Full-packed calendar
Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon Yalong stated: “Our participation at Expo 2020 will bolster the efforts of the Philippine government in attracting foreign investments and exporting of our top-quality products and services. With this vision, we have prepared an entire calendar of business-to-business events for the next six months which will highlight the majority of the Philippines’ strongest industries.”

To attract key investors from various sectors including food, tourism, hospitality, logistics, information technology, halal, amongst others, Yalong said they will roll out dedicated forums, delegations, and series of events including the upcoming Philippine Food Festival, Philippine National Day, participation in the Global Business Forum ASEAN (GBF ASEAN) and Gulfood 2022.

As foreign travel is still a challenge, PTIC said they will supplement business engagements virtually by organising business-to-business matching events held via Zoom, and creating online trade shows through Hopin.

Filipino groups vow full support
A number of Filipino organisations in the UAE have expressed their full support by encouraging their ‘kababayans’ to be brand ambassadors of the ‘Bangkóta’.

Filipino Social Club President Ericson Reyes stated: “The Filipino communities here in the UAE will be actively participating in events in line with the Philippines Pavilion at Expo 2020. Several activities that the Filipino Social Club will be participating will put a spotlight in our talent in the arts, which will highlight cultural references in our efforts to promote the country and our pavilion.”

Philippine Business Council Chairman Bobbie Carella added: “We have prepared several digital campaigns and mini on ground activities to share the story of the ‘Bangkóta’ not just for fellow Filipino expats, but also for the UAE’s millions of residents and tourists who will bask in the immersive story of the Filipino diaspora spanning over 4000 years.”

United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Dubai IP Chapter President Arch. Christian Vasquez commented: “The ‘Bangkóta’ is the Filipino architects’ testament to our keen eye for creativity, design, and flair. This pavilion alone, along with the intricate details within each of its areas, attest to the globally-recognised skills and talents.”