Trade Missions To The Philippines
by Elpidio R. Estioko
In late 2022, Hawaii-based Filipino investors eyed opportunities in the Philippines by sending over 40 Filipino entrepreneurs who explored potential areas of investments and growth opportunities.
They toured New Clark City and the Clark Freeport Zone focusing on world-class facilities and sustainable features aimed at positioning Clark and Central Luzon as prime investment destinations for the Filipino business community in Hawaii, according to the website of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
The Clark tour was organized as part of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s (FCCH) 30th Goodwill and Trade Mission to the Philippines, led by Philippine Consul General to Hawaii Emil Fernandez and Vice Consul Jomar Sadie.
BCDA together with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council hosted the site visit.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa urged the contingent to consider investing in New Clark City as they pursue avenues of growth in the Philippines.
“We encourage you to take a look at New Clark City, which is envisioned to be the country’s next smart, sustainable and green metropolis. Partner with us and be a part of this city’s growth story,” Zosa said.
Rynah Ventura, CDC vice president for Business Development and Business Enhancement said:
“This trade mission is an important initiative that will allow our industry leaders to explore the various investment opportunities in Clark and the Philippines. We fervently hope that this will also stimulate more interest, meaningful collaboration, and stronger ties with our business sectors from across the globe.”
This year, the mainland Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association of Silicon Valley (FAREPA-SV) sponsored the 3rd Trade Mission to the Philippines from November 2-14 according to FAREPA-SV President and head of mission Anne Orozco-Ramirez.
The FAREPA-SV trade mission is co-sponsored by Ayala Land International, Megaworld International, and Bahay sa Pinas.
Orozco-Ramirez said, in her departure statement: “The primary objective of the trade mission is to meet top real estate developers and listen to first-hand information about ongoing projects as well as have field tours of the properties selected development sites.”
The trade mission, according to Orozco-Ramirez in a telephone interview, will promote the interests of Filipino American Real Estate Professionals by elevating the level of professionalism within the global community through education, networking, and partnership.
To accomplish this mission, Orozco-Ramirez said:
“By creating a unified voice within the real estate industry, advocating for policy position at the national level that will reduce barriers to homeownership for the Filipino-American community; increasing business opportunities for mortgage and real estate professional that serves this growing community; hosting national and local event; to educate and inform member about housing issues and developments affecting the Filipino American; and conducting trade missions throughout the Philippines to develop business partnerships and increase brand.”
She added, “FAREPA-SV provides advocacy and resources to its members and affiliates.”
The association proudly represents the “bayanihan” spirit which means communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. “We will continue to empower our members in creating a unified voice in the real estate industry,” she concluded.
FAREPA-SV is the largest Filipino American real estate association in the US. It’s a non-profit 501c (6) organization founded in 2002 that promotes professional networking, educational workshops, and community outreach in Silicon Valley. Its global trade mission presents opportunities to invest in the Philippines.
In a Facebook post, she wrote: “We are having a blast at our 2023 Trade Mission in the Philippines!
As I See It, Orozco-Ramirez’s trade mission is making headway and US investors and entrepreneurs are continuously looking forward to establishing partnerships with Philippine-based companies to harness the business potentials in the country.
With this, trade missions should be encouraged more and Hawaii and Silicon Valley Filipino American entrepreneurs should be making follow-up checks to make sure the connections they started in the Philippines will thrive.
More power to our Filipino American investors and businessmen!
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ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).
