Philippines and San Francisco Explore Next Innovation Bridge in AI and Trusted Technology
From left: SFFACC Chairman Jose Pecho, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon, and Director of International Trade and Commerce of the City and County of San Francisco Mark Chandler deliver remarks during the SF International Week program. (San Francisco PCG photos)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined government officials, technology leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and Filipino American business leaders at the SF International Week program “From San Francisco to the Philippines: AI, Trusted Technology, and the Next Innovation Bridge,” held on 13 August 2026 at the YES SF Headquarters. Organized by the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the event explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in artificial intelligence, trusted technology, investment, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing.
In his remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon noted the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations while emphasizing the forward‑looking nature of the discussion and the growing importance of economic security to the alliance. He highlighted the Philippines’ strategic location, skilled workforce, established electronics and semiconductor base, and potential to move into higher‑value activities such as integrated circuit design, advanced manufacturing, AI services, and critical minerals processing, adding that initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica serve as avenues for collaboration in line with Philippine laws and interests.
Philippine and American speakers highlighted the strong complementarities between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Philippines. Mr. Mark Chandler of the City and County of San Francisco underscored the city’s role as a global center for AI and innovation. Mr. Brandon Remington of the U.S. Department of Commerce presented the American AI Exports Program, while Ms. Kelly Coldiron of SelectUSA outlined opportunities for Philippine companies to engage U.S. commercial and investment partners. Mr. Earl Martin Valencia of the Philippine National Innovation Council encouraged deeper cross‑border collaboration and emphasized the potential of AI and innovation to advance national priorities across key sectors.
A panel of Filipino founders, investors, and innovation leaders also discussed renewable energy and data-center development, venture capital, digital connectivity, AI deployment, workforce transformation, and opportunities for Philippine startups to develop globally competitive solutions.
From left: Ms. Andy Rapista of Invictus, Ms. Carmel Limcaoco of KITA, Ms. Samantha Borja of Menlo Ventures and Mr. Earl Martin Valencia during the panel discussion “Filipino Founders, Investors & Builders – Making the U.S.-Philippines Innovation Corridor Real.” (San Francisco PCG photo)
The Philippine Consulate General, together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Silicon Valley, reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating investments, innovation partnerships, mentorship, technology transfer, and stronger commercial connections between the Philippines and the San Francisco Bay Area. END