By: Gerry Palon
President, COFACC
A historic event last August 25, 2022 that culminated in stronger ties and bonding between the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) and the Indonesian American Business Council (IABC). The Business After Hours Mixer organized by the two ASEAN national Chambers of Commerce organizations and supported by their respective Consulate General offices – Philippine Consulate General Office Los Angeles headed by Congen Edgardo Badajos and the Indonesian Consulate General Office Los Angeles headed by Congen Saud Krisnawan. The venue of the mixer was held at the beautiful and spacious Indonesian Consulate General Office in Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles which accommodated more than 100 guests from both nations.
It was truly an inspiring initiative from both Chambers of Commerce organizations hearing positive responses among the guests and accentuated, of course, by the warm hospitality shown by our Indonesian hosts. The Philippines and Indonesian share the same cultural, social and family values tracing back their ancestral roots.
On the first photo from left is Consul General Edgardo Badajos or the Republic of the Philippines, President Jane Wibowo of the Indonesian American Business Council (IABC) President Gerry Palon of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC), and Consul General Saud Krisnawan of the Republic of Indonesia. The second photo shows the officers of COFACC who attended the mixer event.
Chandler City Mayor Kevin Hartke was invited to be the keynote speaker and inducting officer. He delivered a speech that gave testament to how his office immediately took crucial steps and balanced action to protect the health of the community in its initial response to the onset of COVID 19 pandemic. His office took swift action to reopen the city facilities and made adaptations for safe economic rebound. The City of Chandler is the most diverse city in Arizona with the greatest percentage of Asian population, and Mayor Hartke has expressed his dedication to protect and support the Asian community.
Newly inducted Chamber President Edward Lago also gave an inspirational speech that was in line with Mayor Hartke’s theme of rebuilding the economy. He spoke of how PACCA’s leadership team under his term stood resilient as the chamber provided much needed assistance and support to its members and the local business community at large in the height of the pandemic. He gave emphasis on the importance of the chamber’s role in the community, noting, “We are a community partner and voice for the small minority businesses”.
