Global Pinoy gathering to tackle RP economics

CEBU, Philippines - The upcoming 6th Global Filipino Networking Convention, which will run from October 9 to 11 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, will tackle business and economic status of the Philippines.

With the theme “Surviving the present, shaping the future,” the three-day convention will be discussing unlimited opportunities for technological, business development and trade endeavors in the midst of the economic turndown that started last year.

The convention is a project of the National Federation of Filipino- American Associations in region 8, North California and other sponsors like the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in the Philippines Inc. and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce.

Convention secretary general Jenny Franco, who also sits as NAITAS-Cebu chairman, said they are targeting at least 1,500 participants from all over the world to come home and attend the event. Most delegates are expected to come from the US, Europe, Australia and other Asian countries.

Through the discussion on business and economic matters, update on the country’s real estate opportunities, investments, communications, IT and entrepreneurship will be taken up.

Also, remittances of the Overseas Filipino Workers would also be tackled since the organizers see the importance of giving light to those working abroad.

Franco said that they aim to identify common interests of the Filipinos whether living here or in other countries.      

The convention was launched in 2002 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California, which was attended by more 4,000 participants.

In 2003, the convention was held in Manila, followed by a third in Cebu in 2005, fourth in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2006 and recently fifth in Sydney, Australia in 2007.

Tourism issues will also be taken up as well as culture, entertainment, healthcare and education.

Women empowerment, education, dual citizenship, absentee voting is also part of the matters to be discussed and Franco said that those vying for the presidential seat will be given the chance to present their ideas on different matters but not to campaign.

“We encourage more global Filipinos to come home, come back to the Philippines and join us,” Franco added.