70 years of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Inc. (FICCI) - Philippines has been years well spent towards achieving goals, pushing forward with praiseworthy projects and supporting admirable advocacies.
FICCI marked their 70th anniversary with a month-long celebration of activities that was ushered in by lighting a symbolic torch “Diya” of Hope at the SM Mall of Asia to spread the light of positivity and goodness in celebrating Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights. This was followed by a joint tree planting at Miriam College, symbolic of the long and close relationship between the Philippines and India, and a CSR outreach program, “Sharing the Gift of Sight “that benefited recipients of reading glasses in targeted areas of Marikina, Olongapo and Davao.
The highlight of the celebration was the very successful FICCI Golden Peacock Awards and Gala night where the chamber honored those who have inspired others through their leadership, dedication and vision during the pandemic. The FICCI also paid tribute to the men and women who have contributed, supported and given guidance to the Chamber’s objectives to enhance Bilateral relations between India and the Philippines, and to achieve inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
It was a night where esteemed members of the national government, such as Senate Majority floor leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sec. Ramon Lopez of DTI, and Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion were also present who echoed their commitment to continue working with FICCI in further enhancing Philippine-Indian trade and economic ties.
Indian Ambassador H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran also shared his thoughts on the great role that FICCI continues to play in strengthening not only bilateral relations between both countries but also people to people interaction.
FICCI President Mike Advani also said in his remarks that the chamber commits to be the catalyst for both the peoples of India and the Philippines to continually engage more and help achieve a stronger bond. This was then emphasized further by Chairman Rex Daryanani who emphasized the need to continue the working relationship that the Federation enjoys with the government, " we can take pride in the fact that through the years, FICCI has been working hand in hand with government in its economic initiatives, not to mention our support in various ways in these difficult times of the pandemic."
The list of awardees for the FICCI Golden Peacock Award Excellence was conferred to the following Government officials namely Vice President Leni Robredo, Sec. Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of Defense, Cong. Joey Salceda, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Chief Implementor of the National Task Force Against Covid 19, Sec Carlto Galvez Jr., Director General , Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Atty. Rowel Barba, and Jeremiah Belgica, Director General of the Anti Red Tape Authority, and former PNP Director - General Guillermo Eleazar,
This being the chamber’s 70th year, the Golden Peacock Award of Gratitude was also extended to certain members of the FICCI in appreciation of their generosity and steadfast support throughout the decades.
"We are certainly looking at a better year in 2022 with an even more active FICCI leading the way as we recover from the pandemic, " concluded Advani.
The festivities continued with a mesmerizing update of the chamber’s advocacy, The Philippine India Pediatric Liver Transplant Program’s latest partner Gary Valenciano whose lilting tunes and energy aptly encapsulated the 70 power packed years of the chamber that will lead it to the next 70 years and beyond.