Page 32 - 2018 JAN-JUN KAAKBAY

32 January to June
2018

Philippines Welcomes Economic Opportunities at Dinner with US Executives

Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Ernesto Pernia

led a round table discussion last 10 April 2018 at the Harvard
Club of New York, organized jointly by Philippine Consulate
General in New York, Philippine Trade and Investment Center
in New York and NYC-based Business Council for International
Understanding (BCIU), towards the end of the Secretary’s
United Nations-related trip.

The discussion, which revolved around increasing

opportunities for US investments in the field of infrastructure

development, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, and the country’s

trajectory towards a high middle-income state, was also

participated in by senior officials of Citibank, Pfizer Inc., Philip

Morris Intl., Gilead Sciences, Anthem Group, Denham Capital, Secretary for Socioeconomic Planning Ernesto Pernia is flanked by Claudio
Xylem Inc., Global Strategic Associates, and I Squared Capital. Lilienfield (R), Director of Government Relations for Gilead Sciences; and Mr
Joseph Vesey (L), Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Xylem,
During the meeting, Secretary Pernia highlighted the Inc. (PCGNY Photo)
PH government’s plan to remove existing foreign equity limits

including those for infrastructure development. The Secretary shared that the Philippines will explore all modalities on

infrastructure investment, such as Public-Private Partnership, Build-Operate-Transfer, and Design-Build-Operate.

The executives expressed their interest in participating in the Philippine economy, and the Secretary’s visit and
presentation boosted their confidence in investing, given the country’s robust economic performance and bright outlook.

PFA Pitches Franchising Concept to Filipinos in US Northeast

Philippine Franchise Association’s Yvette Pardo-Orbeta, Director
for Education, External Relations and Advocacy, held an engaging
discussion about franchising in the Philippines with members of the Filipino
community in New York at a forum organized by the Philippine Consulate
General on 4 June 2018 at the Philippine Center New York’s Gallery Lobby.

Ms. Orbeta, who is also the Chairman of Wendy’s Philippines, gave
a snapshot of the trends and opportunities in franchising in the Philippines.
She discussed the benefits and advantages of franchising, how to acquire a
franchise in the Philippines, and how to bring a franchise brand from the US,
giving tips on how to determine the right franchise for the right person.

Ms. Orbeta emphasized that franchising is a powerful tool for PFA Yvette Pardo Orbeta educated members of Fil-Am
economic development since it creates thousands of enterprises and creates community and media about franchising in the Philippines
millions of jobs. She shared the PFA’s role in the success of franchising in during a forum in New York. (Photo by New York PCG)
the Philippines, where the average growth rose from one franchise per year
to 60 per year. Franchising is now the most preferred business option in the country; and Philippines is now the most prolific
franchise developer in Asia, with 1500 franchise brands.

Speaking to the Filipino community, Ms. Orbeta said that PFA
is speaking before them “not to sell any brands but mainly to teach the
Filipino community and impart information about franchising.” She
offered that PFA is ready to help and guide those interested in
franchising.

Prior to Ms. Orbeta’s presentation, Commercial Counsellor
Nicanor Bautista gave insights on why NOW is the best time to invest in
the Philippines, citing the current economic environment in the
Philippines where franchisers would flourish, “creating the demand for
consumption and therefore creating the opportunities for the franchiser.”

PFA Executive Director Chit Estrada joined Ms. Orbeta in

PFA Executive Director Chit Estrada answer questions from Filipino answering questions from members of the Filipino community during
the open forum.
community. (Photo by New York PCG)