MANILA, Philippines -- Vice President Jejomar Binay is expected to focus on pressing issues that affect stakeholders in the enterprise given the present situation in the global economy and the need to keep businesses afloat and generate jobs for the unemployed, new graduates and displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Employers nationwide are eagerly awaiting the pronouncements to be made by the country’s second highest public official as he sets the tone of the Conference by way of his keynote address to delegates to the 32nd National Conference of Employers (NCE 32) organized by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). NCE 32 is chaired by Jesus B. Varela.

Through the National Conference, ECOP, under the leadership of Edgardo G. Lacson, will spark discussions on issues that pose challenges to Philippine businesses. Some of employers urgent concerns are job creation, labor law reforms and greening businesses.

To be held on May 4-5, 2011 at the Marriott Hotel, this year’s National Conference on the theme, “Tripartism and Employment: The Only Way’’ will also harp on employers’ support to government’s thrust of promoting public-private partnership.

Year 2011 is fraught with immense challenges to the Aquino administration amid developments unfolding in the global landscape and the industrial relations arena. Employers, for their part, remain vigilant in upholding, promoting and maintaining sound industrial relations and advocating for harmonious labor-management relations.

The National Conference of Employers is gearing to come up with concrete and comprehensive position vis-a-vis matters of national importance that affect employers, its relation with its social partners and the business environment in general.

Among the topics of this year’s Conference plenary sessions are “Sustaining Growth and Employment,” “Growth Through Labor Market Reforms,” “Emerging Global Best Practices,” “Towards a More Pro-active Legislative Labor Agenda,” and Business Development and Bureaucracy.”