Page 3 - Dash of SPiCE (November 8, 2018)

Honoring a Statesman at the

Arangkada Philippines Forum 2018

Each year, The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) holds a grand event aimed to bolster the
relationship between the business and the government sectors. The Arangkada Philippines
Forum is an annual event that brings together public officials and business leaders to discuss
topics relevant in improving the business and investment climates. As the event’s highlight,
annually, the JFC recognizes the achievements of personalities at the fore of the country’s
progress.

At the The Arangkada Philippines Forum 2018 held at the Marriot Hotel on September 12,
SVP for Marketing, Corporate Communications and External Affairs Celeste Ilagan, presented
the JFC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of the late Senator Edgardo Angara’s
myriad contributions as educator, lawyer, banker, farmer, patron of the arts, and legislator.
Receiving the award on behalf of the late statesman was his son, Sen. Sonny Angara.

Composed of the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese, and
Korean Chambers of the Philippines, and PAMURI, the JFC promotes the creation of an
investor-friendly environment in the Philippines. “It was indeed my honor to have presented
the JFC’s Lifetime Achievement Award this year, representing both the PAMURI as its
Director, and SPi Global as a member organization,” remaked Celeste.

Discussing TRAIN and Ease of Doing
Business at the Asset Philippine Forum

As the Philippines’ economic
performance is perceived to be
moving aggressively towards growth,
the country’s foremost minds in the
world of Finance imparted insights
and views on how the country can
build a strong economy despite the
rising global challenges. (L-R); Ryan Tapia, (President, China Bank Capital); Celeste Ilagan, (SVP of Marketing, Corporate Communication and
External Affairs, SPi Global); Anthony Buyawe, (CFO and Treasurer & Executive Director, Cirtex Holdings Philippines);
Ignacio Mijares, (President and CEO, Cemex Holding Philippines); Lynette Ortiz, (CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Philippines);
The Asset 13th Philippine Forum, Eduardo Francisco, (President, BDO Capital); Daniel YU, (Editor-in-Chief, The Asset).
held on October 3 at the Grand Hyatt, Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bills,
was a platform for real talk and SPi Global SVP for Marketing, Corporate Communications
discussions by some the most and Extenal Affairs External Affairs Celeste Ilagan was
respected and influential business invited to be one of the panelists for the Build and Innovate
experts presented by Asset Digital session.
Magazine. It was also a venue which
addressed critical issues that affect During the forum, Celeste provided valuable insights on how
the Philippine economic climate, the business community and the Philippine government can
including interest rates, geopolitics, support each other in their common objectives of generating
and foreign investment policies. more jobs and positioning the Philippines as a competitive
investment destination in the region.
As a the main resource person on
“ease of doing business” and the

Arangkada Philippines Fora 2018 & The Asset • 08 November 2018 3
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