DOF Secretary Go Leads Engagement of U.S. Industry Leaders at San Francisco Executive Forum and Networking Reception
From left to right: Moderator Dr. Sean Randolph of the Bay Area Council; Mr. Vince de Leon, CEO of Scrubbed; Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo of the Department of Trade and Industry and Vice Chairman of the Board of Investments; Senior Assistant Governor Dr. Edna C. Villa of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Mr. Alex Levy, CEO of ATMO; and Mr. Will Harden, Senior Director of Government Relations at Astranis Space Technologies engage in a panel discussion on Philippine opportunities in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine economic team, led by Department of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, presented the Philippines’ reform agenda and investment priorities at the Philippine Executive Forum titled “Securing the Future: Philippine Economic Strategy, Innovation-Driven Growth, and Resilient Global Partnerships,” held on 20 April 2026 at the headquarters of Autodesk in San Francisco.
In his keynote address, Secretary Go underscored the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, ongoing structural reforms, and expanding investment pipeline, positioning the Philippines as a competitive destination for high-value investments. He highlighted key reforms such as the CREATE MORE Act, modernization of public-private partnerships, capital markets reforms, and investor-friendly land leasing mechanisms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting long-term investments.
The forum also emphasized opportunities in priority sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and critical minerals. Philippine officials highlighted the country’s strategic advantages, including its young, skilled workforce and growing role in regional and global supply chains.
Held as part of the celebration of 80 years of Philippine-U.S. diplomatic relations, the forum underscored the country’s expanding role in regional and global supply chains. The event was organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
Left photo: Consul General Arnel Talisayon delivers the welcome remarks. Center photo: Secretary Frederick Go delivers the keynote address. Right photo: Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo delivers a presentation on the Philippines’ investment priorities and reform agenda. (San Francisco PCG photos)
A networking event later brought together Filipino-American leaders and industry partners across technology, finance, and innovation sectors to foster dialogue, strengthen connections, and advance potential collaborations. END
Filipino-American executives, founders, and industry leaders connect with members of the Philippine economic team during the networking reception at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center. (San Francisco PCG photo)