04 March 2016 - The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco hosted a dinner reception in honor of Trade Secretary Adrian E. Cristobal and the delegation from the Department of Trade and Industry, and to kick off the “Manila Mabuhay Trade Cultural Mission” of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee (SFMSCC), which is currently ongoing from March 01 to 06 in Manila, Cebu and Bohol.
Mrs. Anita Lee, the wife of San Francisco City Mayor Edwin Lee, as well as Secretary. Cristobal, were the guests of honor at the event.
Philippine Consul General to san Francisco Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. relayed that the Philippines and the United States are celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations, and thanked the SFMSCC for contributing to “the deepening of relations not just of sister cities Manila and San Francisco, but that of the Philippines and the U.S., as we look to the next 70 years and beyond.”
The event gave the Consul General the opportunity to introduce to the Community the Trade Delegation that was present for the ASEAN-U.S. Special Leaders’ Summit, which was held in Sunnylands on February 15 and 16, the ASEAN Economic Ministers Roadshow, and business meetings arranged by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center. He added that the U.S.’ interest in partnering with ASEAN proves that “the economic grouping remains relevant to the country’s interests and the presence of our President and our Secretary of Investment and Trade in these meetings signifies the Philippines’ seriousness in indicating to the United States and the world that is it open for business.”
Mrs. Lee thanked the Sister City Committee for its continued engagement in fostering deeper ties between San Francisco and Manila.
Secretary Cristobal said that the U.S. is supportive of the ASEAN Economic Community, and that there was no better place to follow through in the cooperation than in San Francisco, the technological capital of the country. He stressed the need for sustained economic growth and development, with the view to achieving inclusive growth and development that would be felt by each and every Filipino. He added that the Mission’s visit to Silicon Valley was an eye-opener, with the realization that it was possible for start-ups to profit by addressing societal problems through innovation, and for governments to be more responsive to its citizens by using technology to improve delivery of government services.
The evening culminated in a networking dinner. Notable guests who attended the event included Sister City Chair Carmen Colet, Ambassador Romeo and Dr. Azucena Arguelles, Commissioner on the Board of Education and the Mayor’s Senior Advisor on Education and Family Services Hydra Mendoza McDonnell and Mr. Eric McDonnell; DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado; DTI Assistant Secretary Ma. Roseni Alvero; and DTI Trade Commissioners from mainland U.S.A. END