It was a night that reaffirmed the relationship between the Philippines and China as President Benigno S. Aquino and H.E. Ma Ke Qing, Ambassador of China to the Philippines, graced the celebration of the 20th year Anniversary of the Association of Young Filipino - Chinese Entrepreneurs (AYFCE) last March 16 at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.
In his speech, President Aquino lauded the leaders of AYFCE, “Today, we commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Anvil Business Club. Over the years, we have seen newer, younger sets of leaders in the business community stepping up to the plate. As you begin another year, you build on the achievements of the great men and women who came before you.
The President likewise encouraged the businessmen present during the event to join his government’s effort in championing transformation toward economic progress. “Make no mistake: we are on the threshold of transforming this country, our society, and the lives of our people. We can, and we have already been doing it. The challenge before us is to accelerate this transformation further. Together, it will be done.”
He continued, “We are reserving 78 ecotourism areas, upgrading airports, targeting 10 million tourists by 2016, (working on aligning education to industry needs, preparing contingencies for potential Middle East and oil price concerns.)”
Ambassador Ma Ke Qing, congratulated the AYFCE for the group’s mission. “This association has been promoting Chinese traditional culture and that of the Philippines, encouraging young entrepreneurs.” She pointed out to the vast opportunities that China’s growth and even needed adjustments, represented for
both countries and the 5 year plan agreed with Pres. Aquino last year to develop trade to 60 billion US dollars by 2016, and enter into a series of activities to foster friendship. China had started with 75 million US $ dollars trade with the Philippines in 1975, surging to at 32 billion dollars in 2011, and now represents
14.5% of global growth.
The Ambassador encouraged before a crowd of over 400 government officials, businessmen, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign delegations. “I do see great potential still there to tap between our trade and economic cooperation. There is certainly convergence between China’s economic endeavor and the economic drive of the Philippine government.”.
The later part of the event was dedicated to recognizing Emerging Enterprises with Substantive Social Impact. Awardees (see pictures with captions)include L&T International, which was represented by its chairman Mr. Willie Tan; Transnational Diversified Group represented by its chairman Mr. Jose Roberto
Delgado; Federation of Filipino–Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. represented by its president Tan Ching; and the Math Trainers Guild of the Philippines, represented by Simon Chua for organizing volunteer, uncompensated Math teacher who upgraded Filipino students international Math competitions to the top ranks and even winners over the last decade, and teacher and principal Mrs. Filmer for Punlaan School (with West Phalia and H. Seidel Foundation) for training and finding employment for so many underprivileged girls for H and R jobs. .
Plaques of recognition were also awarded to Inspiring Advisers and Mentors of the AYFCE, Dr. Lucio Tan, William Chenglay and Mr. John Ng.
Also present during the event was Ambassador to Israel His Excellency Menashe Bar-on, Ambassador to Turkey His Excellency Tanju Samer, Senator Panfilo Lacson, Sec. Neric Acosta, Sec. Llamas, Usec Gascon, Mayor Karen Villanueva, Usec Siyliangco, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Energy Secretary
Jose Rene Almendras, Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III, Representative Sonny Angara, former Representative Rissa Hontiveros Baraquel, SM’s Tessie Coson Sy, FFCCCII head Tanching, Chinese-Filipino Business Club Cristino Lim, Pag-ibig Head Atty. Darlene Berberabe. PCCI leaders Fred Yao, Miguel Varela, Donald Dee, ECOP head Ed Lacson, Usec Benjie Martinez, MAP President Ed
Francisco etc. representations from Thai, Myanmar, Indonesia, Taiwanese, Singaporean, China, Malaysia and Hongkong and other businessman groups among many other VIP’s and friends.
Anvil/AYFCE wishes to thank all our friends and supporters for joining this happy get-together!
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