Promoting new opportunities
for 21st century partnerships
M
MANILA BOARD MEETING & 
BUSINESS MISSION
29-31 JANUARY 2015  

The U.S.-Philippines Society Board, led by Co-Chairs M.V. Pangilinan and Amb. John D. Negroponte, engaged key Philippine government officials, private sector leaders, and visited Typhoon Haiyan recovery sites, January 29-31, 2015.

 

 

Positive trends in PH impress U.S.-Philippines Society leaders, Board


Society Co-Chair Amb. John Negroponte, told a press conference the most important take-away from the series of meetings is the positive direction of the Philippines, particularly with respect to economic reforms and growth. 

Amb. Negroponte remarked,"We expect that positive trends to continue." He added,"One of the things that we feel is important for us to do when we get back to the United States is to help further spread a message about positive developments with regard to economic activity in this country and the opportunity that it represents for the U.S. business community."

For full speech, please click : 
 
Board of Directors Meeting
  
Board Meeting Host, Co-Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan, together with Co-Chair Amb. John D. Negroponte welcomed participants and introduced the new board members. Society President Amb. John Maisto provided the Directors with a review of 2014 programs and activities and an overview of 2015 program initiatives. 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honorary Co-Chair Washington SyCip receives Carlos P. Romulo Award



Honorary Chair Washington SyCip receives the Carlos P. Romulo Award in recognition of his support for the Society and strengthening bilateral ties.


PH Legislative leaders  meet with Society Board 
  
Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.at a Breakfast Meeting, January 29. Participants queried congressional leaders on legislative initiatives needed to attract more foreign trade and investment.



Amb. Maisto_Legislative







Cabinet Briefing, Luncheon Meeting with PH Foreign Affairs Secretary
 
Finance Sec. Purisima with Undersecretaries Pio Batino (Defense), Loretta Ayson (Energy), Ponciano Manalo, Jr. (DTI) at a mid-morning briefing and open forum.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario hosted a luncheon meeting at the Manila Polo Club. Secretary Del Rosario briefed members on challenges and opportunities for the Philippines in 2015.

DTI USec Manalo


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit to Malacanang Palace
 
On January 30, the delegation met with Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras, Jr., Finance Secretary Purisima and Trade Secretary Domingo in Malacanang. Amb. Negroponte conveyed condolences to the Philippines and victims of the tragic violence in Mamasapano, Mindanao on January 25.

Malacanang 2015



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Makati Business Club Luncheon, Business Dialogue, and Policy Forum
 
The delegation met with representatives from key sectors of the Philippine economy, including energy, services, and infrastructure in a Business Dialogue, and held a Policy Forum.

The dialogue also featured Millennium Challenge Corporation's Vice President of Compact Operations, Kamran M. Khan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Conference
 
The program drew coverage from the national media. Below, Society leaders, Amb. Thomas Hubbard, Amb. John D. Negroponte, Amb. Jose Cuisia, Jr., and Amb. John F. Maisto take questions from the press.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Amb. Cuisia said, "The U.S.-Philippines Society has been an effective partner in sharing the Philippine narrative to mainstream America."




 
 
 
Overview of Typhoon Haiyan Response from NDRRMC, OPARR
 
Representatives from two leading agencies at the forefront of Typhoon Haiyan recovery briefed on the government's response and underscored efforts to promote disaster preparedness. 

NDRRMC Chief Admiral (ret) Alexander Pama and OPARR Undersecretary Leslie Cordero and Communication Director Atty. Karen Jimeno answered questions from the group.

In the photo, below right, USAID Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit to Tacloban, Leyte
 
Amb. Thomas Hubbard and Amb. John Maisto together with board members Henry Howard and George SyCip and other participants visited recovery projects sponsored by PDRF, a key partner of the Society in Haiyan recovery and rehabilitation initiatives. The group viewed transitional resettlement projects near Tacloban, cut the ribbon at newly renovated school classrooms, and met with beneficiaries of livelihood assistance projects, including by Board Members Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble to assist local sari-sari stores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partnering with the CV Starr and Philam Foundations on School Rebuilding
 
With a generous donation from Honorary Chair Hank Greenberg, the Society and the Philam Foundation supported construction of new classrooms in areas hit by Typhoon Haiyan. Society staffer, Lucille Ferraren, visited the Don Francisco Dinglasan Memorial Elementary School, Roxas City, Capiz on January 24 to view progress.