SCMAP has further expanded its presence across the country with the founding of a new chapter catering to companies in Northern Luzon.
Based in Clark, the new chapter is in recognition of the economic growth and optimistic prospects of the region. It is poised to become a manufacturing and logistics hub in the country, buoyed by increasingly competitive transport hubs in Subic and Clark and several waves of investment from both the public and private sectors.
The chapter was officially established in an event held on 15 February at the CDC Corporate Center at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The event featured talks from Clark Development Corporation vice president Eva Tejada on upcoming developments in the region, and from Clark International Airport Corporation vice president Lauro Ortille on business opportunities afforded by expansion plans for the airport. CDC director Edwin Rodriguez also provided short remarks.
Representing SCMAP’s national chapter is president Nestor Felicio, secretary Dina Pilapil and executive director Norman Adriano.
The Northern Luzon chapter has 16 convenor members – 14 corporate members and two individual members – composed of manufacturers, retailers and distributors mostly from Clark, but others from La Union and Pangasinan. There is also a presence from organizations in the region such as CDC, CIAC and Subic Clark Alliance for Development.
After the swearing in of members, the chapter elected its inaugural Board of Directors, comprised of the following:
President: Dr. Francisco Villanueva (Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Vice President: Evangeline Tejada (Clark Development Corporation)
Secretary: Linda Pamintuan (Subic Clark Alliance for Development)
Treasurer: Jeff Tolentino (Dragon Boys Foodbox Corporation)
Auditor: Darwin Malinit (Cargohaus)
Director: Jose Adrian Brinas (RCS Logistics Philippines)
Director: Regina Castillo (Viskase Asia Pacific)
Director: Lauro Ortille (Clark International Airport Corporation)
Director: Francis Joseph Torres (Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. Region 3)
Director: Jaime Uy (Sentine Development Corporation)
The BOD will be inducted at a later date.
SCMAP president Felicio expressed his excitement towards the establishment of SCMAP Northern Luzon, citing the huge potential for the region. “I hope Clark would be the next Hong Kong or Singapore,” he said in his short remarks.
SCMAP Northern Luzon is the third regional chapter of the organization, after the Visayas chapter based in Cebu, and the Mindanao chapter based in Cagayan de Oro. The organization is also looking to establish a chapter based in the Calabarzon region, further solidifying its presence in the country’s major logistics centers.