Iloilo City Holds First Trade and Investment Mission in New York
(From left): Commercial Diplomat for Trade Relations Rex Agudao, City Planning Coordinator Jose Roni Peñalosa, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate, Mrs. Gina Sarabia Espinosa, and other Iloilo City officials pose for a group photo during the opening of the Ilonggo Fashion and Jewelry Exhibit at the Philippine Center Gallery Lobby. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK CITY 06 June 2018 – Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III and Mrs. Gina Sarabia Espinosa led a business delegation to New York, Virginia and Washington, D.C. from 01 to 09 June 2018, upon the invitation of the U.S.-based Asian American Chamber of Commerce, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington, D.C., and the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI).
The trade and investment mission, which is a joint endeavor between the government and the private sector, comprised delegations from the government, the business sector, academe, and artists. Dinagyang Festival performers performed during activities organized by PIDCI in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, including participation in the Philippine Independence Day Parade in Manhattan on 03 June.
Also on 03 June, a fashion and jewelry show was held at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall. It showcased the creations of Ilonggo fashion designers Djohn Clement, Totong Gellangarin, Bo Parcon, Aisha Peñalosa and Jaki Peñalosa as well as jewelries designed by Regine Sarabia Espinosa.
Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano’s representative Ambassador Claro S. Cristobal, recalling his experience working and living in Iloilo, said in a brief remarks that “the greatest resource of the city is its wonderful and talented people.”
A Trade and Investment Forum was held at the Philippine Center New York’s Kalayaan Hall on 04 June. Mayor Espinosa and Philippine Council of Management (Philcoman) Research Institute Inc. President Emily Noserale presented to the more than 200 guests from the Filipino community in U.S. Northeast the viability of Iloilo City as an investment haven, capitalizing on its booming economy and taking advantage of the spotlight on the Philippines as the one of best countries to invest in.
The Iloilo City Mayor likewise emphasized the city’s vibrant market and its strategic location as a gateway to agribusiness opportunities in Western Visayas, taking pride in being the “food basket and rice granary of Western Visayas.”
A panel discussion on property development, information technology, and infrastructure pipeline featured panelists Iloilo City Trade and Investments Board Chair and Eon Group of Companies CEO Felicito Tiu, Stacktrek Entreprises CEO Billy Shung Hei Yuen, Megaworld-Iloilo Business Park Sales Director Carla Margarita Lopez, and Iloilo City Planning Officer Jose Roni Peñalosa.
Another panel discussion about Iloilo City premiere schools with panelists West Visayas State University Dean Dr. Carmencita Robles, University of the Philippines Visayas Vice Chancellor Mary Ann Gumban, and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia provided information and promoted affordable and quality education in Iloilo City.
At the end of the forum, Ms. Tess Salvador, a pioneer in the promotion of heritage Hablon fabric and the craft of Haból, and Tony Award-winning Filipino theatre producer Jhett Tolentino, both from Iloilo, were given recognition for their contributions in elevating the image of Ilonggos abroad.
Plaques of appreciation were also presented to the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center NY (PTIC-NY) and the 2018 PIDCI for partnering with the Iloilo City government in making the trade and investment mission successful. END
Mayor Jose Espinosa III (2nd from left) presents Plaques of Recognition to 2018 PIDCI Representative Mary Ann San Agustin, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate, Consul Arman Talbo on behalf of PTIC New York, Ms. Tess Salvador, and Mr. Jhett Tolentino (Photo by Iloilo City Trade Mission 2018)
Iloilo City Planning Coordinator Jose Roni Peñalosa, StackTrek Enterprises CEO Billy Shung Hei Yuen, Eon Group of Companies CEO Felicito Tiu, and Iloilo Business Park-Megaworld Sales Director Carla Maragarita Perez during the Forum’s panel discussion on property development, infotech and infrastructure pipeline. (New York PCG photo)
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