COVER - AMCHAM | PHILIPPINES
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
1
AmCham Philippines | February 2019
COVER
AMCHAM BUSINESS JOURNAL February 2019 | Vol 94 | No 2
AmCham Philippines | February 2019 3
Contents February 2019 | Vol 94 | No 02
Advocacy Contributed Article
44 JFC Statement on Senate Bill 2102 23 8 Real Estate Megatrends in the
or the Foreign Investment Act Philippines this 2019
amendments - Hearing of the Senate 48 BDO Macroeconomics Research -
Committee on Economic Affairs Nov REI: Tracking Q4 growth at 6.2%
AmCham News Corporate Social Responsibility
06 Why Join AmCham 30 60 Homes for Bohol
08 Guidelines for Submission of Articles 80 P&G holds Second Inter-site Tree
12 AmCham Corporate Partners Planting Activity
14 How to be an AmCham Member/
Corporate Partner Education and Culture
47 Caltex and American Chamber of 26 Nations English Report Card -
Commerce team up to give premium Executive Summary
discounts to members 32 Education Campaign for Young
Filipinos - Sparking interest in
AmCham Signature Event Agriculture, Science and Technology
70 AmCham Visayas Looks Forward to 52 Educators Can’t do it Alone (But let’s
2019 not get them off the hook...)
74 AmCham Mindanao Renews 54 Filipino Literary Giant We Know
Commitment of Service Little About
78 AmCham North Luzon: Cruise Tourism 68 Higher Education: What You See
Depends on Where You Stand
Business Leadership Program
36 The Business Leadership Program (BLP) From the Editor
- a few statistics 10 Education – Our Future
Business of Business Filipino American Memorial Endowment
81 Interesting Japan 60 For Whom the Bells Toll: The Final
Chapter
Community News
58 Marriott Expansion to facilitate launch Health Matters
of Philippine Business Council 54 What’s to know about Keto?
New AmCham Committee
18 Creative Industry Committee
THIS MONTH'S ISSUE 19 Education Committee
Other Sections
Hooray, I just graduated!
10 2019 Officers & Directors
Where do I go from here?
What do I do next?... 16 AmCham Chapters & Advocacies and
Committees
20 AmCham Staff
Cover Designed by
Eya Martinez 84 Members’ Birthdays: February - March
Image by Erol Ahmed 86 Index to Advertisers
AmCham Social Media Accounts
4
New AmCham Members For February 2019
National Capital Region
Burns & McDonnell Asia Mr. Grant Grothen Vice President Regular Firm B
DoTerra Phils. Mr. Michael David Carson General Manager Regular Firm B
Glaxo Smithkline Mr. Sriram Jambunathan General Manager Associate Firm A
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Mr. Michael Brennan Head of Wholesale Associate Firm A
Corporation Limited (HSBC) Banking
Edukasyon.PH Ms. Miki Aristorenas Head of Impact Non-Profit and
Government
International Care Ministries Mr. David Kent Sutherland Global CEO Non-Profit and
Government
Mr. Ferdie Limbo Associate Individual
North Luzon Chapter
Scrubbed.Net Global Services, Inc. Mr. Laurence Cristopher Senior Manager Corporate A
Limitless Power Coach Training and Mr. Rhea Rita Mutuc CEO Corporate A
Consultancy Inc.
The Philippine American Life & General Mr. Rodolfo Rubio Vice President and Corporate A
Insurance Company Head of Corporate
Solutions Sales
Grand Monaco Estate Developers Inc. Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio EVP-Sales and Corporate A
Marketing
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ebb Hinchliffe PUBLICATIONS CONSULTANT/EDITOR: Leslie Ann Murray ADVERTISING HEAD: Chet Guevara
LAYOUT EDITOR: Eya Martinez WEBSITE DIRECTOR: Christina Tuguigui PHOTOGRAPHER: Roy Fulgado
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Ernie Cecilia PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE ADVISER: Manuel R. Guillermo
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER: Atty. Emmanuel T. Santos
PUBLISHED BY: The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. MEMBER: Publisher Association of the Philippines, Inc.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Chamber exists to serve the needs and wants of U.S. businesses through the participation of members in promoting their long-term objectives,
while contributing to the civic and economic development of the Philippines.
All rights reserved. AmCham Business Journal is a general business magazine published monthly by The American Chamber of Commerce
of the Philippines, Inc., with offices at 2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas, corner Gamboa St., Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229
(C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City 1265), Philippines; telephones: (632) 818-7911 to 13; fax (632) 811-3081 / 811-3184;
emails: publications@amchamphilippines.com / amchamrp@mozcom.com; website: www.amchamphilippines.com.
Publication Registration No.: ISSN-0116-452X
All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not of The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. accepts no liability for the accuracy of the data or for the editorial views
contained in the articles. Publication of unsolicited articles is at the sole discretion of the Publications Committee.
No article or content can be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the prior written consent or authorization of The American Chamber
of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
Entered as second-class mail at the Manila Post Office on May 24, 1921 and on December 10, 1945. Re-entered as second-class mail at the
Makati Central Post Office on May 07, 1992 and under Permit #534 dated May 24, 1993.
6 | Header
8 | Header
10 | AmCham Officers & Directors
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
Putting your Business Forward
Since 1902
H.E. SUNG Y. KIM
U.S. Ambassador of the Philippines
Honorary Chairman
JAMES WILKINS GEORGE M. DRYSDALE
Fluor Daniel, Inc. - Philippines Marsman Drysdale Group
President DONALD R. FELBAUM
Optel LTD.
RICK SANTOS ROBERT M. SEARS
Santos Knight Frank, Inc. American Historical Collection Foundation, Inc.
1st Vice President Directors, Ex-Officios
BRUCE WINTON EBB HINCHLIFFE
Marriott Hotel Manila AmCham Philippines
2nd Vice President Executive Director
PHILIP SOLIVEN ATTY. AILEEN TOLOSA-LERMA
Cargill Philippines, Inc. Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc de los Angeles Law
Treasurer Office
Corporate Secretary
JOCOT DE DIOS
General Electric Philippines RALPH REUBEN MORALES
WINN EVERHART Texas Instruments Philippines Inc.
Coca-Cola Far East LTD. President, AmCham North Luzon Chapter
PETER HAYDEN
Captial One Phil. Support Services Corp. BRIAN CONNELLY
ARIEL LACSAMANA Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
3M Philippines President, AmCham Visayas Chapter
MARK LWIN
AIG Phils. Insurance, Inc. ATTY. LEONCIO VILLA-ABRILLE
Casareo Villa-Abrille Development Corp.
BELINDA RACELA
President, AmCham Mindanao Chapter
Chevron Philippines
SHANKAR VISWANATHAN ROMMEL RAGASA
Procter & Gamble International Operations (SA) ROHQ AmCham Foundation Retirement Fund
Directors Acting Executive Director
2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa Street
Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229
Tels.: (632) 818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 811 3081
Email: amcham@amchamphilippines.com • Website: www.amchamphilippines.com12 | AmCham News
AMCHAM
CORPORATE PARTNERS
AmCham Philippines has been the longest-serving and most vibrant American
Chamber in Asia. Recognized as the voice of business since 1902.
The AmCham Corporate Partnership offers companies year-round benefits,
including expanded access to AmCham core membership resources for an
enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as greater intelligence,
access, influence, and exposure.
For more information, please contact AmCham’s Corporate Partnership Consultant.
Email: christinawinton@amchamphilippines.com / Tel: (+632) 818 7911 loc. 21814 | Header AmCham News |
Corporate Partner
The AmCham Corporate Partnership is a prestigious category which provides exclusive access, exposure, benefits, and support from the Chamber.
For inquiries please contact Christina Winton at christinawinton@amchamphilippines.com.
Regular Firm Membership Associate Individual Membership
*A – Php 55,000 | B – Php 45,000 Php 33,000
(*+Php 12, 500 for New Members, deductible from your succeeding (*+Php 7, 500 for New Members, deductible from your succeeding membership
membership dues in AmCham) dues in AmCham)
This membership is available to corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, This membership is available to individuals residing in the Philippines
and other business organizations and enterprises, which are registered who are non-American citizens and who are not eligible for any other
and qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 30% or more of the membership classifications.
ownership held by American citizens and/or corporations. In a partnership,
the American partner/s must have a share of interest of 30% or more. In
the case of non-stock corporations and un-incorporated associations, at Non-Profit and Government Membership
least 30% of the voting members must be Americans. Php 22,000
In this classification, the firm shall be represented by an accredited (*+Php 6, 250 for New Members, deductible from your succeeding membership
individual who must rank as a senior executive but may not be necessarily dues in AmCham)
an American citizen. This membership is available to: non-profit, charitable, civic, educational,
religious and eleemosynary organizations, associations and institutions
in the Philippines. Under this classification, an individual accredited by
Regular Individual Membership the organization shall serve as a representative. Employees of the U.S.
Php 33,000 Federal Government can also avail of this membership category.
(*+Php 7, 500 for New Members, deductible from your succeeding membership
dues in AmCham)
This membership is available to individual persons residing in the Non-Resident Membership
Philippines who are American citizens and who are not eligible for any Php 22,250
other membership classifications. (*+Php 6, 250 for New Members, deductible from your succeeding membership
dues in AmCham)
This membership is available to firms and individuals who are doing
Associate Firm Membership business outside the Philippines but would like to support the Chamber
*A – Php 55,000 | B – Php 45,000 in its activities and events.
(*+Php 12, 500 for New Members, deductible from your succeeding
membership dues in AmCham)
This membership is available to firms that are qualified to do business in Additional Firm Membership
the Philippines, with 71% or more of the ownership held by citizens or Php 5,000
corporations which are non-Americans. The firm shall be represented by This membership is available to any employees of a firm member residing
an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive and may in the Philippines who wish to be recognized as an official member of
be of any nationality. the Chamber.
For queries please contact AmCham’s Membership Manager. *A- Annual Revenue of US$ 5 million and above
Email: pauline@amchamphilippines.com / Tel: (+632) 818 7911 loc. 207 B - Annual Revenue of US$ 4.9 million and below16 | AmCham Chapters & Advocacies
THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF
THE PHILIPPINES, INC. THE PHILIPPINES, INC.
(North Luzon Chapter - 2015) (Visayas Chapter - 1987)
RALPH REUBEN MORALES BRIAN CONNELLY
Texas Instruments Inc. Marco Polo
President President
JOAN SABROSO BRENDA LISEN
Chapter Office Manager Chapter Office Manager
Building 7294, C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone Unit 303 Clotilde Commercial Center
Pampanga, 2023 M.L. Quezon St., Casuntingan, Mandaue City, 6014
Telefax: (632) 811 3081; Mobile: +63 (927) 912 3248 Tels.: Tel: +63 (32) 316 1093 • Fax: (032) 232 2373
Email: joan@amchamphilippines.com Mobile: +63 (917) 323 1972
Emails: cebuamcham@yahoo.com ; brenda@amchamphilippines.com
THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF AMERICAN DESK AT THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS
THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Established 1992)
(Mindanao Chapter - 1988)
EBB HINCHLIFFE
ATTY. LEONCIO VILLA-ABRILLE Director
Casareo Villa-Abrille Development Corp.
President YVES AGUILOS
American Desk Specialist
ANNIE QUITAY
Chapter Office Manager 385 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Tels.: (632) 895 8851; 895 3918 • Fax: (632) 896 2315
2nd Floor, Door 207-208, Don Cesareo, Villa-Abrille Building Emails: yves@amchamphilippines.com
Jacinto corner Juan Luna Streets, Davao City, 8000 amdesk@amchamphilippines.com
Mobile: +63 (916) 876 7729
Emails: amcham.mindanao@gmail.com ; annie@amchamphilippines.com
FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT, INC. THE AMERICAN CHAMBER FOUNDATION
(Founded 1986) PHILIPPINES, INC.
(Founded 1985)
LT. COL. ARTEMIO MATIBAG
President EDWIN FEIST
Advanced Nutrition Technology
LESLIE ANN MURRAY President
Trustee
ROMMEL RAGASA
KV ROJAS Acting Executive Director
F.A.M.E. Specialist
Leonard Benjamin Development Center
4554 Casino corner Olivarez Street, Palanan, Makati City
c/o The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. Tels.: (632) 834 0184; 551 8060 • Tel/Fax: (632) 834 1192
2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxas E-mail: amchamfdn@amchamphilippines.com
corner Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, 1229 Website: www.amchamfoundation.com
C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City, 1265
Tels.: (632) 818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 811 3081
Email: fame@amchamphilippines.com
Website: www.filipino-americanmemorials.orgAmCham Committees | 17
COMMITTEE Chairman INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Agribusiness Philip G. Soliven / Atty. Mel Hernandez KV Rojas
Creative Industries Yves Aguilos
Education Terry Farris Yves Aguilos
Energy & Power Atty. Jocot de Dios / Frank Thiel Bea Baldonado
Environment and Urban Development Arch. Jun Palafox / James Donovan Mc Bensal
Financial Services, Taxes & Tariffs Atty. Jules Riego / Rombit Co KV Rojas
Healthcare and Wellness Donald Felbaum / Richard McGonega Mc Bensal
Human Capital & Resources Ernie Cecilia / Grace Sorongon Yves Aguilos
Information & Communications Technology Donald Felbaum / Frank Holz Mc Bensal
Infrastructure & Logistics Jaime Faustino / John Peterson Bea Baldonado
Intellectual Property Rights Atty. Divina P.V. Ilas-Panganiban, LL.M. KV Rojas
Atty. Princess Ascalon
Legislative John D. Forbes / Atty. Elaine Collado Yves Aguilos
Manufacturing Dan Lachica / Shankar Viswanathan Mc Bensal
Pharmaceutical Brent Denning KV Rojas
Professional Women of AmCham Belinda Racela / Atty. Melanie Lagera Bea Baldonado
Security & Disaster Resources Group Simoun Ung / Pete Troilo Bea Baldonado
Tourism & Hospitality Robert Blume / Dorothy Drysdale Mc Bensal
Trade & Investment Mario Biscocho Yves Aguilos
Young Professionals of AmCham Atty. Paolo Villonco Bea Baldonado
INTERNAL
Membership Roland dela Cruz Pam Santos
Kapihan Ebb Hinchliffe / Leslie Ann Murray Pam Santos
• Networking / General Membership KV Rojas
Meetings
• Welcome Breakfast Pam Santos
Chapters Ebb Hinchliffe Pam Santos
• North Luzon Joan Sabroso
• Visayas Brenda Lisen
• Mindanao Annie Quitay
Communications Ernie Cecilia Leslie Ann Murray
Manuel R. Guillermo Christina Tuguigui
Chet Guevara
Eya Martinez
Corporate Partners Ebb Hinchliffe Christina Winton
ACTIVITIES /ADVOCACY / AFFILIATE
Amcham Foundation Edwin D. Feist / Rommel Ragasa
AmDesk at The BOI Ebb Hinchliffe Yves Aguilos
Business Leadership Program (BLP) Jun Salipsip / David Caldwell Pinky Jamili
Filipino-American Memorial Endowment LT. Col. Art Matibag / Leslie Ann Murray KV Rojas
(F.A.M.E.)
The Arangkada Philippines Project John D. Forbes Yves Aguilos
(TAPP II)
Washington Relations / APCAC Rick Santos / George Drysdale Divina Combes18 | NEW AMCHAM COMMITTEE
Creative Industry Committee
The Creative Industries (CI) Committee brings together the What’s in it for AmCham
growing industries devoted to creativity, design, and innovation. It Philippines?
also aims to recognize the full potential of the Philippine creative Through this committee, AmCham
economy and enhance its competitive advantage in the world. will not only draw in companies related
to this industry but also individuals and
Fields / Sectors shall include the following: industry trendsetters. The committee
will also associate our existing members
with companies that are dedicated in this
Core Sectors Creative Economy Sectors
industry sector.
Art, or anything which an auction house can sell or a
The committee also aims to align
museum put on show.
its objectives to President Duterte’s
Books, including physical books and e-books.
Socioeconomic Agenda – item #8 which
Crafts, or handmade objects with both functional and
Arts and aesthetic qualities.
entails promoting science, technology
Culture and the creative arts, to enhance
Film, live action or animation, in the form of cinematic
releases, home video sales and rentals, packaged innovation and creative capacity
video on DVD and Blu-ray, and online streaming toward self-sustaining and inclusive
services. development.
Music, expressed in writing, performing in shows, and
recording albums and singles in physical and digital In terms of advocacy, significant
formats. recommendations will also be supported
Performance, includes theatre musicals, comedy, by this committee, giving emphasis
opera, dance, ballet, and circus. to the 7-point recommendations of
Video Games, console-based games played on the “Arangkada Philippines Creative
devices and online games and apps. Industries Policy Brief.”
Architecture, or the design of buildings and
infrastructure for the construction industry. Furthermore, the Creative Industries
Design Design, or the conscious improvement of something Committee will create more content in
to fulfill its functions better. Includes product design terms of collaborative events with our
and industrial design.
other existing committees such as:
Fashion, or the creation of styles and brands for
creative tourism, creative education,
consumer products. Includes textile, garment,
footwear, and accessories.
creative intellectual property, etc.
Toys and Games, or the design, manufacture, and
sale of toys and games. Potential Activities / Initiatives:
• Launching – Creative Industries: The
Advertising, includes advertisement creation by
agencies and placement on media such as TV, Sunrise Industry
Media newspapers, magazines, radio, and on outdoor • The Creative Economy Act – Crafting
billboards. A National Policy for Creativity
Press, includes newspapers and magazines. • The Hubs of the Future – Creative
TV and Radio, or the transmission of sounds and/or Hubs and Clusters
pictures to household receivers. • Creative Tourism
Research and Development, includes basic academic • Game Development in the Philippines
and commercial research for the development of • Design / User Interface Experience
Innovation businesses and patents. • American Trade Exposition
Software, or the development of code and use of
programming languages. Includes digital markets
Source: Arangkada Philippines Policy Brief No.
and dotcoms.
10: Creative IndustriesNew AmCham Committee | 19
Education Committee
IN PHOTO: 2018 AmCham Business Leadership Program
The Education Committee (EdCom) aims to its goals with President Duterte’s Socioeconomic
build a bridge between education and business on Agenda item 7 which seeks investment in human
education initiatives, as well as showcase different capital development, including health and education
models for collaboration. EdCom is also tasked to systems, as well as matching skills and training
raise awareness, provide information and address to meet the demands of businesses and the private
issues concerning trends in the education sector sector.
including international and local education, special
education (SPED), internship, vocation training Potential Activities / Initiatives:
(TESDA), and higher education. • Launching – Building Bridges for Business and
Education – AmCham Education Committee
The committee will also conduct events that will • Business Leadership Program
bring together universities, international schools, • Mentorship Events
placement agencies, educators, students, etc. • Industry – Education Collaborative Events
• Internship Portal
EdCom shall also support the Chamber’s Business
Leadership Program which provides student leaders
around the Philippines a glimpse into the inner The Creative Industry and Education Committees
workings of some of the country’s top American and will be handled by AmCham Industry Development
multinational companies, to inspire them towards Specialist and Government Liaison Officer Mr. Yves
becoming committed professionals in the future. Aguilos. He is also handling the following committees:
Legislative, Trade & Investment, Human Capital &
What’s in it for AmCham Philippines? Resources, as well as the American Desk at the
EdCom shall mainly help push AmCham’s Philippine Board of Investments - Department of Trade
initiatives in the education sector. It also aims to align and Industry.20 | AmCham Staff
Assistant to the Executive Director Divina Combes
Human Resources / Administrative Officer Rachel de Guzman
Administrative Services Roy Fulgado
Drivers Rick Peji
Ernie Aala
Receptionist Celine Laurel
Accounting Manager Patricia Estrella
Accounting Head Elmer Yanuaria
Cashier Dominador Borres
Accounts Receivable Specialist Cristina Teves
Program Manager, Vicky San Juan-Co
Committees and Industry Relations
Industry Development Specialists (IDS) Yves Aguilos
KV Rojas
Bea Baldonado
Mc Bensal
Government Liaison Yves Aguilos
Corporate Partnership Consultant Christina Winton
Membership Manager Pam Santos
North Luzon Chapter Office Manager Joan Sabroso
Visayas Chapter Office Manager Brenda Lisen
Mindanao Chapter Office Manager Annie Quitay
Publications Consultant / Editor Leslie Ann Murray
Communications Manager Tin Tuguigui
Advertising Head Chet Guevara
Layout Editor Eya Martinez
Librarian Aurora Galvez
Business Leadership Program Manager Pinky Jamili
(BLP)AmCham Philippines | February 2019 21
AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP
DIRECTORY 2019
ADVERTISE NOW
All ad materials should be in PDF/TIFF or PSD format (CMYK mode)
and at least not lower than 300dpi (resolution)
‘19
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY SIZE PRINTED AREA FOR MORE INFORMATION
7.25" X 10.25" inches 6" X 9" inches AmCham Advertising Head
advtg@amchamphilippines.com
(+632) 818-7911 loc. 20822 | Editorial
Education – Our Future
AmCham continues to work to improve education and business. It is also tasked
our value to our members and in to raise awareness, provide information
2019 several new committees will be and address issues concerning trends
implemented. One of which is our new in the sector including international
Education Committee, due to start in and local education, Special Education
the first quarter of this year. (SPED), internships, Vocational Training
(TESDA), as well as higher education.
When we first began the process of
creating a committee for Education, The committee will conduct meetings,
the thought was it might be small conferences and other events that will
due to the number of AmCham bring together universities, international
members actually involved in the schools, placement agencies, educators,
formal Education process. However, students and, of course, the end user
it was quickly realized that education which is the all important business sector,
is another sector that affects ALL seeking employable candidates.
AmCham members.
Further, the Education Committee will work
The education sector encompasses K-12 closely with several other AmCham committees
(Dep Ed), secondary (CHED), tertiary (AIM) such as Human Capital, Trade and Investment,
and - with a small stretch of imagination - Manufacturing, and will also align with - and
it can include Vocational (TESDA), Special assist - the Business Leadership Program
Needs education, Private schools and even (BLP) which annually brings 30 “best of the
Religious school. It can even include Home best” university students nationwide to Manila
Schooling. to participate in its comprehensive eight day
In the future program.
Then there are those agencies that support it may well
the educational system like Philippine address the In the future it may well address the educational
Business for Education (PBEd) which does educational opportunities between our two countries and
a great job of working hard to ensure that opportunities promote international exchanges or programs.
schools are teaching the right curriculum between our
so their graduates are hireable. And the US two countries It is exciting times to be part of AmCham and
AID STRIDE project which supports studies and promote the roll out of this committee is only one of
in science, technology, innovation and international many new programs for 2019. In the coming
promotes education in the two countries. exchanges or issues of the Business Journal we will highlight
programs. some of the others.
Most relevant to AmCham is that all
business sectors depend on the education Thanks for your support and looking forward
process to provide us with their workforce; to a great 2019!
now and in the future, and the landscape is
always changing.
The Education committee of Amcham
aims to build a bridge between education
initiatives and business needs; showcasing Ebb Hinchliffe
different models for collaboration between Editor-in-Chief, AmCham Business JournalContributed Article | 23
8 Real Estate Megatrends
Most of these are concentrated in the financial districts of Makati (38%)
and Taguig (27%). With the arrival of international operators WeWork
in the Philippines this 2019
and Common Ground, major developers such as Ayala and Robinsons
have also moved into the market with their own brands ClockIn and
work.able, respectively.
The co-working phenomenon touched down in Cebu where a
handful of pioneers such as The Company and iioffice operate. Santos
What will 2019 look like for Philippine real Knight Frank believes that it is only a matter of time before international
estate? Leading real estate service provider and more local operators with established presence in Manila enter
Santos Knight Frank unveiled the key trends Cebu.
that will affect the property sector in the country
in 2019: Trend 4: Boom of Co-living Spaces
Co-living spaces, primarily for employees, have grown popular
Trend 1: Neighbors Bet on “Asia’s in Makati, Bonifacio Global City and areas with high concentration
Rising Tiger” of workers from industries such as BPOs. Lessees prefer to relocate
A significant share of net Foreign Direct themselves nearer their workplace to avoid problems and costs
Investments into the country during January- associated with transportation. Thus, residential developments both
October 2018 came from Asia, specifically for sale and lease have become secondary and halfway residences for
Singapore (45.3%), Hong Kong (13.2%), employees coming from different areas.
China (9.5%) and Japan (9.2%). Investments
from China have grown substantially over the New co-living projects include First Georgetown’s GRID in Makati
previous year, with a net FDI of USD 189.3 and Centro nin Kaaram in Naga City. Primary players in co-living include
million in 2018 from USD 13.3 million in 2017. Ayala with The Flats and SM with MyTown.
This trend is likely to continue in 2019 as
more capital from China flows into industries
like infrastructure, manufacturing, offices,
residential and hospitality.
Trend 2: Office Sector – Rising Rents
and Growing Supply
The office sector ended 2018 on a high
note with a 9% rental growth year-on-year
and a relatively high net absorption of 282,000
sqm during the fourth quarter. Overall vacancy
rate in Metro Manila was recorded at a healthy
level of 4.9%, driven by 318,000 sqm additional
supply during the last part of the year. BPOs
and traditional offices continued to drive that
demand, evident from the high net absorption in
Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas where tenants
are primarily from this segment.
In 2019, Santos Knight Frank forecasts
continuous growth in rent as demand remains
strong. More office space will be infused into
the market and accommodate the demand.
About 1.2 million sqm of new office stock will
be added this year.
Trend 3: The Co-working Phenomenon
Santos Knight Frank data shows 135
locations in Metro Manila that are categorized
as co-working, serviced and shared offices.24 | Contributed Article
Trend 5: Urbanization and Gentrification in
Manila
Gentrification is driving new developments on the
fringes of financial districts, such as Bonifacio Global City
and Makati, where co-living spaces are built for employee
housing.
With most of Manila urbanized, areas such as the C5
corridor have attracted renewed attention. The corridor is
now home to new townships underway, namely Arcovia
City (Megaworld), Parklinks (Ayala Land and Lucio Tan
group) and Bridgetown Business Park (Robinsons Land),
all of which are driving capital values up around their areas.
Makati is also set for a major transportation development
with the construction of a subway system. The new
infrastructure is expected to improve capital values and
rejuvenate interests for the city.
Trend 6: The Golden Era of Tourism
Tourism and hospitality have enjoyed high growth rates
over the last few years. The Department of Tourism revealed
that international arrivals increased by 7.2% during the first
11 months of the year to 6.4 million despite the rehabilitation
of Boracay. The booming industry is also fueled by local
travel, which sees more than 60 million domestic trips made and traditional retail have thrived in the Philippines amid
annually. changing customer preferences.
Data from Santos Knight Frank reveals that more than The growth of e-commerce has led malls to follow
6,400 hotel rooms are upcoming in Metro Manila until 2023, different strategies. For instance, community malls such as
with nearly 2,900 expected to open in 2019. CityMall (DoubleDragon Properties Inc.) have focused on
basic necessities. Most malls in Metro Manila focused on
Santos Knight Frank sees the growth of Philippine experiential shopping, adding more or renovating existing
tourism in the countryside. International events, such space for international brands, co-retail, pop-up concepts
as Clark’s hosting the Southeast Asian Games 2019, and dining.
will put the spotlight on emerging cities and real estate
developments. In addition, the recent launch of Mactan In 2019, malls will add 250,000 sqm of space – a 5%
Cebu International Airport’s second terminal and the new growth from current stock. A large part of this is predicted
Panglao Island airport will further increase international to be F&B, with 45% of current retail space dedicated to
connectivity in secondary cities. this segment.
In response to growing tourist volume, developers have Trend 8: Developers Move into Industrial and
been investing in the hotel industry across the Philippines. Logistics
Branded hotels are expanding not only within the capital With a short supply of warehouses and industrial parks
but also in locations such as Zambales (Rosewood), La within and outside Metro Manila, the industrial and logistics
Union (dusitD2, a Dusit brand), Bacolod (Citadines, an sector is an under-served market which developers such
Ascott brand), Davao (Dusit) and Cebu (Dusit, Sheraton, as Ayala Land, Metro Pacific, DoubleDragon Properties and
Radisson and Citadines). Meanwhile, homegrown players Anchor Land are moving into.
are also expanding their tourism and hotel portfolio, such
as Ayala with the Seda hotel brand and its new tourism In 2019, areas such as last-mile delivery hubs, inner-
estate, Sicogon Island. city distribution centers, cold storage and warehouse
facilities will be in demand. This trend is not only seen in the
Trend 7: Changing Dynamics of Retail Philippine but also Asia Pacific at large, where e-commerce
E-commerce in the Philippines grew by 30% annually is reshaping the logistics of goods.
since 2015 to a USD 5 billion industry in 2018, according to
a study by Google and Temasek. But while e-commerce has For more information on real estate trends, email
replaced brick-and-mortar retail in the U.S., both Internet jan.custodio@santos.knightfrank.phAmCham Philippines | February 2019 25
26 | Education and Culture
Nations English also published research in 1999 and 2006 highlighting
English proficiency as the main reason why graduates
do not get hired2.
Report Card The following global facts below highlight the
English challenge that the Philippines is facing:
Executive Summary • Out of 100 graduates, 95 cannot be hired by BPO
industry.
Consolidated by: • Singapore and Malaysia now outperform the
Philippines in terms of English proficiency3.
• Thailand and Vietnam have adopted international
English standards (CEFR Framework) and
increased English language learning hours in their
curriculum in the past two years.
• There is a significant decline in Philippine English
proficiency between 2000-20084.
• English remains the largest industry-academe
skills gap (PMAP Research 1999, 2006, IBPAP
research 2013).
2 Background of the research
This research was sponsored by non-profit Educational
Testing Service (ETS). ETS is a partner of both the Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation (MET Project) and the US
Government (Nations Report Card project).
This study used over 10,000 results of graduating
students from the Philippines who took the Test of
The following is the latest available assessment of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
English language proficiency in the Philippines, Listening and Reading test for SY 2015-2016, which
submitted by Hopkins International. is mapped to the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR).
1 Executive Summary Total number of samples was 10,085 (There were
The biggest threat to the BPO industry is primarily 399 selected samples based on Slovin’s Formula
the “lack of a skilled workforce.” This could hinder based on the fishbowl method with no replacement).
the industry from reaching its goals highlighted in
Accelerate PH Roadmap 2022 to “surpass OFW
remittances and provide 9.4 million direct & indirect 2.1 Common European Framework of
jobs.” The IT Business Process Association of the Reference for Languages
Philippines (IBPAP) research showed in 20131 that The Common European Framework of Reference
out of all the Basic Workforce Skills, developing for Languages (CEFR) is a performance benchmark
English proficiency should be the priority. The People for multiple languages. It is widely used to compare
Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) language achievement across multiple tests, e.g.
1
Barrios et al. (2013, Oct 1-2). Competency of Graduating Students and Entry Level workers in IT-BPO Industry presented at the
12th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) October 1-2, 2013
2
Zata et al. People Management Association of the Philippines (2012). From the Hearth.
3
Singapore, Malaysia edge PHL in English-proficiency ranking. Retrieved from: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/singapore-
malaysia-edge-phl-in-english-proficiency-ranking. Date accessed: 12/14/2016
4
Forbes, J. D. (2010). Arangkada Philippines 2010: A Business Perspective.AmCham Philippines | February 2019 27
comparing TOEIC scores to TOEFL scores. It is also The CEFR describes a progression of language
used by several organizations and governments proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening on
when creating a foreign language policy, such as Visa a 6-level scale clustered in three bands: A1–A2 (Basic
immigration procedures, Global hiring criteria and user), B1–B2 (Independent user), and C1–C2 (Proficient
large Educational initiatives. user). The CEFR descriptors are found in Table 1.
Table 1: CEFR Descriptors
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise
information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments
C2 and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously,
very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more
Proficient complex situations.
User Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit
meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious
C1 searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social,
academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structed, detailed text
on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors
and cohesive devices.
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact
B2 with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native
speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed
text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving
Independent the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
User Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly
encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to
B1 arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple
connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe
experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and
explanations for opinions and plans.
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local
A2 geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring
a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can
describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and
Basic matters in areas of immediate need.
User Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed
at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others
A1 and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives,
people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided
the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
→
5
Adie Suri Zulkefli. “Malaysian students, teachers show vast improvement in CEFR” . Retrieved from: https://www.nst.com.my/news/
nation/2017/11/299126/msian-students-teachers-show-vast-improvement-cefr-cambridge-evaluation. Date accessed: March 21,
2018
6
Study International. “This is why you should get serious about learning English – like the French do”. Retrieved from: https://www.
studyinternational.com/news/france-english-language. Date accessed: March 21, 201828 | Education and Culture
2.3 Comparisons to initiatives of other • In France, the French prime minister announced
countries that all high school and college students have to
The CEFR is widely used to describe English pass tests aligned to the CEFR such as TOEIC
language proficiency, mapped to assessment scores, and IELTS6
educational policies and work standards such as visa • In Thailand, the CEFR standard for Grade 12
requirements. This table was compiled from multiple students is set at CEFR B17
sources which are detailed in this section.
3 Findings
Major key uses of the CEFR around the world The key findings of the data are:
include:
Finding 1: Philippine College graduates’ English
• In Malaysia, over 50% of English language proficiency is at a lower standard than Thailand
teachers have achieved CEFR C1 level5 High School Graduates
Table 2: CEFR Mapping with multiple comparisons
7
Daniel Maxwell. “Thai schools adopt European Framework to boost English Language proficiency”. Retrieved from: https://
asiancorrespondent.com/2015/04/thai-schools-adopt-european-framework-to-boost-english-language-proficiency. Date accessed:
March 21, 2018
8
Chularat Saengpassa. “Ministry unveils ambitious English plan”. Retrieved from: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/
national/30293997. Date accessed: January 5, 2017AmCham Philippines | February 2019 29
The average TOEIC Total Score for Philippine challenges to the competitiveness of the Philippine
Higher Education graduating students is 631.4 out workforce and provide objective international quality
of 990 (CEFR B1). A short description of this level data to key stakeholders, decision makers and future
of proficiency is ‘Can produce simple connected researchers. The recommendations in this paper have
text on topics which are familiar or of personal been developed in consultation with Human Resource
interest’. practitioners, consultants, academic researchers and
community workers.
CEFR B1 is lower than the English language target
of Thailand for graduating High school students This paper primarily focuses on the Common
which is CEFR B28. European Framework of Reference for Languages
(CEFR) , a generic language framework used by over
Finding 2: Industry-Academe Skills gap is 81 countries worldwide. The assessment used to
extremely large which threatens major talent gather data is the Test of English for International
shortages Communication10 (TOEIC) which can be mapped to the
generic CEFR framework and is the world’s leading
The data shows that less than 1 in 10,000 business English assessment in-terms of popularity
graduating students from a particular Public and psychometric properties.
Provincial University can meet the English
proficiency standard of the Customer Care Educational resources are becoming free (Open
position in the BPO Industry. Educational Resources) with massive amounts
of capital invested towards creating free learning
Approximately 2.06% of graduating students from resources such as Duolingo (which recently received
Public Provincial Universities (Approx. 1.34 million a $200 million dollar investment from Google Capital).
or 38% of Higher Education students) can meet the Luis von Ahn (CEO of Duolingo) states “Motivation
English proficiency standard of Food & Beverage is the single biggest problem people have when
Staff at Marriott Hotel Manila. learning a language.”
Finding 3: The gap between Public and Private The key recommendations of this position paper
Higher Education graduates is extremely large are the following:
There is roughly a 6 Grade level difference between • Government officials and Accreditation
the English proficiency scores of graduating Committees to set standards and/or outcomes
Provincial Higher Education students and the at or above our ASEAN neighbors such as a
English proficiency score of an average graduate CEFR B2 English level
from a Top 4 University. • Universities to require students to reach a
CEFR B2 English standard prior to graduation
Approximately 1 in 175 students (0.057%) of and to come up with relevant intervention
graduating students from Public Provincial Higher programs (including structural changes such as
Education Universities will meet the average score increasing hours)
of a student from a University with a tuition fee of • Industry associations such as IBPAP,PMAP,
PHP 100,000 and above. CCAP or well-known employers to prefer or
require a CEFR B2 English level
• Law to be passed that requires certain degree
4 Recommendations programs to reach the CEFR B2 English
This ‘Paper on the English Industry-Academe Skills standard
Gap’ has been developed to outline some of the key
9
Verhelst, N., et al. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge
University Press, 2009.
10
TOEIC User Guide: Retrieved from: https://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/Test_of_English_for_International_Communication/TOEIC_
User_Gd.pdf. Date accessed: October 26, 201630 | Corporate Social Responsibility
60 Homes
for Bohol
Submitted by Pfizer Inc.
Through a grant from Pfizer Philippines Foundation,
Inc. (PPFI), Habitat for Humanity was able to build 60
homes in Antequera, Bohol, a community affected by
a major earthquake in 2013. The homes were formally
PPFI President Noel Borlongan greets the residents of
turned over last December through a ribbon-cutting
Antequera, Bohol
ceremony held in one of the homes built in Barangay
Ubojan.
“We’re honored to be invited in one of the homes
build by Habitat for Humanity and meet some of the
beneficiaries of this project,” says PPFI Program
Manager Geof Garcia. “We hope to continue working
with Habitat for future projects and encourage our
colleagues to take part in building homes for local
communities.”
The grant provided by PPFI is an extension of its
previous project with Habitat for Humanity, in which
60 homes were built in Burauen, Leyte, one of the
communities severely hit by typhoon Yolanda.
To make the event more meaningful, the ribbon cutting
ceremony was held in one of the homes that were built by
Habitat for Humanity.
Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to
improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We
strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value
in the discovery, development, and manufacture of
healthcare products. Since our establishment in 1954,
Pfizer Philippines has been collaborating with health
care providers, governments, and local communities
to support and expand access to reliable and quality
healthcare for Filipinos. For over 60 years, Pfizer
Philippines has been following the Pfizer Standard
of quality, product safety, reliability, and medical
information that has earned us the trust of our patients PPFI President Noel Borlongan and Program Manager Geof
and the confidence of Filipino healthcare practitioners Garcia, together with representatives from Habitat for Humanity,
as a partner in caring for the Filipino patient. tour the home of Tita Elias who hosted the turnover ceremony.32 | Education and Culture
Education Campaign for Young Filipinos
Sparking interest in Agriculture,
Science and Technology
By Chat Garrido-Ocampo
Getting people interested in agriculture is far from should not be a wonder that enrollment in agricultural
easy. After all, agriculture is oftentimes not classified as courses is declining. If the images that we see related
a burning issue that is stimulating and important enough to agriculture are that of poverty, helplessness,
to discuss and/or on which to debate; check how many hopelessness and vulnerability to the elements, then
newspapers have pages devoted to agriculture. In the we can never inspire the best and the brightest among
latter part of 2018, the fact that about 13.3 percent or 3.1 our young to join the agriculture sector.
million Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger
(Social Weather Survey from September 15 to 23 2019) There is the obvious urgent need to present
did not seem enough to make agricultural productivity a agriculture in a better light. BUT HOW? Talk about
critical issue and therefore of national concern. On the precision farming, crop biotechnology, biologicals,
contrary, discussions on how to improve agricultural data science, digital agri ecosystem, among others
productivity seemed to have been left to agriculturists, and Agriculture has already indeed become a very
those in the agricultural sector and industry, and the exciting field!
dwindling number of farmer-leaders.
However, science and technology do not make for
Meantime, while we have a booming population easy conversations. Technical matters are not always
resulting in an increasing number of hungry Filipinos, easy to understand and therefore there should be
agriculture continues to be put on the back burner. opportunities for the audience to clarify, comment,
Hence, so many times, we hear about the need to make validate or simply have the chance to have further
agriculture sexy. conversations for clearer understanding. Thus, Legacy
Monsanto Philippines has invested in the following “out
A simple Google search, using Philippine of the usual” activities to connect with young Filipinos
agriculture and Filipino farmer as key words yields and get them engaged in agriculture, science and
information and images that are not at all inspiring. It technology:
Story-telling sessionsAmCham Philippines | February 2019 33
The program has already reached out to more that Whenever story-telling sessions were conducted,
12,000 elementary school children through story-telling a question and answer portion immediately
sessions using Monsanto’s children’s book on Bt corn followed and the exchange was always amazing in
and agricultural biotechnology. The children’s book, terms of opening the minds of everyone involved
titled Lina’s Town Rises Again, imparts the importance concerning the various perspectives on agricultural
of agricultural biotechnology as a solution to feed a biotechnology. Face-to-face communication and
growing nation. interaction surely tops the list of stakeholder
outreach, especially when dealing with young
The fully-illustrated book specifically written for students.
elementary students was inspired by the success-story
of farmer Consolacion Reyes from Lambayog, Sultan As the distributing of the book’s hard copies
Kudarat. The story revolves on how her family and the became costly, Legacy Monsanto Philippines
whole farming community were able to recover from decided to make an animation of Lina’s Town
economic loss brought about by the devastations of Rises Again. Viewing the animation further
typhoon Pablo. The book informs children about the encourages children to be interested in farming
benefits of agricultural biotechnology, and also conveys and the products of agricultural biotechnology as
a message of hope, strength, and courage in the face a means of transforming farmers’ lives and farming
of adversity. communities.
Briefings by Human Resources Executives on opportunities in the Agricultural sector
To get the interest of high school and college are and by sharing the available personal development
students, Legacy Monsanto Philippines also hold opportunities that come along with careers in agricultural
seminars and have reached out to over 4,000 students. companies,” Ocampo further said.
Entitled, “Monsanto & the Work That We Do,” the
series of seminars, conducted at different universities, During the seminar, there were also testimonials
cover topics such as Sustainable Agriculture, Careers from agriculture graduates who have had successful
in Agriculture, Working in the Agricultural industry and careers in the agricultural sector. These testimonials
Corporate Social Responsibility. aimed to inspire students to pursue agriculture courses.
The testimonials also provided an objective picture that
“We make it a point to reach out to students so agriculture could also be financially rewarding.
that they will realize that the agriculture sector has a
lot to offer,” said Legacy Monsanto HR Lead Cherie In addition, Legacy Monsanto Philippines has
Ocampo. “We wanted to spark the students’ interests also endeavored to strengthen its efforts to promote
by showing how important food sustainability issues better nutrition in the country by launching an →34 | Education and Culture
Monsanto Fun Kitchen
educational road show dubbed Monsanto Fun Kitchen in agriculture among young students that this activity
as part of the company’s nutrition campaign, and held in was able to spark was heartwarming if not inspiring.
the different provinces where it has business presence.
Much more can still be done …
Legacy Monsanto employees taught healthy recipes There are many more creative ideas to ignite the interest
to elementary school children - to encourage families of the Filipino youth in agriculture, science and technology;
to prepare balanced meals - while underscoring the stage plays and radio drama; television shows and online
relevance of biotechnology in promoting nutrition blogs and vlogs. Agriculture, science and technology
among Filipinos, especially among younger students. can also be the theme of exhibits and museum displays,
perhaps even be part of fashion shows and concerts.
After the cooking sessions, a dialogue between
Legacy Monsanto employees and elementary students When it comes to communicating agriculture, science
would take place where the latter were given the and technology, the sky is indeed the limit when one has the
opportunity to ask their questions on nutrition, passion and commitment to effectively share information
agriculture, science and technology. The conversation that truly matters in helping our country achieve progress
that ensued was always priceless. Indeed, the interest and development.
Charina “Chat” Garrido-Ocampo is Legacy Monsanto’s Corporate Affairs Head. She has been in the
agriculture sector for more than 15 years now. Prior to Monsanto, she was Community and Employee Relations
Manager of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). She also worked with government for almost a
decade as Chief Judicial Staff Officer of the Public Information Office of the Supreme Court and as Legislative
Officer at the House of Representatives.36 | Business Leadership Program
The Business Leadership
Program (BLP)– a few statistics
This year marks the 17th year of the AmCham the Visayas, and Mindanao - and that has made it all
Business Leadership Program! How it has grown! so worthwhile.
It was launched as a week long program of only 15
students, from only three universities: UP, De La After all these years we are proud of the students
Salle and Ateneo in the greater Manila area. Students who have made us – the AmCham organizers - proud
reported daily and returned to their homes at the end in their achievements. Many have gone on to become
of the day – meals (but no accommodation) provided. leaders in their communities, or joined world renowned
The next year there were 20 students…and then there companies –some have shown entrepreneurial skills
were more, and more… learned through the BLP to start their own companies
or non-profit organizations, benefiting fellow Filipinos.
It was soon realized that the program could benefit
so many more – and could truly recognize one of We present below some statistics that we hope
the original intentions; to bring Filipino students of will demonstrate the value of the BLP and show clearly
different backgrounds and cultures together and the benefits to both our BLP participants and the
introduce them to the “real world” of business, beyond generous sponsors who have supported this program
what they could glean from lectures and classroom – making it truly (as 10 out of 10 participants claim)
work. Thus the program was expanded to universities “a life changing experience.” We are so VERY proud
and colleges nationwide – Luzon (north and south), of them all!AmCham Philippines | February 2019 37
BLP Mission BLP Vision
Inspire future generations of committed Filipino A self-sustaining youth development program that
business professionals who will make a positive constantly and consistently creates opportunities
influence in the country and the world. for AmCham member companies to inspire the next
generation of business leaders in the Philippines.
FAST FACTS on the BLP
8 16 23 OLDEST
DAY CONTINUOUS PROGRAM
STUDENT
PROGRAM YEARS PARTNERS BUSINESS
LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM
49 400 IN THE PHILIPPINES
UNIVERSITY INFLUENCED FILIPINO
PARTNERS ALUMNI-LEADERS
Program Schedule Program Overview
Application September - October 2017 • Program Orientation and Team Building
Process • AmCham General Membership Luncheon Meeting
(GMLM)
• Welcome Reception at the US Ambassador’s
First Round December 2017
Residence
Screening
• Visits to Sponsor Company Offices and Facilities
• TOEIC Examinations
Second Review & January 2018 • Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Faculty
Interview Sessions
• Dynamic Panel Discussions with Filipino Social
Final Review & February 2018 Entrepreneurs
Interview • US Embassy Tour
• Business Plan Competition & Presentations
BLP Week April 17-25, 2018 • Awards Night →You can also read
