The Puerto Princesa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PPCCI) has partnered with the Western Philippines University (WPU) in an effort to bridge industry gaps, empower local entrepreneurs, and utilizing the academe’s project management expertise and improving the local economic climate.
The PPCCI announced that it formally inked a strategic partnership with the WPU on May 5, 2026 which it described as “a landmark move to align academic excellence with real-world economic needs.”
Present during the occasion where PPCCI Past President and Board of Adviser Arjie Lim, PPCCI President Evelyn Pua, VP for Education & Trainings Martin Aguilar, and VP/Committee Chair on MSME Development Eva Valledor. Representing WPU was Dr. Arneil S. Enario, Dean of the College of Business Entrepreneur & Hospitality Management, alongside various College Department Heads of BS in Business Administration, BS in Entrepreneurship and BS in Hospitality Management.
The PPCCI informed that the “collaboration aims to transform the local business landscape into a data-driven ecosystem while fostering the next generation of Palawenyo entrepreneurs.”
“A primary objective of this partnership is to address the persistent mismatch between industry capabilities and market demand. By leveraging WPU’s academic research and the Chamber’s ground-level insights, the initiative will produce comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the local economy,” PPCCI said.
This scientific approach will allow the PPCCI to identify specific “industry gaps,” ensuring that local business strategies are built on evidence rather than speculation.
The PPCCI further informed that a major highlight of this collaboration is the proposed Barakalan sa Gabi (City Night Market). This project is a multi-sectoral initiative involving the Puerto Princesa SMED Council, the City Government, and DTI-Palawan, with WPU serving as the official Project Management Team.
“Through this synergy of academia and the private sector, Puerto Princesa is setting a new standard for regional development. By combining the “decade-long” experience of the Chamber with the analytical rigor of Western Philippines University, the city is ensuring that the path to economic progress is both inclusive and sustainable,” the PPCCI further said.
