History
Tracing the milestones that shaped PCCI into a unified voice for Philippine business.
From Early Commerce to a Unified National Chamber
PCCI traces its history through organisations formed to advance commerce and industry in the Philippines. These milestones eventually led to the establishment of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1978.
The official history page identifies the early foundations through the Camara de Commercio de Filipinas in 1886, the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in 1903, the Philippine Chamber of Industries in 1950, and the establishment of PCCI in 1978.
Milestones in PCCI History
Key events in the development of organised Philippine commerce and industry.
The Beginning of Organized Commerce
Business leaders in Manila established the Cámara de Comercio de Filipinas to promote commercial interests and mediate disputes among merchants.
Formation of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
A new organisation led by Filipino and Chinese mestizo businessmen was formed to represent commercial interests in the Philippines.
Rise of Filipino Industrialists
The Philippine Chamber of Industries was established following the growth of local manufacturing and industrial enterprises.
Birth of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Philippine Chamber of Industries merged to form PCCI.
Recognised as the "Single Voice of Business"
During the 4th Philippine Business Conference, Letter of Instruction No. 780 designated PCCI as the single voice of Philippine business.
A Unified Chamber for Philippine Commerce and Industry
As the work of the CCP and PCI increasingly overlapped, both organisations pursued unification to establish one national chamber serving Philippine businesses.
On July 1, 1978, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry was officially established through the merger of these two organisations.
Official Establishment: July 1, 1978
Designated as the "Single Voice of Philippine Business"
Letter of Instruction No. 780 recognised PCCI as the representative voice of the private business community.
Letter of Instruction No. 780
Recognition of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the official representative of the private business sector.
PCCI was recognised as the official representative and voice of the private business community.
Be Part of PCCI's Continuing Story
Connect with the Philippine business community through membership, advocacy, and business opportunities.