Quezon City, Philippines – February 19, 2025 – The Progressive Association of Philippine Ink Makers, Inc. (PAPIM) successfully held its 1st General Membership Meeting and the Induction of its Board of Directors and Officers for the term 2025-2026 at the Quezon City Sports Club. The event, which marked the beginning of a new leadership era under incoming President Odie Vicencio of MCR Industries, was attended by key industry players, members, and distinguished guests.
Reginald Yu, President of the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) was invited as the inducting officer and guest-of-honor, administering the oath of office to the newly elected PAPIM Board and Officers while also delivering a speech that left the audience entertained and inspired.
In his remarks, Reggie captivated the audience with a speech that balanced humor with industry insights. He expressed deep appreciation for the honor, recognizing the shared challenges between the ink and paint industries, particularly in sourcing raw materials and navigating price fluctuations.
He took the opportunity to commend the outgoing PAPIM leadership led by President Freddy Borja of DIC Philippines, for their dedication and resilience. “Alam ko pong hindi madali ang trabaho ninyo. Minsan, parang hindi na kayo officers — para na kayong shock absorbers!” he quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd. He then led a round of applause for the past officers, acknowledging their hard work and commitment.
Turning to the incoming board, led by President Odie Vicencio, Yu warmly welcomed them to what he described as an “exciting and sometimes stressful” journey. He lightheartedly outlined the realities of leadership within industry associations, including long meetings often revolving around food, pricing challenges with suppliers, and members reaching out only when issues arise.
Despite the humorous tone, Yu’s speech carried a strong message of unity and industry resilience. He highlighted PAPIM’s legacy, from its early years as the Philippine Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers in 1973 to its transformation into the Progressive Association of Philippine Ink Makers in 2004. He stressed the importance of adapting to market changes, particularly in response to the rise of digital media and evolving environmental regulations.
However, he also acknowledged the pressing challenges of volatile raw material prices, increasing environmental regulations, and intensifying global competition.
To address these issues, Yu floated an intriguing proposal: a potential collaboration or even a merger between PAPIM and PPCAI. “Isipin niyo — pareho naman tayong nasa surface coatings industry. Pareho tayong may supplier na parang stock market ang presyo. Pareho tayong nag-aalala sa environmental regulations,” he reasoned, suggesting that a unified front could amplify their collective voice, resources, and industry influence.
While the merger idea was presented in jest, it sparked conversations among attendees about the potential for closer collaboration between PAPIM and PPCAI in future initiatives.
The evening concluded with a celebratory dinner, where members and guests continued discussions on industry trends, potential partnerships, and the exciting road ahead for PAPIM. With a fresh leadership team at the helm, the association remains committed to driving innovation and strengthening the printing ink sector in the Philippines. 🖌️🖌️🖌️
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