As the US tariff war takes effect, Philippine delegates will join 40,000 industry professionals from across the globe at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS 2025) Global Annual Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas early March, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a news release.
From March 3 to 7, the Philippine delegates of government officials and business people will highlight the country’s advanced capabilities in Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) and its favorable business environment. They will also exchange perspectives on industry advancements, such as artificial intelligence and smart health solutions.
The Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP), which champions the country’s healthcare information management Services (HIMS) industry overseas, also organized a roadshow within the Nevada conference which will bring Philippine government officials and leaders of top HIMS companies servicing global firms to meet with potential partners and clients in the US.
The tariff war between the US and its neighbors, Canada and Mexico, took effect on March 4 (US time). On this date, the US implemented a 25% tariff on nearly all goods imported from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, Canadian energy products were subject to a 10% tariff. The tariffs were part of a broader trade action that also included an increase in tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%.
The impact of the US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China on the Philippines, particularly its health, BPO (business process outsourcing), and IT sectors, is expected to be minimal, as these sectors are primarily service-oriented and less dependent on physical imports or exports.
Overall, while there might be some indirect effects due to global economic shifts, the Philippines is generally well-positioned to avoid major disruptions from these tariffs. Analysts suggest that the country could even benefit from potential reallocation of investments away from countries directly affected by the tariffs.
The Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) are the government agencies supporting HIMAP in the event.
The business sector will be represented by HIMS companies including ADEC Innovations, Inspiro, iReply Back Office Services Inc., JBW Managed Services and Consulting, Office Symmetry Solutions, Pointwest Innovations Corporation, RCM Staff, Visaya KPO, and WorldSource.
Local government officials from Bacolod will round out the delegation to market the city’s IT-BPM competency and other unique advantages for HIMS companies.
Central to the program is the March 3 Business Forum, which will feature the following presentations: The Philippine Economic Update and Advantages by Bianca Pearl Sykimte, Director of the DTI-EMB; The Philippine Infrastructure Advantage by Jhino Ilano, Director of DICT; and The Philippine Investment and Incentive Advantage by Andielle Joy Alguso, Group Manager of PEZA’s Management Information Systems and Corporate Planning Group. In the same forum, John Dave Dueñas, Executive Director and member of the Board of Trustees of HIMAP, will spotlight HIMS offshoring opportunities in the Philippines.
For more information on HIMSS 2025, visit himssconference.com. VU
