October 10, 2024, Pasay City – The Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) proudly graced the Chemical Industry Night hosted by Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), the country's premier chemical association. Held at the Citadines Bay Area in Pasay City, this formal gathering marked the first major reunion of industry associations in a decade, with the last similar event having been held on December 17, 2014.
Representing PPCAI at the event were some of its top leaders, including President Reggie Yu (Times Paint), Vice-President Patrick Negrete (Boysen), and board members Liway Batol (Pioneer), April Ramos (BASF), and Avon Martin (Getz). The group joined numerous industry professionals, government officials, and stakeholders from across the chemical sector, underscoring PPCAI's active role in the advancement and future of the Philippine chemical industry.
SPIK President Gretchen Fontejon-Enarle delivered a heartfelt message during the evening, thanking all attendees for their participation and expressing her enthusiasm about the industry's future. She highlighted the significance of the event in bringing together various sectors of the chemical industry after 10 years. "This gathering of like-minded professionals underscores the importance of collaboration as we face the new challenges and opportunities in our industry," Fontejon-Enarle remarked, praising the industry’s resilience and commitment to innovation.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cynthia Hernandez, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the vital role of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program in national development. Hernandez shared insights into the 169 PPP projects currently in the pipeline, amounting to over Php 3.1 billion. She elaborated on the role these initiatives will play in fostering innovation and growth in the chemical and manufacturing sectors, while also encouraging stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Adding to the discourse on the future of the industry, Mr. Ronaldo Buluran, Acting Director of the Board of Investments' Manufacturing Industries Service, spoke about the Philippine Chemical Industry Roadmap. Buluran emphasized the key lessons learned from the roadmap’s implementation over the years and outlined potential strategies for propelling the industry forward. His talk resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom were keen to contribute to shaping the next phase of the sector’s growth.
The highlight of the evening came during the Responsible Care Global Charter signing ceremony. Member companies of SPIK reaffirmed their commitment to the Responsible Care Program, a global initiative aimed at ensuring safe and sustainable chemical production. By recommitting to this charter, these companies pledged to uphold the principles of health, safety, and environmental responsibility in their operations, further demonstrating the Philippine chemical industry's dedication to sustainable growth. The initiative continues to provide a powerful framework for companies to engage in responsible practices while encouraging others to adopt similar standards.
The Chemical Industry Night provided a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. As leaders of PPCAI and SPIK members stood united in their vision for the future, the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action in driving progress within the Philippine chemical sector.
In addition to the industry leaders present, the event was graced by government representatives, partners from the private sector, and various stakeholders, making it a memorable evening of camaraderie and forward-thinking dialogue. The event also serves as a harbinger of continued cooperation and shared success among the many associations and entities that power the Philippine chemical industry.
Kudos to Pres Gretchen and SPIK for hosting this incredible event. 🖌️🖌️🖌️
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