The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) proudly welcomed three esteemed new members during its Induction Ceremony held today, November 13, 2025, at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation office in Makati City.
Opening the program as Emcee, Secretary-General Philip B. Sanvictores warmly greeted PHILJEC members and guests, noting that the induction marks an important milestone in strengthening the bridge of cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of Chairman Alfred V. Ty, Co-Chairperson Doris Magsaysay Ho extended heartfelt congratulations and underscored the importance of joining a dynamic network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and change-makers committed to strengthening the Philippines-Japan partnership.
She encouraged members to actively engage in PHILJEC’s programs, particularly as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Philippines-Japan relations. She emphasized that PHILJEC thrives when its members contribute ideas, share expertise, and participate in initiatives that strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Following her remarks, the induction ceremony was officiated by Atty. Lilia B. De Lima, PHILJEC Adviser and former Director-General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
The newly inducted companies are:
BDO Unibank, Inc., represented by Ms. Monina Elena M. Camigla, Deputy Head of Financial Institutions and International Desks
BPI/MS Insurance Corporation, represented by Mr. Noriyuki Kobayashi, President & CEO
Marubeni Philippines Corporation, represented by Mr. Shigeru Shimoda, President & CEO
PHILJEC warmly welcomes its new members and looks forward to their contributions in advancing economic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
The 14th Asian Business Summit was held in Manila on July 3–4, 2025, marking 11 years since the Philippines first hosted the summit in 2014. This year’s event was co-organized by the Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), bringing together business leaders from over 12 economies for meaningful intra-regional dialogue.
Ahead of the summit discussions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the heads of delegation during a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on July 3. In his remarks, the President emphasized the importance of interdependence and strengthened cooperation amid ongoing challenges in the global economy.
On July 4, delegates convened at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for the main sessions of the 14th Asian Business Summit. Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond, PHILJEC Chairman, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing this year’s theme: “Towards Strengthening Asian Economic Cooperation in Challenging Times.” Mr. Masayuki Hyodo, Vice Chairman of Keidanren, also addressed the assembly, raising critical issues currently confronting the Asian region.
The Summit tackled four thematic plenary sessions that focused on key regional economic challenges and opportunities. Following the discussions, a Joint Statement was released, affirming the delegates’ shared commitment to achieving sustainable growth through enhanced trade, investment, innovation, and human resource development across the region.
The Joint Statement highlighted four priority areas:
Strengthening the Rules-Based International Economic Order The Summit stressed the importance of maintaining a free, open, and rules-based international economic system. Given heightened fragilities of global supply chains and the increasingly complex geopolitical ecosystem, the role of plurilateral and bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in advancing trade and investment throughout Asia were emphasized.
SePromoting Green Transformation through Diverse Pathways In response to increasing fossil fuel dependency and the intensifying impacts of climate change, the Summit called for the promotion of green transformation initiatives. These are deemed vital to achieving a decarbonized and sustainable future for the region.
Fostering Innovation through AI and Start-up Development The role of innovation – particularly generative AI – was recognized as both transformative and disruptive for society and the global and regional economy. The Summit advocated for the establishment of international rules regarding customs duties on electronic transmissions and the promotion of a secure cyberspace. The need to cultivate a vibrant start-up ecosystem through regulatory reform and streamlined processes was also emphasized.
Enhancing Regional Strength through Human Resource Development The Summit encouraged the development of diverse human capital via exchange programs, new educational models, cultural immersion opportunities, and the easing of residency requirements. It also proposed the mutual recognition of professional licenses and qualifications, alongside the conclusion of social security agreements, to support greater mobility and integration.
Following the conclusion of the plenary sessions, a ceremonial handover was conducted to formally pass the responsibility to the next host of the Asian Business Summit – the Singapore Business Federation. Final remarks were then delivered, after which the meeting was officially adjourned.
That evening, a farewell dinner was held, attended by several foreign dignitaries accredited to the Philippines, as well as local government officials. Among those present were:
His Excellency Agus Widjojo, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia
His Excellency Kazuya Endo, the Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Japan
Her Excellency Constance See, the Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila
Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy, Manila
The Honorable Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
Ms. Hyun-Jung Jung, Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines
Ms. Kay Thew Khine, Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Mr. Jeevan Kandpal, Second Secretary (Economic & Commerce Wing) of the Embassy of India, Manila
Atty. Allan B. Gepty, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry
Ms. Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay, Commercial Counsellor of DTI-PTIC
Mr. Paul Vincent L. Uy, Assistant Secretary (Office of International Economic Relations) of the Department of Foreign Affairs
The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) formally welcomed its newly elected members during an induction ceremony held on June 11, 2025, at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation in Makati City. The event was led by PHILJEC Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, who officiated the induction and extended his warm congratulations to the incoming members.
The ceremony began with a formal induction of distinguished companies into PHILJEC’s growing network. Among those welcomed were:
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, whose Principal Representative is Ms. June Cheryl A. Cabal-Revilla, Executive Vice President. She was represented at the ceremony by Atty. Ricardo “Jun” M. Pilares III, Vice President for Legal, Corporate Secretary, Compliance Officer, and Corporate Governance Officer.
Micromatic Industries Incorporated, represented by its President and CEO, Mr. John Allan T. Vinta.
Following the induction, members and guests gathered for a meet-and-greet cocktail reception. PHILJEC Secretary-General Philip B. Sanvictores opened the evening with remarks emphasizing PHILJEC’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing shared economic goals between the Philippines and Japan.
To mark the occasion, Mr. Sanvictores offered a celebratory toast in honor of the newly inducted members, symbolizing the beginning of strengthened partnerships and collective growth. The evening concluded on a warm and lively note, as attendees engaged in meaningful exchanges that reflected PHILJEC’s spirit of cooperation and mutual advancement.
On March 3, 2025, the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC) and the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) successfully held their 41st Annual Joint Meeting with the theme “Towards Alleviating Social Problems in Japan and the Philippines through Enhanced Economic Partnerships.”
Distinguished guests and delegates were welcomed by JPECC Chairman Mr. Takehiko Kakiuchi and PHILJEC Chairman Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond in their respective opening remarks. Congratulatory messages from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. were also read.
The meeting’s keynote address was delivered by Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President on Investments and Economic Affairs. He outlined major investment priorities under the new CREATE MORE Act, which aims to attract more foreign investors by enhancing tax incentives and streamlining business regulations.
This was followed by three plenary sessions:
Japanese Investments in the Philippines
Ms. Mari Ishizuka – General Manager, Digital Finance Dept., Financial Services Division, Mitsubishi Corporation
Mr. Tereso O. Panga – Director-General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
Large-Scale Food Production Imperatives for the Philippines
Mr. Yodo Kawase – President & General Manager, Kubota Philippines, Inc.
Dr. William D. Dar – Former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
Harnessing Filipino Human Resources
Mr. Tomohisa Kato – Group CEO/Founder, Zuitt, Inc.
Ms. Doris Magsaysay Ho – President-CEO, Magsaysay Group of Companies
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Kakiuchi, and PHILJEC Co-chairman Mr. Alfred V. Ty.
On March 2, prior to the Joint Meeting, the Philippine Society of Japan (PSOJ) hosted a reception at the Sakura Room of the Imperial Hotel to welcome the Filipino delegates. Mr. Mamoru Sekiyama, PSOJ Chairman, and Amb. Makoto Katsura, PSOJ President, welcomed the guests. Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, Vice-President of the Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) delivered a short speech at the event and H. E. Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano proposed a toast after the speech.
On March 4, high-level meetings were also held between PHILJEC and Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), and another meeting with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) to address vital issues impacting workforce mobility, trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga also attended these meetings.
Lastly, PHILJEC executives and delegates paid a courtesy call on H. E. Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano at her official residence on March 5 to report on the proceedings of the March 3 and 4 meetings.
In celebration of National Arts Month, members of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC), led by Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, and Co-Chairman Alfred V. Ty, participated in the Stop and Salute Flag Raising Ceremony held at Rizal Park, Luneta on February 03, 2025.
Held every first Monday of the month, this ceremony is organized by the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), the Salute To A Clean Flag Movement, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It brings together leaders from government, business, and cultural sector to pay tribute to the Philippine flag — a powerful symbol of patriotism, unity, and national pride. It also serves as a platform to spotlight national themes such as Women’s Month, in support of the country’s various advocacies.
Among the distinguished guests were Minister Daisuke Nihei, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan; Mr. Shigeru Shimoda, Vice President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines and CEO of Marubeni Philippines Corporation. Also in attendance were representatives from the Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF), the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language & Culture (PIJLC), the Philippines-Japan Ladies Association (PJLA), and Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA) — underscoring Japan’s commitment to fostering cultural and economic partnerships with the Philippines.
Notable Filipino cultural advocates were also present, including Ms. Nini Andrada-Sacro, muralist and founder of Climb Against Cancer Pilipinas; Mr. Alexandre Jel G. Avila, Vice President of Renacimiento Manila and Member of Nilad Community; Mr. Emmanuel Angeles, President and Creative Director of Ludritz Ventures, Inc.; and Architect Gio Abcede, President of the Heritage Conservation Society. Other representatives from government and private sectors were also in attendance.
The Stop and Salute Flag Raising Ceremony continues to serve as a meaningful platform for honoring national symbols and fostering unity. By bringing together Filipino and international stakeholders, it reinforces a shared commitment to the country’s historical legacy and cultural identity.
