07 March 2014 – As part of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu’s economic diplomacy efforts, Consul General Julius D. Torres and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell led a 24-member business delegation from Hawaii in a tour of Northern and Central Luzon and Metro Manila in order to explore business opportunities in those regions. The highlights of their visit are as follows:
10 February 2014, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
The Trade Mission delegates led by Consul General Julius D. Torres and Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii President Maria A.F. Etrata arrived in Laoag City International Airport, Ilocos Norte and were met by Mr. A-Xavier Ruiz, Tourism operations assistant of the Province of Ilocos Norte.
A business luncheon was hosted by Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba and the Laoag City Chamber of Commerce at the Johnny Moon Café. Both Chambers of Commerce introduced and exchanged ideas on how to make business in Hawaii and Laoag City as well.
In the evening, the delegation was hosted a welcome dinner reception by Mayor Chevylle Fariñas of Laoag City and City Admin Perry Martinez at the Laoag City Auditorium. After the dinner, the delegates were ushered to the crowning ceremonies of the Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen International Quest 2014 Beauty Pageant. Top Ilocos Norte government officials were present during the pageant including Senator Bong-Bong Marcos and Congresswoman Imee Marcos.
11 February 2014, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
The Trade Mission delegates had the pleasure to visit the towns of Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and San Nicolas, Batac, Paoay and Currimao.
The delegates visited the Crystal Dew Water Bottling Company and had a tour of the facilities in Bacarra. A lunch was hosted by Mr. Mario and Nenet Tangonan, owners of the bottling Company. Crystal Dew Water Bottling Company is the largest supplier of bottled water for Ilocos Norte.
Dinner was at the Pangil Beach Resort, Currimao, Ilocos Norte hosted by Mr. John Chua, Jr., owner. A tour of the resort’s facilities ensued.
12 February 2014, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
The delegation travelled from Ilocos Norte to Ilocos Sur with brief stop-overs in various towns including the town of Cabugao, the location of the Sakada statue. The delegation led by Congressman Eric Singson layed a wreath at the Sakada marker.
A luncheon business meeting was held at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center Auditorium hosted by Vigan Mayor Eva Medina, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Vigan Chapter and Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry – 1st District of Ilocos Sur Chapter.
In the afternoon, Hon. Kirk Caldwell, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu arrived at the Laoag International Airport from Manila and met by Consul General Julius D. Torres and accompanied the Mayor to Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
The evening was capped by a Welcome Cocktails and Dinner hosted by Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson and Provincial Officials at the Provincial Capitol Lobby.
13 February 2014, Vigan and Candon, Ilocos Sur
Mayor Eva Medina of Vigan, Ilocos Sur hosted a working breakfast for the delegation for the renewal of Sister City Relationship between Vigan and the City and County of Honolulu at the City Hall of Vigan. After the working breakfast, Mayor Medina acoompanied the delegation for a tour of Vigan.
The delegation proceeded to Candon, Ilocos Sur for a Lunch Reception and Business Forum hosted by Candon City Mayor Ericson Singson, Congressman Eric Singson, City Officials and the Candon City Chamber of Commerce. During the reception, the renewal of Friendship City Relationship between Candon City and City and County of Honolulu was done.
The delegation proceeded to Santiago, Ilocos Sur for a Dinner Reception hosted by Congressman Eric Singson.
14-15 February 2014, Baguio City
The delegation proceeded to Baguio City in the morning of 14 February.
The delegation had a courtesy call on Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Congressman Nicasio Aliping at the Baguio City Hall.
A dinner reception was hosted by the Baguio Chamber of Commerce to the delegation. During the reception, a signing of business partnerships between the Baguio Chamber of Commerce headed by Benedicto Balajadia and Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii headed by Maria A.F. Etrata.
On 15 February, The delegation had a scheduled to visit Saint Louis University for the signing of Cultural Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Saint Louis University also showcased cultural shows done by its students.
The delegation proceeded to Baguio Country Club for a working lunch hosted by Mayor Domogan, City Officials and Baguio Chamber of Commerce. During the lunch, the renewal of Sister City Initiatives between Baguio City and the City and County of Honolulu was done. A business forum ensued.
The delegation had a chance to visit Consuelo Foundation and Mines View Park during the day.
16 February 2014, San Fernando City, Pampanga
En-route to Manila, the delegation had a visit to the City of Parols, San Fernando, Pampanga through the invitation of the City officials led by Mayor Edwin Santiago. The officials of San Fernando hosted an early dinner for the delegation at the Mini Convention Center, Heroes Hall, San Fernando, Pampanga. The dinner program includes Conferment of Adopted Distinguished Son of San Fernando to Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Consul General Julius D. Torres, signing of Trade Memorandum of Understanding between the City of San Fernando and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Conferment of City Sisterhood Resolution between the City of San Fernando and the City and County of Honolulu and pinning of San Fernando lapel pins to the trade delegation.
17 February 2014, Metro Manila
The first scheduled event for the trade delegation in Metro Manila was a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City. Through the kindness of the Vice President, the delegation is able to have a tour at the Vice President’s official office.
After the courtesy call on the VP, Mayor Caldwell and the delegation laid a wreath at the Dr. Jose Rizal monument at the Rizal Park with military honors. Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada was the civilian host who assisted Mayor Caldwell and the delegation. After the wreath-laying ceremonies, Mayor Estrada hosted a lunch for the delegation at the Manila Hotel.
In the afternoon, the delegation took a ride at the MRT-Taft station and proceeded to MRT’s North Station for a briefer by MRT General manager Al Vitangcol. Mayor Caldwell also introduced to GM Vitangcol the ongoing phase of the Honolulu rail project.
The delegation ended the days program with a Business Workshop at the Century City Mall in Makati.
18 February 2014, Metro Manila
The Makati City government hosted Mayor Kirk Caldwell and some members of the delegation for a visit to the Ayala Museum and a lunch and tour at the Makati City Hall.
The Trade delegation left Manila for Honolulu in the evening. END