SAN FRANCISCO – Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer graced the fireside chat set up as guest speaker at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California hosted by Kalidip Choudhury, Ph.D.
The one-hour event entitled “Philippines-U.S. Relations: Evolving Opportunities and Challenges” aimed to shed light on the evolving opportunities and challenges in the longstanding alliance between the Philippines and the United States as the Philippines continues its economic growth as an island nation while situated in a contentious maritime area.
An open dialogue allowed for a comprehensive discussion on the multifaceted aspects of Philippines-U.S. relations. Both the opportunities and challenges presented by this longstanding alliance were examined in-depth as the two nations navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Topics such as the Philippines’ booming economic growth, boosted by sectors like tourism and technology outsourcing, as well as emerging innovations in artificial intelligence that could drive future cooperation, were highlighted. The engaging exchanged provided attendees valuable insights into the strengthening ties between the two countries, as well as the Philippines’ foreign policy goals.
After the main event, a reception was held on the Kaiser Permanente Rooftop deck of the Commonwealth Club overlooking the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The Consulate served Filipino dishes such as sisig, chicken barbeque, lumpiang shanghai, pancit, as well as typical Filipino merienda fare, like puto, kutsinta, cassava, ube and mango cakes. Participants were also able to sample and buy products of local Filipino American food vendors, namely Napa de Oro, Oodaalolly and Teofilo Coffee.
The Philippine Department of Tourism office in San Francisco handed giveaways and promoted the Love the Philippines campaign and the Very Important Pinoy tour to the event goers. (PCGSF Release)
