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PRA Celebrates 50 Years with Biggest-Ever National Retail Conference and Expo

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE PHILIPPINE Retailers Association (PRA), the national organization of retailers, shopping centers, and industry suppliers, is staging the 32nd National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on Aug. 6–7 at the SMX Convention Center Manila to celebrate its golden anniversary.

Marking PRA’s 50th year of championing the Philippine retail industry, this year’s conference carries the theme “New Next Forward,” reflecting the sector’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

As the country’s premier retail gathering, the 32nd NRCE will convene business leaders, retailers, entrepreneurs, brand owners, shopping center executives, technology providers, and industry experts for two days of thought leadership, collaboration, and business opportunities. Participants will gain practical insights into emerging retail trends, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, supply chain innovation, customer experience, and the evolving consumer landscape.

V.P. Sharma
Joseph Phi

Opening the conference on August 6 is V. P. Sharma, Founder and Group CEO of Indonesia’s leading lifestyle retailer, MAP Group. In his keynote session, “Retail Transformation: Lessons from Indonesia,” Sharma will share the strategies behind one of Southeast Asia’s most successful retail organizations and discuss how Philippine retailers can scale their businesses, strengthen customer relevance, and compete in an increasingly regional marketplace.

On Aug. 7, Joseph Phi, Group CEO of Li & Fung, will headline with a session on transforming supply chain vitality into a competitive advantage. His presentation will offer practical strategies tailored to retailers of different sizes. Large retail organizations will learn how to leverage data, artificial intelligence, and digital capabilities to strengthen their global competitiveness, while growing local retailers will gain actionable approaches to improve inventory management, supplier collaboration, operational efficiency, and profitability.

Complementing the conference is Retail Solutions Asia, the country’s leading retail solutions exhibition. The expo will feature the latest technologies, products, services, and business solutions from industry partners, providing attendees with opportunities to discover innovations, build strategic partnerships, and access exclusive business deals.

The 32nd National Retail Conference and Expo is made possible through the support of its valued sponsors: Diamond Sponsor: SM Retail; Platinum Sponsors: ETP International PTE LTD, RELEX & Argon & Co, Globe Business, and Converge Global Business; Gold Sponsors: Ayala Malls, Centric Software, Unilab, Araneta City, and Robinsons Malls; Silver Sponsors: Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Wilcon Depot, and Bayer Philippines; Official Partners: InnovationOne, TBWA\SMP, Avolution, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld, and The Manila Times; and Sponsor: EcloudValley and Sportshouse.

With world-class speakers, forward-looking discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the 32nd NRCE promises to be the Philippine retail industry’s most significant event of the year.  
Registration is now open through www.nrce-ph.com, with special group registration discounts available. 

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Business

Lawmaker warns vs hasty implementation of 2026 Property Valuation Reform in Davao City

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY JUSTINE AMORA & ANDRE AMPIG/UM Interns

COUNCILOR Danilo C. Dayanghirang raised serious concerns over the proposed 2026 Schedule of Market Values (SMV), which would directly affect the city’s sources of local revenue, including real property tax, business taxes, professional tax, and the internal revenue allotment.

He further emphasized that the real property tax, pursuant to Republic Act No. 12001 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, is directly tied to property assessment values, meaning any increase in assessed values would consequently drive up all related taxes.

“Yung assessment value of property, pag tumaas yan, tataas lahat ng taxes dyan. Real property tax, state tax,” Dayanghirang stressed.

The councilor acknowledged the importance of reform, noting that the day prior, a hearing was conducted that recognized the need for a more uniform, transparent, and updated property valuation system.

However, he stated that the assessor’s and treasurer’s offices operate under the Department of Finance, which means assessments will be based solely on formulas approved at the national level, removing the degree of local control that the city government previously held.

With the city managing approximately 500,000 real property tax units, covering private properties, buildings, and even government structures, Councilor Dayanghirang stressed that the scale of the proposed changes demands careful and deliberate study.

“While uniform is necessary, reform without careful study may result in unintended burdens upon our people,” he said.

During the recent consultations and forums, he said property developers, business leaders, taxpayers, and representatives from different sectors voiced out their concerns about the proposed increases in market valuations ranging from 78% to 100%, and in some cases, even beyond 600% to 1,000%, depending on reclassification and property use adjustments.

Dayanghirang said residential areas may face increases in property prices, which ordinary homeowners can no longer sustainably afford; while commercial properties may see their real property taxes double or even higher, and tax declarations in certain areas may even exceed actual market realities.

Business sectors and house developers said that increases may affect the local real estate market, investor confidence, long-term competitiveness, and excessive taxes may burden Davaoeños, particularly renters and students.

“We are trying to understand that any increase in these will also increase the prices of lease contracts. Kasi saan kukunin ng may-ari ng lupa yung pangbayad ng taxes? Natural, tataasan nila yung bayad ng rental,” the councilor stated.

Dayanghirang called for wider consultations and proposed that lawmakers invite representatives from the Bureau of Local Government Finance, the City Assessor’s Office, the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA), legal and taxation experts, and other concerned stakeholders to the regular session on June 2, 2026, to discuss the matter further.

“This is not about delaying progress. This is about ensuring that progress is just, sustainable, humane, and inclusive.” 

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