Industry leaders and professionals gathered at the 14th National Convention of the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON) on November 8, 2024, at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Pampanga. The convention, focused on the theme “Innovation Through Digital Transformation in the Service Contracting Industry,” explored how digital solutions are revolutionizing business operations, unlocking strategies for future-ready service contracting.
Lorenzo Consulta, President & COO of The Romac Group and Chairperson of the 14th National Convention, shared that the event will explore how digital technologies are transforming the service contracting industry.
“Today, we gather not just as representatives of our respective organizations, but as pioneers, visionaries, and changemakers in the service contracting industry. Under the banner of “Innovation through Digital Transformation in the Service Contracting Industry,” we embark on a journey that goes beyond our day-to-day operations. Today, we set our sights on building the future. Digital transformation offers us the tools to meet the challenges of today and seize the boundless opportunities of tomorrow. Together, we have the power to redefine what’s possible, to inspire our teams, and to deliver unmatched value to our clients in a digital-first world. Our conference today centers on three impactful sessions: Driving Innovation and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Long-Term Stability; Envisioning the Future of the Service Contracting Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities; and Enhancing the Structural Resilience of the Service Contracting Industry. This conference is more than a meeting of minds—it is a call to action. As we share insights and connect with each other, let us commit to harnessing the best of what technology offers. Let us lead our industry forward with courage, creativity, and a shared vision for lasting success,” Consulta remarked in his welcome message.
On his part, National President Armando Gutierrez Jr. emphasized PALSCON’s commitment to fair labor standards and ethical business practices in his opening message. “PALSCON is committed to upholding fair labor standards and responsible business practices, ensuring safe and decent employment for Filipino workers. We maintain the highest ethical standards and comply with industry regulations through workshops and collaboration with government bodies,” he stated.
Gutierrez continued, “PALSCON is a community of professionals dedicated to advancing our industry with integrity, supporting one another’s success, and fostering a network where members feel valued and empowered. .”
He also added, “We are at an exciting crossroads where technology is reshaping how we operate, deliver services, and drive success. Digital transformation is not just about adopting new tools—it’s about embracing change, unlocking efficiency, and positioning ourselves for a brighter, more innovative future.”
According to PALSCON Past Director Rene Romero, who is also the Chairman and CEO of the ROMAC Group, the organization was established in 1972 in Manila to provide essential services, including technical expertise, manpower, production, and manufacturing. In other words, PALSCON complements and symbiotically supports large companies. It now operates as a national organization with regional chapters across the country.
Solidarity video messages from Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva, as well as Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, were presented. In addition, DOLE Region 3 Director Geraldine Panlilio delivered a message of support to PALSCON.
Panlilio said, “On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment, we would like to express our support to PALSCON with all its endeavors and congratulations sa kanilang 14th National Conference. And thank you that they conducted it here in Region 3 and we embrace yung kanilang gustong mangyari na magkaroon ng mga innovations through digital transformation and that is also one of the things which the Department of Labor and Employment is pursuing. And I also would like to say thank you for their partnership in ensuring that the Department of Labor and Employment is able to pursue all of its mandates. Kasama dyan yung job creation, generation, and of course human resource development, promotion and maintenance of industrial peace. And thank you also for being compliant sa pinapatupad nating mga batas at alituntunin sa Department of Labor and Employment and that is their compliance of course to the regulatory requirements on general labor standards and occupational safety net standards. And I hope yung kanilang mga ginagawa ngayon na hard work and their commitment to innovation and digital transformation will be able to help our workers and of course our employers. At yun ay isa sa gustong mangyari din ng Department of Labor and Employment. And we hope that they will be celebrating more milestones and more conferences like this.”
Founded with the mission to professionalize the service contracting sector, PALSCON has grown into an influential organization comprising nearly 300 legitimate members. Through its efforts, PALSCON has created significant job opportunities, collectively employing over a million workers who contribute to the country’s economic productivity and help reduce unemployment.
The association remains firmly committed to supporting initiatives that advance national development while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks such as Republic Act 10667. PALSCON has also reiterated its stance against anti-competitive practices, making it clear that it does not support, tolerate, or condone such behavior among its members.
The officers and directors of the association are as follows: Armando Gutierrez Jr. serves as the National President, representing Best Allied Services Integrated Company, Inc., while Raymund Alfredo is the National Vice President, from Omniworx, Inc. Jay Ar Sta. Ana holds the position of Corporate Secretary for 7 Star Manpower Services of the Philippines Corp., and Agnes Escalona is the Treasurer, representing Readyman, Inc. Grace Iligan serves as the Auditor for Cebu General Services, Inc., and Froilan Florendo is the Public Relations Officer from HR Network, Inc. Maricar Suarez acts as both Public Relations Officer and Region IV-A Chapter President, representing One Source General Solutions, Inc. Lester Javier, from Syzygy Staffing Resources Agency, Inc., and Vivian Fuentes, from Global Mode Manpower Services, Inc., both serve as Directors. Adrian Flores, representing Tomodachi Global Resources, Inc., Joseph Angeles from LSERV Corporation, and Lorenzo Consulta of Romac Services and Trading Company, Inc., also hold director positions. Jerry Arenas is the Region III Chapter President from Aresun Trading and Manpower Services, Remedios Esparcia is the Region VII Chapter President, representing MCRI Global Corporation, and Joey Maniquis is the Region XI Chapter President from Power Clean Services.