Filipino Chamber To Launch Its International Programs In The First Quarter of 2024
by Rose Cruz Churma
The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii president, Susie Berardy recently announced the launch of the Filipino chambers’ international programs in support of the organization’s mission to strengthen links with the Philippines.
The annual Trade Mission, now in its 31st year, will be held from February 13 to 24 and will visit Sorsogon, San Pedro in Laguna, Candon and Vigan in Ilocos Sur, Angeles City and Manila.
Each destination will involve meeting with the delegation’s counterparts and pursuing mutually beneficial agreements that accelerate the economic growth of the Philippines and Hawaii.
The primary goal of this delegation is to increase the exchange of goods and services between the two jurisdictions especially in the export-import of food products, gift items and home/personal accessories.
Another is the facilitation and recruitment of workforce for the healthcare and visitor industries, as well as teachers for Hawaii’s public schools.
Aligned with these goals, panel discussions are being planned in each of the locations to encourage dialogue, collaboration, and networking.
The mission will conclude with the delegation hosting an Aloha Night at the Philippine International Convention Center on February 22 attended by chamber counterparts from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the host country’s export marketing bureau chief.
Late last year, Hawai’i Governor Josh Green invited the governors of the five sister provinces of Hawai’i to convene in Honolulu.
As part of Hawaii’s initiative to expand its international Sister-State programs, a Sister-Province Business Symposium will be held on March 13, Wednesday in Honolulu, and delegations from the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte and Isabel are expected to attend.
The first to confirm attendance is Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, who will also deliver the symposium’s keynote address.
The Ilocos Norte delegation is expected to hold business-to-business dialogues with counterparts during their brief visit to Hawaii.
Four-panel discussions will be held during the symposium, which will also be accessible via Zoom to allow interested parties to participate.
The themes are workforce development and recruitment, economic exchange of goods and services, public-private partnerships in infrastructure development, sustainability and use of renewable energy sources, and tourism.
For inquiries regarding the details of the two events, please contact Melody Calisay, Chair of the 31st Trade Mission at melodycalisay@gmail.com; Randy Cortez, Chair of the Business Symposium at cortez.randy87@gmail.com; and Rosemarie Mendoza at rmendozahi808@gmail.com, Executive Director of the Hawaii Philippines Business Economic Council who has been assisting implement the two events.
