~ OIDCI ~
CELEBRATING 40TH ANNIVERSARY

FORMER PM VIRATA CALLS ON THE YOUTH TO ENGAGE IN AGRI-ENTREPRENEURSHIP,
URGES SWIFT PPP EXECUTION  

Former Prime Minister of the Philippines Cesar Virata highlighted the pressing need for empowering the youth in agri-entrepreneurship as a solution to boost agricultural productivity and tackle food security challenges in the Philippines. PM Virata, who played a pivotal role as a technocrat during Ferdinand Marcos' presidency, helped shape the country’s economic landscape through his leadership and major reforms in investments, finance, banking, taxes, and budgeting.

During the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Orient Integrated Development Consultants Incorporated (OIDCI), PM Virata, who was the esteemed Guest of Honor acknowledged OIDCI’s contributions to nation building and development and challenged its leaders to redouble their efforts in addressing emerging development imperatives. The celebration underscores OIDCI's steadfast commitment to positive change and empowering communities, marking four decades of exceptional service as a prominent development consulting firm in the Philippines.

"OIDCI has been a driving force behind sustainable development in the Philippines for the past four decades. As we face new challenges and opportunities, I encourage OIDCI's leaders to continue their remarkable work and take the organization to even greater heights,”

- Former Prime Minister Cesar E. A. Virata. 

Celebrating 40 years of promoting sustainable development, OIDCI for its part, looks ahead to tackle emerging opportunities of development consultancy under the new climate normal situation and taking into perspective the critical role of both government and the private sector in pursuing resilient and inclusive development for the country.

In his speech, the former Prime Minister also commended the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) for their plantation farming ventures, which he viewed as a potential avenue to promote agri-entrepreneurship among the youth. He praised the private sector's role in fostering innovation and creating opportunities for the younger generation to thrive in agriculture.

"Getting the youth back to agri-entrepreneurship is crucial in boosting productivity and addressing the pressing food security issues that our nation faces. We must inspire and support our young people to take an active role in agriculture, as they hold the potential to drive transformative change in the sector,” PM Virata said.

In addition to promoting agri-entrepreneurship, PM Virata urged the acceleration of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, recognizing their potential to drive sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of aligning government efforts with private sector resources to effectively implement development projects.