Philippine CEO Survey 2023

On a cohesion course: Leading in the age of unlimited possibilities

September 2023

In 2023, business leaders finally found the path towards growth and stability amidst the continuing challenges posed by the pandemic, geopolitical conflict, and macroeconomic volatility.

CEOs

%

of CEOs remain positive that their organizations will experience revenue growth in the next 12 months

%

of CEOs are confident about their industry’s prospects for the next 12 months

More businesses recovered from the pandemic, with 83% of CEOs reporting that their organizations had already rebounded. Additionally, 79% of CEOs remain positive that their organizations will experience revenue growth in the next 12 months, while 87% are certain that they will see an increase in revenue within the next three years. This optimism extends to industry prospects, with 83% of CEOs confident about their industry’s prospects for the next 12 months.

Despite the opportunities, businesses face threats from inflation (90%), macroeconomic instability (89%), cyber risks (81%), and supply chain constraints (78%). To mitigate these risks, CEOs are reducing their operating costs (54%) and diversifying their product/service offerings (49%). They are also investing in upskilling their workforce in priority areas (75%) and deploying technology (66%) in their operations.

In order for businesses to thrive, it is also crucial for the Philippine government to take an active role in supporting enterprises, promoting economic development, and removing obstacles to progress. The CEOs believe that the government’s performance in the areas of infrastructure development (62%), forging stronger relationships with other nations (64%), and promoting foreign investments (46%) has been, so far, satisfactory.

With 70% of CEOs doing business with international organizations, it is essential for the government to work towards deepening relationships with other nations. In order to further boost collaborations with other countries, the CEOs suggest that the government should improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines (89%) and improve technology and infrastructure across the country (75%).

01 CEO Pulse

CEO confidence

79%

of the CEOs are confident that their company will experience revenue growth in the next 12 months

Q How confident are you that your company will experience revenue growth in the next 12 months?

Key growth drivers of the Philippine economy for 2023

CEOs say that infrastructure development, domestic consumption and the BPO and services sector will be the key growth drivers of the Philippine economy in the next 12 months

2023 PwC MAP Survey

2022 PwC MAP Survey

Infrastructure development

Domestic consumption

BPO and services sector

OFW remittances

Foreign direct investments

Government spending

Tourism

Manufacturing and industry

Others

^{Q What do you think will be the key growth drivers of the Philippine economy in the next 12 months?}

Government performance

Forging stronger relationships with other nations

Pushing for infrastructure development

Promoting foreign investment

Promoting trade

Managing inflation

Managing interest rates

Fighting corruption

No particular area that is strikingly performing well

^{Q In your opinion, in which areas is our government performing well at the moment?}

02 Global transitions and greater collaboration

Top 3 important countries for growth

^{Q Which of the following countries do you consider most important for your company’s overall growth?}

Global economy

54%

of CEOs believe that the global economy will improve in the next 12 months.

In Asia, the CEOs say that Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore are the economies that will perform well in 2023.

^{Q How do you believe global economic growth (i.e., global real GDP) will change over the next 12 months?}

03 Shifting strategies

Pandemic recovery

83%

of organizations have recovered from the pandemic.

Q Has your company recovered from the impact of the pandemic?

Stumbling blocks towards recovery

^{Q If 'no', what factors are still negatively impacting your business?}

Bouncing back

62% of CEOs believe that their revenues in 2023 will be higher than they were before the pandemic.

22% of CEOs are expecting their revenues to be lower than pre-pandemic levels.

^{Q In your view, how will your company perform in 2023? (In terms of revenues/sales)}

04 The age of unlimited possibilities

Longevity

Talent retention

41%

of the CEOs say that their businesses will be economically viable for only up to six years if their companies continue to run on its current path.

Question If your company continues running on its current path, for how long do you think your business will be economically viable?

42%

of the CEOs believe that resignation/retirement will increase in their company in the next 12 months.

Question How do you believe employee resignation/retirement rates in your company will change in the next 12 months?

"MSMEs are the Real Employment generators of the Company. Banks and Other Financial Institutions duly supported by the Government should provide more incentives, ease of obtaining loans and Ease of Doing Business should be given to them.”

Joel GuillermoCEO/President, Royal Class Group

"The Philippine economy has strong potential for growth. The new administration has taken significant strides towards renewing its commitment to international trade relations. I look forward to the timely implementation of policy tools and its adequate funding, and enablement of much stronger and sustainable public private partnerships.”

Diana EdralinCEO/President, Roche Philippines, Inc.

"We need a strong direction from top levels of government and viable policies on key issues such as ease of doing business, forging stronger relationships with other nations, and domestic policy.”

Ira Paulo PozonManaging Partner, Pozon Recto Petrache and Laiz Law Offices

"Many employment challenges will keep depressing the purchasing power of the consumers and the economy. The government’s push for massive infrastructure spending and pull for foreign hard asset investments will help address these challenges in the next few years.”

Leo De VelezChairman, Frontlearners, Inc.

"If the government fosters transparency and accountability and backs that up by action and commitment, the Philippines will be a tiger economy in no time, and quality of life for all will be accessible.”

Alexander B. CabreraChairman Emeritus, PwC Philippines

"Small businesses and startups persistently encounter obstacles in catering to large enterprises. These challenges do not primarily stem from the inadequacy of our technology or solutions. Instead, they predominantly revolve around the arduous task of gaining access to key decision-makers and influencers who can leverage our offerings, coupled with the stringent procurement process requirements for engaging in business relationships.”

Vladimir ManuelCEO/President, adVVance Solutions