MANILA, Philippines - General Electric (GE) recently marked its 75th year as a corporation in the Philippines with an anniversary gala at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila. It was an evening of fellowship and camaraderie among GE executives, business associates and corporate partners.
Stuart Dean, GE president, ASEAN, and Colin Low, GE president for Philippines, Singapore & Cambodia/regional executive for Growth Initiatives, ASEAN, flew in from Malaysia and Singapore, respectively, to lead the special celebration.
GE’s presence in the country actually started in 1890 when GE’S predecessor, the Thomas Houston Electric Company, installed the first electric streetlights on Real Street in Manila. From then on, GE steadily increased its commitment to the country and, in October 1935, incorporated GE Philippines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, to engage in a broad range of manufacturing, trading and service businesses.
“Seventy five years is indeed a long time,” Low said. “As the Philippines continued to grow as a nation, so did GE’s presence in the country. As a leading technology, financial services and entertainment media company, we touch the lives of Filipinos in many ways imaginable: from energy, water, healthcare, to aviation, home and business solutions and entertainment.” He then expressed his appreciation for their partners who continue to be part of their journey. “You have been an intrinsic part of our history, and we remain bound together by the values of imagination, excellence and integrity that GE has stood for.”
For his part, Dean likewise acknowledged those who had been with GE through the years, citing the valuable support that they extended to the company, and helping it to become the success that it is today. “As we look forward to the next 25 years, more than 2/3 of the world’s infrastructure will be built in developing countries like China, India and ASEAN. GE is beefing up our presence in these countries and partnering with great friends like you to grow our presence together,” Dean said.
Two of GE’s valued partners, Cebu Pacific Air president and CEO Lance Gokongwei, and San Miguel Corporation office of the president special consultant Andrew Huang, spoke about how GE had become an integral part of their company operations and how the great value GE places on customer relationships has made a big difference in keeping the partnership lasting and more meaningful over the years.
Dean and Low led the champagne toast as they renewed GE’s commitment to the Philippines and Filipinos. They also reinforced the company’s vision of turning imaginative ideas into sound businesses through GE’s Ecomagination and Healthymagination programs.
Marc Nelson hosted the event while entertainment numbers were provided by the UP Voice & Music Theater Guild performing Broadway medleys, GE’s good friend and partner Leah Navarro, and The Company.