11 February 2014 – Philippine Consul General in Honolulu Julius D. Torres and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will travel to the Philippines to lead the 24-man delegation of the 24th Trade Mission of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) from February 8 to 18.
The delegates are comprised of individuals from Hawaii’s business, banking and government sectors and leaders from major Filipino communities in the Aloha State.
“The Consulate General lauds the Chamber for its continued commitment to explore business and commercial potentials between Hawaii and the Philippines, to encourage trade, and toe secure better lives for our peoples, affording them opportunities for growth,” Consul General Torres said.
This year’s trade mission will revolve around the theme “Reflect-Build-Empower: Nurturing with Nourishment is Growth” in recognition of the need to renew the sister and friendship relationships between Honolulu and major cities in the Philippines such as Manila, Baguio and Ilocos. The mission also aims to develop these relationships and to foster the positive exchange of ideas around these principles through the FCCH and its counterparts in Manila, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Makati Business Club.
This year’s delegation will pay courtesy calls on Philippine government officials, including Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Singson, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and officials from the cities of Baguio, Candon, Laoag, Vigan and San Fernando, Pampanga.
The delegation is also expected to visit the Consuelo Alger Foundation in Baguio and conduct an on-site visit to the Metro Manila Rail Transit (MRT). Business workshops and meetings are also scheduled to be held in Ilocos, Baguio and Makati City.
Since 1954, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has been the voice of Filipino businesses in Hawaii. The organization has broadened opportunities for Filipino businesses in Hawaii. The organization has broadened opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs and member businesses, strengthened business links between the Philippines and Hawaii, assisted in the professional growth of its members and supported the well-being of the community. END