{"id":22326,"date":"2024-03-25T13:16:41","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T23:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/?p=22326"},"modified":"2024-03-25T13:29:53","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T23:29:53","slug":"ilocos-norte-governor-visits-hawaii-delivers-keynote-address-at-a-march-13-symposium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/2024\/03\/25\/ilocos-norte-governor-visits-hawaii-delivers-keynote-address-at-a-march-13-symposium\/","title":{"rendered":"Ilocos Norte Governor Visits Hawaii, Delivers Keynote Address At A March 13\u00a0Symposium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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by Rose Cruz Churma<\/em>

Governor Matthew Manotoc led the Investment delegation to Hawaii and California. The nine-member delegation from Ilocos Norte arrived in Honolulu on March 10 and departed for California on March 14. Also joining them were local government and business leaders from Ilocos Sur.

While in the islands, the delegation met with community groups whose roots are from the Ilocos region and business leaders who are doing business with the Philippines, or who plan to invest in the country.

A welcome reception attended by close to 250 guests was hosted by Hawaii Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jamie Green at the historic Washington Place last Monday, March 11 before a closed-door meeting with Hawaii\u2019s government officials.

The guests were given a tour of the former home of one of Hawai’i\u2019s reigning monarchs. A sumptuous buffet dinner was served complete with the ubiquitous suckling pig called\u00a0lechon.

<\/em>On Tuesday, March 12 an investment presentation and dialogue was initiated by the Ilocos Norte delegation with a very limited group of pre-screened individuals at the Philippine Consulate.

The business symposium, held on March 13, at the Hawai’i Convention Center attracted a diverse local audience from both business and non-profit sectors, government officials from both State and City and County governments, and delegates from the Philippines. \u00a0

Four panels discussed topics of interest. Panel A\u2019s theme was on workforce and the need to recruit more workers for Hawaii, and how Filipinos support the world\u2019s labor pool. (It was noted that\u00a0sakadas<\/em>\u00a0were the first OFWs). For Panel B, the participants emphasized that instead of \u201cgiving them fish, teach them how to fish\u201d \u2014 a clear endorsement of \u201ctrade not aid\u201d as a way to share linkages with sister provinces.

Panel C discussed the possible public-private partnerships in infrastructure development and achieving sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources, as well as in mitigating hazardous sites.\u00a0The use of new technology was also explored as well as possible partnerships with design professionals and contractors to work on US-funded projects in the Philippines.

Panel D looked at how tourism can strengthen ties, especially for second-generation Filipino Americans as they rediscover roots in their parents\u2019 homeland.

In his speeches during the short visit to Hawai’i, Governor Manotoc thanked the mostly Ilocano-speaking audience for the support showered on his grandfather\u2014former president Ferdinand Marcos\u2014and his family and friends who were exiled in the islands soon after the People Power events at EDSA in 1986. He enjoined the Ilocanos to return to the province and bring investments as well as their expertise and energy back to Ilocos Norte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Rosemarie Mendoza, Executive Director of the Hawaii Philippines Business & Economic Council (HPBEC), seated on the right, shares her table with husband Troy Mendoza,\u00a0Kahu Kamana’opono Agres\u2014who performed the\u00a0oli\u00a0chant in both the welcome reception and business symposium and\u00a0Charles Degala\u00a0of Tahiti Productions, who served as one of the emcees at the business symposium at the Hawai’i Convention Center. Standing behind them are (L-R)\u00a0Bennette Misalucha\u00a0who served as moderator for Panel A (Workforce),\u00a0Noli Cabatu, and\u00a0Amelia Cabatu.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The J-1 teachers of Oahu were special guests at the welcome reception at Washington Place. Shown at the center with\u00a0Governor Josh Green\u00a0and\u00a0First Lady Jamie Green\u00a0is\u00a0James Lynch Urbianak, DOE\u2019s head recruiter who also was one of the panelists at the business symposium held March 13 at the Hawai’i Convention Center. Several J-1 teachers hail from the Ilocos Region\u2014and\u00a0Governor Matthew Manotoc\u00a0and his partner,\u00a0Jamie Herrell\u00a0(right side with leis) had requested their attendance.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Among the guests at the welcome reception were (L-R)\u00a0Maggie Domingo,\u00a0Adela Salacup\u2014who ensured that the grassroots community groups representing Ilocos Norte were actively involved in welcoming the delegation,\u00a0Carol Cardenas,\u00a0Keith Kanetani\u00a0(one of the panelists for the symposium),\u00a0Fe Velasco\u00a0of the HPBEC board,\u00a0Allan Alvarez,\u00a0Alonzo Alvarez\u00a0and\u00a0Atty. Rhoda Yabes Alvarez talked about US immigration laws at the Symposium. \u00a0Standing are\u00a0Sol Solleza\u00a0and FCCH\u2019s Immediate Past President\u00a0Rocky Anguay.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Former Representative Jun Abinsay worked closely with the organizers to ensure that Ilocos Sur sent a delegation to the symposium. Shown above are (L-R)\u00a0Jun Abinsay\u00a0seated next to council members\u00a0Tyler Dos Santos Tam\u00a0and\u00a0Radiant Cordero. With them are some of the delegates from Vigan City.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Governor Matthew Manotoc of Ilocos Norte delivers his keynote address at the Hawaii-Philippines Sister Province Symposium at the Hawaii Convention Center last March 13.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Symposium chairman, Randy Cortez smiles in appreciation at the\u00a0pasalubong\u00a0presented to him by Soya Cheng Bueno, head of the\u00a0Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Center. Standing next to him is Patrick Singson, Assistant Barangay Captain for Vigan City and Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson\u2019s grandson. Governor Singson was unable to come but sent a video message.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Panel C participants pose for a group photo. (L-R)\u00a0Mylene Reyes,\u00a0Melody Calisay,\u00a0Keith Kanetani,\u00a0and\u00a0Jeoffrey Cudiamat moderated the session. \u00a0<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Phil and Christine Sabado\u00a0flew in from Maui to attend all the events and brought with them samples of the artwork and items produced by\u00a0Sabado Art Hawaii. They presented one of the most popular home accessories to\u00a0Governor Manotoc\u00a0and his partner\u00a0Jamie Herrell.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Eddie Flores Jr.\u00a0Chairman of the L&L fast food empire addresses the audience as part of Panel B while moderator\u00a0Joe Berardy\u00a0of DBI Hawaii,\u00a0Greg Auberry\u00a0of Consuelo Foundation, and\u00a0Phil & Christine Sabado\u00a0listen. \u00a0Not shown is\u00a0Joan Obra\u00a0of Rusty\u2019s Hawaiian Coffee whose Kau coffee has won multiple awards internationally.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Panel A was moderated by\u00a0Bennette Misalucha,\u00a0Executive Director of Hawai\u2019i\u2019s Workforce\u00a0Development Council and joined by panelists\u00a0James Lynch Urbianak, DOE\u2019s lead recruiter for J-1 Teachers,\u00a0Tim\u00a0Mobley, President & CEO of Connext,\u00a0Sergio Alcubila III,\u00a0Executive Director of the Hawaii Workers Center and\u00a0Rhoda Yabes Alvarez,\u00a0an immigration lawyer with offices in Hawai’i and the Philippines.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Panel D\u2014whose topic was on how tourism strengthens ties that link generations across oceans\u2014was moderated by\u00a0Su Lazo, a second-generation Filipina from Kauai. She was joined by\u00a0Romel DelaCruz\u00a0whose father and uncles were\u00a0sakadas\u00a0sent to the Big Island. Joining them was\u00a0Xavier Ruiz, who heads the tourism office in Ilocos Norte\u2014whose talk and visuals on the attractions of his province have convinced the audience to visit Ilocos Norte.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
FCCH President\u00a0Susie Berardy\u00a0joined the meeting hosted by the State of Hawai’i for the Ilocos Norte delegation. Shown at the table facing the delegation are\u00a0Governor Josh Green and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. Also joining the meeting was Deputy Director\u00a0Dane Wicker\u00a0and\u00a0Dennis Ling\u00a0of DBEDT.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n



<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Rose Cruz Churma Governor Matthew Manotoc led the Investment delegation to Hawaii and California….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[20,4,11,7],"tags":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=1133%2C473&ssl=1",1133,473,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=300%2C125&ssl=1",300,125,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=640%2C268&ssl=1",640,268,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=640%2C267&ssl=1",640,267,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=1133%2C473&ssl=1",1133,473,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=1133%2C473&ssl=1",1133,473,true],"ultp_layout_landscape_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=1133%2C473&ssl=1",1133,473,true],"ultp_layout_landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=870%2C473&ssl=1",870,473,true],"ultp_layout_portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=600%2C473&ssl=1",600,473,true],"ultp_layout_square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=600%2C473&ssl=1",600,473,true],"covernews-slider-full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=1115%2C473&ssl=1",1115,473,true],"covernews-slider-center":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=800%2C404&ssl=1",800,404,true],"covernews-featured":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=1024%2C427&ssl=1",1024,427,true],"covernews-medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=540%2C285&ssl=1",540,285,true],"covernews-medium-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=375%2C250&ssl=1",375,250,true]},"author_info":{"info":["admin"]},"category_info":"Featured<\/a> Features<\/a> Hawaii - Filipino<\/a> Philippines<\/a>","tag_info":"Philippines","comment_count":"0","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=1133%2C473&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22326"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22326"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22326\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22339,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22326\/revisions\/22339"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22326"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22326"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefilipinochronicle.com\/backup\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22326"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}