Competition and Collaboration in the Makati Business Club
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., addressed members of the Makati Business Club (MBC) at its 45th anniversary celebration, outlining a framework for how Philippine businesses should navigate the current economic landscape. Speaking on October 17, 2026, Zobel de Ayala, widely known as JAZA, asserted that companies must aspire to compete with the best firms in the region and globally.
Zobel de Ayala described the contemporary global environment as dynamic, fragmented, and unpredictable. He noted that institutions are currently exposed to multiple power forces simultaneously, creating a complex backdrop for business operations.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized that businesses can remain fierce competitors while collaborating to strengthen the broader economic environment. According to Zobel de Ayala, competition encourages innovation and improves efficiency within industries.
He stated that while companies may hold conflicting views on specific policies, their interests converge regarding the long-term development of the country. This convergence allows rivals to act as allies in driving progress when it matters most, a dynamic he described as what makes membership in an organization like the MBC "truly special." The chairman highlighted that this shared interest in national development transcends individual corporate agendas, urging leaders to prioritize the broader economic health of the nation over narrow sectoral gains.
Global Supply Chain Diversification and National Interest
Zobel de Ayala urged business leaders to look beyond immediate gains for specific companies or sectors. He asked whether the Philippines as a whole is winning amidst global supply chain diversification, rather than focusing solely on which entity secures investment. This perspective shifts the focus from zero-sum competition between local firms to a collective assessment of national competitiveness in an increasingly fragmented global market.
The Makati Business Club was founded in 1981 by Enrique Zobel and other business leaders. JAZA’s father, Jaime Zobel, served as a long-time trustee of the organization during its history. The club's long-standing role in Philippine business policy has provided a platform for such dialogues on national strategy, with JAZA’s address marking a significant moment in its 45-year legacy.
The Strategic Imperative for National Gain
Addressing the nuances of modern economic strategy, Zobel de Ayala clarified that fierce competition does not preclude collaboration. He argued that while companies may compete aggressively in the marketplace, they must simultaneously work together to improve the overall business environment. This dual approach ensures that individual efficiency drives innovation while collective efforts address systemic challenges.
The chairman’s remarks underscored a critical distinction between sectoral success and national progress. By asking whether the country is winning as a whole, he challenged business leaders to evaluate investments and policies through a macroeconomic lens. This call to prioritize national gain over sectoral competition reflects a broader consensus among top corporate leaders that sustainable growth requires a unified front against global uncertainties.
As institutions face exposure to multiple power forces simultaneously, the need for strategic alignment becomes paramount. Zobel de Ayala’s assertion that interests converge on long-term development provides a roadmap for navigating this complexity. It suggests that while policy disagreements may persist, the ultimate goal of enhancing the Philippines' position in global supply chains remains a shared objective for all major business players.