PRESS RELEASE
WDC-32-2020
22 NOVEMBER 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez continued engaging with stakeholders on the various aspects of Philippines-U.S. bilateral relations in a virtual event co-hosted by the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. (PACC-DC) on 20 November 2020 (21 November 2020 in the Philippines).
Entitled “Philippine-U.S. Relations in a Time of Change”, the program featured an interview between the Ambassador and Olma Inocentes, Public Relations Officer of the PACC-DC.
The Ambassador shared his insights into the possible trajectory of bilateral ties under the incoming U.S. Administration of president-elect Joe Biden, as well as opportunities for cooperation in addressing common economic and public health concerns.
Ambassador Romualdez expressed belief that “the kind of allies that we have been with the United States has remained the same and now stronger than ever.”
“The people-to-people relationship has been continuously strong. And now more than ever, we have a lot Filipinos who are in high places in government here in the United States. We’ve had some issues every now and then but most of that have been resolved or are being addressed. We continue to interact with many members of the U.S. Congress here particularly in Washington, D.C., as well as think tanks, and we continue to find ways and means to have a strong relationship not only on the political side but also economic ties,” Ambassador Romualdez further said.
He expressed confidence in the Philippines’ post-pandemic recovery and urged American companies to look at the Philippines as their pathway to Asia as the region continues its rise as the world’s economic powerhouse.
Highlighting the positive image and efforts of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the United States, Ambassador Romualdez enjoined the audience to continue supporting all frontliners who are a vital force in the fight against the pandemic and serve as promoters of goodwill and friendship.
PACC-DC President Christina Sison delivered remarks to open the program, followed by representatives of the corporate sponsors: Mitchell Meyers, Cathay Pacific Corporate Account Manager; Dr. Joe Arzadon, founder of Northern Virginia Surgical Arts; and a brief presentation on The OMLLI Group, LLC.
Founded in 1993 by Filipino-American entrepreneurs in the metro DC area, PACC-DC aims to develop programs, seminars, and events that have a positive impact on the business community; to connect and foster open and consistent communications across communities; to support and augment its members; and to foster community outreach initiatives that benefit the entire region. “Philippine-U.S. Relations in a Time of Change” is the first in a series of monthly webinars co-hosted by the Embassy and PACC-DC. It may be viewed here.