MISSION
Organized for charitable and educational purposes, the HPBEC achieves this purpose by:
Creating a forum for the exchange of information and direction between Hawai`i and the Philippines;
Strengthening their business and economic development links; and
Advocate for and on behalf of Hawai`i residents who consider both the Philippines and Hawai`i as home, particularly those with dual citizenships.
LEADERSHIP
Governance and Organizational Structure
A board consisting of an Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, Secretary and Treasurer and several directors ensures that the organization is in compliance with applicable laws and responsive to its approved by-laws. The board has the fiduciary responsibility and sets policies to make sure that the organization is sustainable and accountable.
The organization does not have any dues-paying members but consists of an advisory council that focus on key platforms. The advisory council consists of individuals that have the knowledge or expertise in themes or issues identified for action; or have participated in HPBEC forums and workshops. Recommendations by the advisers will be documented and acted on by the board and council as required.
Advisory Board
(includes invited panelists & moderators to our Monthly Talk Sessions)
Chair: Jeoffrey Cudiamat
Vice Chair: Mylene Magno Reyes
Members
Cecile Yasay
Domingo de Torres
Susan Mercado
Lito Alcantra
Iris Gil Viacrusis
Joy Martinez Onazawa
Al Valenciano
Lui Daya Garcia
Stella Danker
Ernesto Castro
Christine Sabado
Toy Arre
Nelda Zulueta
Caroline S. Magpantay
Clara Reyes Lapus
Ruth Elynia Mabanglo
Wilma Consul
Rita Nazareno
Lisa Nihei
Isabel Sicat
Fernand Joseph D. Miranda
Art Tibaldo
Earl Valencia
Charles Valoroso
Annalisa Burgos
Andrea Christina Caymo
Chamber Partners:
Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Dominic Suguitan, president
Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Cyndi Ayonon, president
Big Island Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Rose Bautista, president
West Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Dylan Andrion, president
Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Susana "Susie" Berardy, president
Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu, Tony Mejia, president
Coalition of Fil-Am Chambers of Commerce, Gerry Palon, president
Board of Directors
Executive Director: Rosemarie Mendoza
Deputy Exec.Director: Dr. Belinda Aquino
Secretary: Rose Cruz Churma
Treasurer: Melga Gendrano
Legal Counsel:Rhoda Yabes Alvarez
Director Harry Alonso
Director Melody Calisay
Director Jun Suela
Director Fe Velasco
Tech & PR Adviser Kit Zulueta Furukawa
PROJECTS
TALK STORY SESSIONS
INVEST PHILIPPINES! —ASIA’S NEXT ECONOMIC TIGER
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HAWAII—LEADING THE TREND IN RENEWABLE ENERGY CREATION
Since Feb. 2021
Monthly “Talk Story” sessions (since Feb. 2021) via Zoom conducted every first Wednesday of the month in Hawaii (first Thursdays in the Philippines) on topics of interest or that have impact on both sides of the Pacific. These sessions are broadcast live and is recorded and accessible via the HPBEC Facebook page.
May 7, 2013
Business and Trade Forum & Workshop. 7 May 2013 at the FilCom Center, Waipahu, Hawaii. Speakers included Archimedes Gomez; Philippine Trade Representative; Perfecto Yasay, former SEC chairman; and John Holman, director of the US Commercial Services. Informational and display booths complimented the whole-day event.
Co-presented with FCCH 22nd Trade Mission to the Philippines
On February 13, 2012 at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Makati City, Metro Manila, with Dante Aragon of EMCC as the lead speaker from Hawaii.
SISTER-CITY INITIATIVES & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP, THE FILIPINO AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
ALOHA & MABUHAY CONFERENCE
Co-presented with FCCH 22nd Trade Mission to the Philippines
On 15 February 2012 at the Baguio Country Club (Training Center), Baguio City. Manny Lanuevo, Deputy Director, Dept. of Environmental Services, City & County of Honolulu, lead speaker on “Garbage is Gold—Creating a Revenue Stream from Proper Solid Waste Management.”
Co-presented with FCCH 22nd Trade Mission to the Philippines
On 17 February 2012 at the Subic Bay Exhibition Convention Center, SBMA, Zambales. With lead speaker, Dr. Dean Alegado, retired professor from UHM on “Challenges and Issues Inhibiting Growth of the US Retiree Community in the Philippines.
October 13-14, 2021
This October, attend a virtual conference featuring experts in economic development, small business owners, and help strengthen the ties between Hawaii and the Philippines.