PRESS RELEASE - 70 - 2019
Vice Consul Andrea Christina Caymo sharing the economic prospects of the Philippines
(20 September 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii) – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu provided an Economic Briefing during the “Panel Discussion on the Nuts & Bolts of Doing Business in the Philippines” organized by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) on 18 September 2019 at the Pacific Club. Vice Consul and Economic Officer Andrea Christina Caymo shared information regarding the developments happening in the Philippines, focusing on the policy reforms and infrastructure projects that are helping spur investment growth and inclusive economic development.
Vice Consul Caymo was joined by four (4) other panelists who shared their experience and insights regarding doing business in the Philippines. Mr. Dante Aragon, who has over 20 years of experience in energy management, design and development, and facility operations, gave insights on market demand for renewable energy sources, new technology to minimize carbon footprint, and other environmentally-responsible initiatives that may be viable in the Philippines. Ms. Melody Calisay, an importer of dried goods from the Philippines, shared insights on opportunities and challenges in providing food items sought by the large Filipino community in Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jeoffrey Cudiamat narrated his experience in outsourcing and eventually establishing a business in the country. Jeoffrey is the CEO of Structural Hawaii, an architectural, structural and civil engineering design and consulting firm. Lastly, Atty. Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, an accredited attorney both in the Philippines and Hawaii, provided some legal context of doing business in the Philippines and implications for dual citizens and retirees pursuing investment opportunities in the Philippines.
At the end of the panel discussion, FCCH President Dr. Nancy Walch and Trade Mission Chair Paul Alimbuyao invited the attendees to join the upcoming FCCH Trade Mission to the Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General and the State of Hawaii. The inbound mission shall take place from 12-22 October 2019. Participants will attend a two-day Business Conference which features a series of lectures on the country’s economic prospects, how to set-up business, and investment opportunities available for residents and non-resident Filipinos and/or foreigners. The Consulate arranged site visits to manufacturing and IT-BPO companies located inside Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. Guests will also have the opportunity to view possible products for export to Hawaii at Manila FAME, and at the Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte Trade Show.
Companies and businessmen who are interested to join the Trade Mission may contact FCCH or the Economic Section of the Consulate (Phone: 808-429-4458 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). (END)
Other panelists (left to right): Mr. Dante Aragon, Principal Engineer of EMCC; Ms. Melody Calisay, owner of East West Marketing Inc.; Mr. Jeoffrey Cudiamat, CEO of Structural Hawaii, Inc.; and Atty. Rhoda Yabes-Alvarez
Attendees listening to the presentation of Vice Consul Caymo
Attendees of the Panel Discussion
