BukSU, PCC gather Caraga stakeholders to advance Fair Competition

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) held a multisectoral forum to discuss competition policy and fair market practices on September 23, 2026, at Hotel Oazis in Butuan City.

The forum focused on the National Competition Policy and the National Competition Advocacy Pledge as part of the third year of the BukSU-PCC Competition Local Advocacy Network (CLAN) partnership.

Representatives from government, business, academe and other sectors took part in discussions on competition principles and their application across different sectors.

The activity provided stakeholders with information on competition policy and market practices that affect businesses, consumers and local economic activity.

Competition policy covers practices such as price-fixing and monopolies. It also addresses market conditions that influence the availability of goods and services, consumer choices, and opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The BukSU-PCC partnership supports competition advocacy activities in the region through the CLAN initiative, which provides a platform for discussions among government agencies, businesses, academic institutions and other stakeholders.

The initiative is aligned with SDG 8, or Decent Work and Economic Growth, through its focus on local entrepreneurship and small business development. It also relates to SDG 10, or Reduced Inequalities, through discussions on market distortions and price inflation that can affect low-income households.

The partnership also corresponds with SDG 16, or Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through competition governance and ethical market practices. Its collaboration among national agencies, regional authorities, academic institutions and community stakeholders supports SDG 17, or Partnerships for the Goals.

Through the CLAN partnership, BukSU and PCC continue to conduct competition advocacy activities and provide stakeholders with information on competitive market practices.

BukSU CLAN Team members Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, Atty. Ophelia Pilar R. Zamora, Mr. Ivan Heinrich A. Villanueva and Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican served as resource persons and facilitators during the forum.

Regional officials who attended included DEPDev-Caraga Regional Director Gemima A. Olam, CESO IV, and DTI-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Brenda B. Corvera, CESO IV.

Representing the PCC was Inah Geneve T. Mangilin, chief of the Communications and Knowledge Management Office–Capacity Building and Advocacy Division, along with members of her team. (Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican/ Director, ESCEU)