FILIPINO DIASPORA IN SAN FRANCISCO ENGAGES IN “BUILDING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS: PARTNER, GROW, AND SUCCEED IN THE PHILIPPINES” FORUM
L-R: Vice Consul Hannah Eloisse Go, FYLPRO President Genevieve Jopanda, Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes, ACG Chief Tax Advisor Raymond Abrea, and Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali showcase Mr. Abrea’s new book (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV) and the Asian Consulting Group (ACG), hosted the forum “Building Global Partnerships: Partner, Grow, and Succeed in the Philippines” on 05 November 2025 at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center. The event connected U.S.-based Filipino American professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs with key opportunities in the Philippine market. In her welcome remarks, Deputy Consul General Cortes emphasized the Philippines’ economic resilience, and encouraged collaboration between the Filipino American community and Philippine institutions. She highlighted opportunities in technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and small business development, supported by a young, skilled workforce.
Left: Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes delivers her welcome remarks Right: Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali provides Philippine economic overview (San Francisco PCG photos)
Trade Commissioner Kitchie Umali shared that the Philippines posted 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, with USD 8.9 billion in foreign direct investment inflows. She cited major reforms – including the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and amendments to investment laws – that expand foreign participation in strategic sectors, alongside infrastructure developments, global supply chain diversification, and 427 operational ecozones ready for investors. ACG Chief Tax Advisor Raymond Abrea highlighted key Philippine tax reforms and investment support for businesses, including simplified structures under CREATE More, rationalized incentives, and programs through DTI Negosyo Centers, Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), BOI, and PEZA. He emphasized fair, risk-based audits, streamlined compliance for small enterprises, and recommended lowering personal income taxes and VAT to 10%, noting the government’s collaboration with international partners to align with global standards.
Top: ACG Chief Tax Advisor Raymond Abrea discusses effort to lower VAT; Bottom: Photo taken during the panel discussion (San Francisco PCG photos)
The forum included a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Genevieve Jopanda (FYLPRO), addressing questions on investment in technology, services, manufacturing, and MSMEs, as well as dual citizenship, taxation, and the Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV). Panelists also highlighted opportunities in data centers, renewable energy, and emerging film incentives.
The event concluded with a networking session and the launch of Mr. Abrea’s Reimagining the World Without Climate Change, with attendees receiving copies of the book.
The Consulate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting trade and investment and continued collaboration with PTIC-SV, ACG, chambers of commerce, and community partners to promote Philippine economic opportunities. END