The Dev't. Academy of the Phils. (DAP) had invited PAGASA back in 2018 to review their (MGRP) Modernizing Government Regulations Program and find out if too much regulation was strangling the growth of the different industries including that of FMCG's. Interrupted by the pandemic, the DAP resumed the review in the morning of 17 October 2023 at their Head Office in Ortigas Center, Pasig. Focus of discussion centered on DTI's price control via their SRP system, indecisiveness by government when it comes to rules & regulations and its lack of development of the different industries leading to a void in self-sufficiency and food security. Consultation was done by DAP's Research Associate Janine Coleen D. de Villa and Supervisor Reuel Hermoso.

In the fine morning of 13 October 2023, the Jinjiang City Hometown Association of the Philippines opened at the World Trade Center SilkRoad Phils. 2023, an exhibition showcasing the best of products from Jinjiang City. PAGASA was invited to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremonies and to sign a symbolic agreement to cooperate in the generation of businesses between Jinjiang City in Fujian Province, China and the Philippines.

In the late afternoon of 12 October 2023, PAGASA's staff went to work in suiting up PAGASA's Booth in time for the Show highlighting products from China the following day. In less than three hours, they've put up the museum-motiff booth introducing PAGASA to would-be members and the general public.

The Philippine Retailers Association held its third quarter General Membership Meeting on 12 October 2023 at the Pearl Wing Ballroom of Okada Manila. Keynote Speaker was Robert Dan Roces/Chief Economist of Security Bank. He mentions that the recent lack of government spending did not help push consumption in this consumer-led economy. Consumers were hedging on credit even as bank rates grew rapidly. Revenge spending focused more on durables and eating out. Consumer loyalty most critical factor in keeping retailers afloat.

On the noon of 7 October 2023, VP Liansel Sy attends in behalf of PAGASA the PCAFI (Phil. Chamber of Agri & Food, Inc.) General Assembly at PTTC Building beside Agrilink exhibit at the World Trade Center.

Beside him is PCAFI Pres. Danny Fausto and former Cagayan Gov. (also its former Representative for the Lower House) now DA Usec. DV Savellano- keynote speaker for the Assembly.

On 6 October 2023, STC was invited by DTI Region IX to attend their trade show held at KCC Mall de Zamboanga called ZAMPEX. The weekend coincided with the annual Hermosa Festival of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Mr. & Mrs. Cua were toured by Tony Tan Ituralde of their Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the exhibition. He had a photo taken with the big bosses of DTI Region IX. Reg. Dir. Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae (in blue), his Asst. Reg. Dir. (in white) & the respective directors of Zambo City, Zambo del Norte, Zambo del Sur & Zambo Sibuguey. He got to taste the bakes and delicacies of the region especially the famous curacha. He also got up early to see the Vinta Regatta held by the Boulevard.

In the morning of 26 September 2023, just a day after DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual proclaimed that there will be no price increases for BNPCs (basic necessities and prime commodities) until end of the year, PAGASA's STC was sought his opinion regarding the veracity of the Secretary's bold statement. DTI held a Meeting with key manufacturers earlier and prevailed upon them not to increase prices until the following year.

Media mentions that some of these manufacturers said they did not give their consent to the Secretary's request. STC maintains that in an economy that practices free enterprise, prices should be allowed to flow freely as suppliers always watch out that they do not price their products out-of-the-market.

In the early morning of 19 September 2023, PAGASA's STC was interviewed over SMNI Channel regarding the state of the economy from the retailers' POV. Aside from demand and supply as well as expectations of price adjustments given economic conditions, the 30-minute interview via Zoom zeroed in on effects of recent wage increases, rebound from the pandemic, supply chain disruption, 11-week continuous increase in prices of fuel, announced increase in cost of power consumption and the general sentiment of consumers leading to the Christmas Season.

"Four business groups on Friday, Sept. 15, called on lawmakers to reconsider the proposed wage hike, reiterating that salary increases will affect mostly informal workers and small business owners since it will lead to higher inflation which is harmful to both business and the economy.

Business leaders urge balanced solutions and economic issues

The 15th of September 2023 turned out to be a day with media as they were concerned with the economic outlook for the coming Christmas Season. The day started with a joint interview with TV 5's Shyla Franciso and GMA 7's Bernadette Reyes. It ended with a digital guesting on TV 5's The Big Story with the panel of (L-R) Danica Laurel, Regina Lay and Shawn Yao. Days were sprinkled with phone patch interviews with the various media outfits.