence—are fundamental, not merely aspirational:

"These principles form the bedrock of successful and sustainable IR strategies. Your vital role in bridging companies with the investment community makes this discussion essential."

Entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in Philippine business