JHP-Report of the President for AGM 2014

Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
Report of the President
of the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
to the
2014 Annual General Meeting of Members
Pursuant to Article VI Section 7 (b) (i) of The New By-laws of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
of the Philippines, Inc., (the New By-laws), I have the honor to submit the Report of the President
to the 2014 Annual General Meeting of members.
Julian H. Payne, President
1.
INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT
The activities of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham) continued in
the context of a dramatic improvement in the economic performance of the Philippines under the
Aquino Administration in its fourth year in office. With anti-corruption initiatives, sound fiscal and
monetary management, and significant improvements in international competitive rankings, the
Philippines continued to lead economic growth in Southeast Asia, Business confidence improved
and the major credit international rating agencies raised the Philippines debt to investment grade.
However, the economic growth continued to be narrowly based on remittances from OFWs, realestate development, and transport-related infrastructure. While manufacturing and tourism
improved, agriculture and mining contributed little to the increased growth. Foreign Direct
Investment increased but the level remained low in relation with major ASEAN comparators. Of
concern, high unemployment remained virtually unchanged, the growth was not inclusive with
alleviation of poverty remaining an unmet challenge, and shortages are forecast in power and
water supply in major urban centers of metro-Manila, metro Cebu and Davao.
The impeachment and removal from office of the Chief Justice was a dramatic high-point in the
Administration’s pledge to fight against corruption, Substantial progress in the Administration’s
negotiations with the MILF for a comprehensive Bangsamoro Peace Agreement to end decades of
violence in Mindanao also contributed to a positive environment for potential future investment.
However, in the second half of 2013 three events threatened to slow economic growth and
business confidence. Long-standing and massive corruption in use of Priority Development Fund
by a significant number of members in the Congress with apparent complicity of some senior
officials and bogus NGOs was exposed, A massive 7.2 scale earthquake centered in Bohol in the
Vasayas; destroyed much of that island’s immediate growth potential. And the super typhoon
“Yolanda” destroyed Tacloban City with wide spread destruction and huge population
displacements throughout the Visayas.
A growing interest in Canada-Philippines business opportunities was high-lighted by the visit by
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in November 2012 to meet with Philippine political
leaders, senior government officials and business representatives (including CanCham). Foreign
trade between the two countries increased. The high annual level of Filipino immigrants to Canada
continued unabated in 2013. The Filipino-Canadian population in Canada, now in the order of
750,000, contributed a significant portion of total remittances.
In this changing context CanCham also continued to evolve with highlights in 2013 including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Augmenting the Secretariat with a specialist Communications and Research Officer
Signing additional partnerships with business associations in Canada and the Philippines
Obtaining final SEC approval on June 14, 2013 of the updated New By-laws of CanCham
Launching the first CanCham Trade Fair in Manila as part of the Canada Day celebration
Major CSR contributions for post-Bohol earthquake and post “Yolanda” rehabilitation
A small increase in total membership from 216 at end of 2012 to 231 at end of 2013
A significant increase in annual loss in net operations costs and reserves
Page 1 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
At the close of 2013, the major challenges for CanCham continued to be the need to broaden its
support and promotion of Canada-Philippines business interests across all areas of the
Philippines; as well as to increase its membership significantly to at least 400 by end of 2015.
2.
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF CANCHAM
(a)
Election of Board of Trustees (the Trustees)
Pursuant to the New By-laws (Article II, Section 2), members at the Annual General
Meeting (AGM) held on April 18, 2013 elected the following members as Trustees: Mr.
Christopher Bell-Knight; Mr. Roger Dimmell, Ms. Mercedes Laurel-Marquez; Ms. Tammy
Lipana. Mr. Ernest Loignon, Mr. Luigi Lopa, Ms. Flora Naces-Mateo; Mr. Julian Payne, and
Mr. John Ridsdel. The incumbent Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy,
Ms. Karra-Lee Gerrits, continued as a Trustee (ex-officio). On the approval of the New Bylaws by SEC, the Executive Director, Ms. Cora dela Cruz, became a member of the Board
of Trustees (ex-officio)
(b)
Election of Officers
Pursuant to the New By-laws (Article IV, Section 1), the Trustees at its first meeting on
May 23 re-elected the following as CanCham’s Officers for 2013-2014:
•
•
•
•
•
Mr. Julian Payne as President
Mr. Roger Dimmell as First Vice President
Ms. Mercedes Laurel-Marquez as Second Vice President
Mr. Christopher Bell-Knight as Treasurer
Atty. Virgilio Del Rosario Jr. as Corporate Secretary.
After approval of the New By-laws by SEC on June 14, 2013, the Trustees elected Ms.
Flora Naces-Mateo, to the new position of Third Vice President.
(c)
Meetings of the Board of Trustees
In 2013, the Trustees held 10 regular meetings at the call of the Chairman to oversee
CanCham operations as well as to consider and approve new policies and programs. No
special meetings were requested. All meetings were held at the National Office.
(d)
Appointment of Board of Governors (Governors)
Pursuant to the New By-laws (Article III, Section 2), the Trustees:
•
Confirmed as Governors ex officio: the Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, Mr.
Christopher Thornley (as Chairperson); the President Mr. Julian Payne; and the
Immediate Past President Mr. Richard Mills
•
Reappointed as Governors: Mr. James Dantow, Mr. Jack Gaisano, Honorary Consul
Robert Lee, Mr. Roger Mandriak; Arch.”Jun” Palafox, Mr. Celso Vivas, and Mr. “Tito”
Yuchengco
•
Appointment as Governor: Ms. Doris Magsaysay-Ho was made to fill a vacancy
Consequential to Mr. Richard Mills not renewing his CanCham membership for 2013, the
position of Immediate Past President as a Governor (ex officio) was deemed vacant with
no replacement Governor appointed in 2013
Consequential to the approval of the New By-laws by SEC, on June 14, Hon. Consul
Robert Lee became Governor (ex officio) in lieu of a Governor by appointment.
Consequential to the departure of Ambassador Christopher Thornley from the Philippines
to take up a new appointment as Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana and the
appointment of Mr. Neil Reeder as Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines in October
Page 2 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
2014, Ambassador Reeder succeeded Ambassador Thornley as Chair of the Board of
Governors (ex officio).
(e)
Meetings of the Board of Governors
In 2013 there were two meetings of the Governors convened at the Official Residence of
the Ambassador of Canada in January 30 and December 11. The Trustees were also
invited to attend all such meetings.
(f)
Management Committees and special assignments
Following election by the 2013 Annual General Meeting, the Trustees at their organizing
meeting on May 23 approved membership of the three mandatory committees of the
Board of Trustees as follows:
•
Executive Committee: Mr. Julian Payne, (ex-officio as President); Mr. Roger
Dimmell, (ex-officio as First Vice President); Ms. Mercedes Laurel-Marquez, r (exofficio as Second Vice President); Mr. Christopher Bell-Knight, (ex-officio as
Treasurer). Pursuant to the approval of the New By-laws, and election of Ms. Flora
Naces-Mateo, to the new officer position of Third Vice President, Ms. Naces-Mateo
became a member (ex-officio) of the Executive Committee.
•
Membership Committee: Ms. Tammy Lipana, Trustee member & chair; and Ms.
Mercedes Laurel-Marquez, Trustee member, (with Ms. Heidi Del Pilar as Committee
Secretary)
•
Communications and Editorial Committee: Mr. Ernest Loignon, Trustee member &
chair; Mr. John Ridsdel, Trustee member , and Ms. Kat Reambillo, Non-Trustee
member, (with Ms. “Jam” Arellano as Committee Secretary)
(g)
Cebu Regional Advisory Committee
1
Following the 2013 Annual General Meeting, the Trustees, on advice of the two Governors
and the Trustee resident in Cebu, approved the re-appointment of Mr. Renato Dychangco
Jr. as Chair of the Cebu Advisory Committee.
On the advice of the Chair of the Cebu Advisory Committee the Trustees reappointed Mr.
Jose Jaime Escaño, Mr. Francis Fulache, and Mr. Ritche Rivera as members of the
committee. Governor Jack Gaisano, Governor Robert Lee and Trustee Flora Mateo-Naces
as Cebu residents continued as ex officio members.
On the advice of the Chair of the Cebu Advisory Committee the Trustees reappointed Mr.
Jimmy Chua as Vice Chair of the committee. Subsequently, after Mr. Chua was appointed
Vice Chair of the Cebu Chapter and resigned as Vice Chair of the Cebu Advisory
Committee, the Trustees appointed Mr. Francis Fulache as Vice Chair of the Cebu
Advisory Committee.
(h)
Meetings of the Cebu Advisory Committee
The Cebu Advisory Committee held 3 meetings in 2013 to discuss appropriate events and
CSR projects in the Cebu area.
(i)
New positions of Chair and Vice Chair of the Cebu Chapter
1
Cebu Regional Advisory Committee: Mr. Herbert Buot, Mr. Jimmy Chua, Mr. Jude del Rio, Mr. Renato Dychangco Jr.,
Mr. Jose Jaime Escaño, Mr. Francis Fulache, Mr. Ritche Rivera, Mr Felix Tiukinhoy, and Mr. Oscar Tuason
Page 3 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
Noting that the New By-laws made no reference to a leader for a chapter and the
desirability of designating a leader for the Cebu Chapter, the Trustees approved the
establishment of the positions of Chair and Vice Chair of the Cebu Chapter.
On the advice of the Governors and Trustee resident in Cebu, the Trustees approved the
appointment of Mr. Renato Dychangco Jr. as Chair of the Cebu Chapter concurrently as
Chair of the Cebu Advisory Committee. On the recommendation of the Chair of the Cebu
Chapter, the Trustees appointed Mr. Jimmy Chua as Vice Chair of the Cebu Chapter.
(j)
Upgrading and formalizing position of Executive Director
For the first time since CanCham was established, the New By-laws (Article IV Section 9)
formally established the position of Executive Director as an Officer of CanCham with the
functions of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and as ex officio member of the Board of
Trustees.
The New By-laws specify that the Executive Director is to be appointed by the Trustees on
the recommendation of the President on the basis of professional qualifications, relevant
experience, and personal merit and shall report and be accountable through the President
to the Trustees.
(k)
Secretariat and office staff
Ms. Cora Dela Cruz continued as CanCham’s Executive Director throughout 2013.
On recommendation of the President, the Trustees approved the new position of
Communications and Research Officer in the National Secretariat to enhance the capacity
of CanCham in these functions. Selected by advertised competition, Ms. “Jam” Arellano
was appointed as Communications and Research Officer on Sept. 16, 2013
All other Manila-based staff continued without change in 2013 and comprised: Ms. Heidi
Del Pillar-Office Manager; Ms. Grace Ventosa-Marketing Manager; Ms. Carol MarceloOffice Assistant and Receptionist; Mr. Jerry Agarin-Logistics.
The Cebu-based staff continued without change in 2013 and comprised Ms. Jemela
Gomez as Administrative Officer,
(l)
Corporate registration and New By-laws
In 2012, the Trustees had reviewed the existing By-Laws. An updated and revised set of
By-laws was prepared and submitted to SEC mid-2012. The updated New By-laws were
2
approved by SEC on June 14, 2013, effective immediately that date .
The New By-Laws included a significant number of new features and substantive revisions
and additions, the main ones being:
2
•
Insertion as a Preamble the approved Mission Statement of CanCham “…to
represent, support, and promote Canada Philippines business interests”
•
Provision in Article 1 Section 2 that branches and chapters shall be established
“…under authority of and be accountable to the Board of Trustees and Officers
elected in accord with these By-laws”
•
Provision in Article II Section 6 of a mandatory requirement for the Board of Trustees
to convene an organizing meeting within 30 days of election of Trustees and the Chair
to call a regular meeting at least once per quarter
A complete copy of the New Bylaws is attached as Appendix A
Page 4 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
3.
•
Deletion of the Canadian Citizenship requirement for Officers with the exceptions of:
required Canadian citizenship for the President and First Vice President; required
Philippine citizenship for the Corporate Secretary; required Canadian citizenship for at
least three of the seven appointed Governors; and required Philippine citizenship for
at least three of the seven appointed Governors
•
Provision in Article III Section 6 for the position of Third Vice President
•
Provision in Article Iv Section 1 for the position of Executive Director
•
Provision in Article V of the mandatory requirement to establish an Executive
Committee, an Editorial & Media Relations Committee, and a Membership Committee
•
Provision in Article V Section 4 for establishment of Regional Advisory Committees
•
Provision in Article VI that CanCham is open to membership of corporations and
individuals with Canada-Philippines business interests “…regardless of country of
incorporation, citizenship, or principle location/residence.”
•
Provision in Article VI Section 1 that “”CanCham membership shall be standardized
and unified with all CanCham members in any area and/or chapter within or outside
the Philippines entitled to participate in activities arranged in any other area and/or by
any other chapter, subject only to payment of the standard participation fee that may
be charged and the limitations of total number of participants for a specific event.”
•
Provision in Article VI Section 3(c) for an Affiliated Student Members category for fulltime students up to 28 years of age from any country [replacing the Affiliate Young
Professional Category];
•
Provision in Article VI Section 5 of the mandatory criteria and procedures for
application and approval of new members, including circulation of proposed members
to membership for comment;
•
Clarification in Article VI Section 10 on the procedure for expulsion of members; and
•
Provision in Article IX Section 1 that all CanCham office-holders must comply with a
Code of Conduct approved by the Trustees.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & FEES
Except for the addition of Affiliated Student Membership Category in lieu of the Young
Professional category, there were no other changes in membership categories.
There were no changes in membership fees for any category which remained as follows:
Membership category
MANILA-BASED
3
Major corporate
Corporate
Non-corporate
AFFILIATE
3
2013
PHP
150,000
16,000
8,000
PHP/CAD
2012
PHP
150,000
16,000
8,000
PHP/CAD
Change
PHP
No change
No change
No change
PHP/CAD
The Major Corporate Members at the end of 2013 are listed in Appendix B
Page 5 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
Corporate
Non-corporate
Student
8,000/200
4,000/100
2,000/ 50
8,000/200
4,000/100
2,000/ 50
No change
No change
No change
Pursuant to the New By-laws (Article VI, Section 1), the Trustees reconfirmed its 2012
approval of a 30% discount on the standard membership fees for all corporate and noncorporate members in the Philippines based/resident outside the National Capital Region.
4.
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
(a)
Total membership
At the end of 2013, total membership of CanCham increased to 231 compared with 216 at
the end of 2012 for an increase of 7%. However Major Corporate Members and Corporate
Members declined. Changes in the number of members in the different membership
categories were as follows:
Membership category
HONORARY
REGULAR
Major corporate
Corporate
Non-corporate
AFFILIATE
Corporate
Non-Corporate
Student
Total
(b)
31 Dec 2013
6
31 Dec 2012
4
Change - #
+2
Change - %
+ 50%
12
141
50
13
149
42
-1
-8
+8
- 8%
- 5%
+ 19%
7
7
8
5
3
0
+2
+4
+8
+ 40%
+ 7%
231
216
+15
+ 7%
Geographic distribution of membership:
The changes in geographic distribution of members including in 2013 were as follows:
Membership category
31 Dec 2013
31 Dec 2012
Change #
Change %
IN NCR
Honorary
Major corporate
Corporate
Non-corporate
Affiliate-student
167
6
11
96
43
8
158
4
12
104
35
0
+9
+2
-1
-8
+8
+8
+ 6%
+ 50%
- 8%
- 7%
+ 23%
-
IN CEBU
Major corporate
Corporate
Non-corporate
Affiliate-student
45
1
40
4
0
50
1
42
7
0
-4
No change
-2
-4
No change
- 8%
No change
- 5%
- 50%
No change
OTHER IN PHILIPPINES
Corporate
Non-corporate
Affiliate-student
5
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
+5
+2
+3
No change
No change
IN CANADA
Corporate
Non-corporate
Affiliate-Corporate
Affiliate-Non-corporate
Affiliate-student
14
3
0
6
7
0
8
3
0
5
3
0
+6
No change
No change
+1
+4
No change
+ 75%
No change
No change
+ 20%
+ 130%
No change
Page 6 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
5.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND REGULAR PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
(a)
Special events in National Capital Region and Cebu areas
Seven special events were arranged in 2013 by CanCham in the National Capital Region
(NCR) and Cebu for members and guests including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NCR
CEBU
NCR
CEBU
NCR
NCR
NCR
2013 International ICT Awards on March 14 at Shangri-La Makati Hotel
Cebu Chapter Plenary Session on April 11 at Cebu Marriott Hotel
Canada Day Trade Fair & Reception on July 2 at Fairmont Hotel
Canada Day Reception in Cebu on July 3 at the Cebu Marriott Hotel
Golf Tournament in Manila on November 15 at the Eastridge Golf Club
Canadian Thanksgiving Reception on October 10 at Fairmont Hotel
Christmas Fellowship on December 4 at Dusit Thani Hotel
The Golf Tournament in the NCR area was again arranged in the new format as The
Trans Pacific Challenge Tournament with the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of
Commerce of the Philippines. AMJ Campbell continued as the title sponsor for the
tournament in it new format after having been the title sponsor for the prior nine
tournaments in original format. CanCham won the tournament for the second time.
A planned Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner in the Cebu area on October 15 was cancelled
at short notice out of respect for the victims of the Bohol and Cebu Earthquake which
occurred morning of that day.
(b)
4
Regular program activities
CanCham arranged 14 regular program activities in 2013 in the NCR for members and
guests (compared with 20 in 2012) including:
•
•
•
Business briefings (6 in 2013 compared with 8 in 2012)
Monthly networking evenings (7 in 2013 compared with 10 in 2012)
Luncheon (1 in 2013 compared with 2 in 2012)
CanCham arranged 8 regular program activities in 2013 in the Cebu area for members
and guests including:
•
•
Business briefings ( 7 in 2013 compared with 8 in 2012)
Cocktail reception for visiting PCCT
A list of all business briefings and networking events in 2013 is attached as Appendix C.
(c)
Industry sector committees and lead Trustees for sector interests
The planned industry sector committees (for Agriculture & renewable resources, BPO/ICT,
Extractive & non-renewable, Labor mobility & education, and Water & sanitation) were
inactive in 2013 with little interest indicated by members in this format for participation.
In this situation, designated Trustees continued to lead CanCham’s interests in certain key
sector sectors including:
•
•
•
•
4
Agriculture & renewable resources ……………………………
Extractive industries & non-renewable resources ………….
Foreign investment regulations ……………………………….
Governance & anti-corruption …………………………………
Mr. Roger Dimmell
Mr. John Ridsdel
Mr. Julian Payne
Ms. Tammy Lipana
We included with our regular activities, events we arranged and facilitated for delegates of:
•
Conference Board of Canada – January 23
•
Deputy Mayor of City of Vaughan – February 18
•
Mayor of City of Brampton – April 15
•
Premier of Province of Saskatchewan Hon. Brad Wall- October 7
Page 7 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
•
5.
Water & sanitation ……………………………………………… Mr. Julian Payne
TRADE FAIRS AND TRADE MISSIONS
In 2012 members had expressed interest in CanCham organizing trade fairs in the
Philippines to showcase Canadian products, services and technologies in the Philippines
and trade missions to Canada to showcase Philippine products, services and technologies
in Canada as well as sources in Canada for imports to the Philippines.
(a) Trade fairs in the Philippines
In 2013 CanCham organized its first trade fair in the Philippines with this held at the
Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Metro Manila as part of an all-day Canada Day event that
also included an afternoon children’s program and an evening reception and networking
event. The trade fair hosted 25 exhibitors from both Canada and the Philippines and
attracted more than 200 visitors. CanCham received very positive feedback and will repeat
this initiative in Cebu as well as Manila in 2014.
(b) Trade Missions to Canada
In 2012 members had expressed interest in CanCham organizing a trade mission to
Canada, In 2013 CanCham informally consulted with selected CanCham members and
partner business associations about organizing a trade mission to Canada in 2014. It
concluded that the widest interest and potential participation would be in trade missions
focusing in one of the following sectors:
•
•
•
•
Agri-business and food
Education and training
Health and medical tourism
Tourism and hospitality
The consultations also re-confirmed the importance of a trade mission being sectorspecific and scheduled to:
•
•
•
Participate in at least one major trade exhibition in the selected sector
Visit cities in Canada of particular relevance for the selected sector
Be in early autumn between Canadian summer vacation period and winter
In late 2013 CanCham started planning for a trade mission to Canada in
August/September 2014 focusing on agriculture-business and food with visits to major
exhibitions in Toronto and Montreal.
6.
EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
The Chamber continued its established external communications with these now updated
and in line with the decision in 2010 to move to an all e-format (with the exception of the
Membership Directory and the Membership application forms which are provided in both
hard and e-copy format). All announcements and notices are now sent out by direct email
communication to all members and also posted on the CanCham website.
Under the leadership of Trustee Ernest Loignon, CanCham continued updating the
website with further major improvements planned in 2014 before the 2014 AGM.
Under the leadership of Communications and Research Officer Ms. “Jam” Arellano, an
update of CamCham’s separate website for the International ICT Awards was initiated with
this to be completed in early 2014 prior to the 2014 ICT Awards event.
Page 8 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
7.
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
In 2010 CanCham initiated a strategic expansion to broaden its presence and support
activities for members beyond the NCR with the objective of better representing and
supporting Canada-Philippines business interests throughout the country. The first step
had been to establish a Cebu office and Cebu Chapter in late 2010 with further
partnerships established in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, CanCham signed three Memorandums of Cooperation (MOC) with new partners
including: the Manitoba-Filipino Business Council; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Inc; Oxford Business Group; and the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Inc. As of the end of 2013, CanCham has signed partnership agreements with:
(a) In Canada
•
•
•
Manitoba Filipino Business Council (MFBC) based in Winnipeg
Philippine Canada Trade Council (PCTC) based in Vancouver
Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCT) based in Toronto
(b) In the Philippines
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Office of the Governor for the Province of Cebu
Oxford Business Group
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
(c) Other
•
•
8.
Canadian Chamber and Business Associations in Asia
Canada-ASEAN Business Council
JOINT FOREIGN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE (JFC)
The JFC includes as members: American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines,
Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of
Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japan
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Korean Chamber of Commerce of the
Philippines, and the Philippines Association of Multinational Regional Institutions
(PAMURI). CanCham continued to be an active member and participant in the JFC in
promoting common interests of the JFC members and in bringing specific concerns of the
foreign business community to the attention of appropriate Philippines government
authorities.
(a)
Monthly JFC meetings
As in past years, the JFC held monthly meetings to discuss issues of common concern
and coordinate positions. CanCham was represented at all these meetings by the
President and/or Executive Director and, on occasion by other Trustees. There were
seven such meetings in 2013.
(b)
JFC representational letters
During the course of 2013 the JFC wrote a number of jointly signed letters to various
relevant authorities in the Philippines on issues of current concern to JFC members.
CanCham provided substantial inputs to these letters.
Page 9 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
(c)
JFC meetings with the Administration, Congress and Judiciary
As in past years, the JFC met with senior officials of the Administration, Congress and
Judiciary to discuss current issues and concerns about the Philippine business conditions.
CanCham participated in the planning and, attended these meetings.
(d)
JFC networking events
As in previous years, CanCham took the lead on behalf of the JFC to plan and arrange all
major JFC networking events with these including:
•
•
(e)
JFC networking evenings (on May 16, 2013 and on Sept. 12, 2013)
JFC meetings with Ambassadors of JFC countries (on April 4 and Sept. 24, 2013)
PBG-JFC Letter to the President of the Philippines on priorities
June 19, the major Philippines Business Groups (PBG) and JFC submitted to President
Aquino a jointly signed letter setting out recommended priorities for 2013-2015.
(f)
Arangkada Forum
Led by the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (AmCham), the JFC
rd
hosted its 3 Annual conference on February 26, 2013 to review progress in addressing
the issues and recommendations it had prepared and published in Arangkada in 2010.
CanCham was represented at the 2013 forum by its President,
(g)
Philippines Development Forum
CanCham’s First Vice President Roger Dimmell represented CanCham at the Philippines
Development Forum, convened on February 4-5, 2013 in Davao.
(h)
Bangsamoro Investment Conference
JFC members were invited to participate in the Bangsamoro Investment Conference held
in Davao on November 27-28, 2013. CanCham’s President Julian Payne attended.
9.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
(a)
Financial performance
In summary the financial performance of CanCham in 2013 was as follows:
Gross revenue
Gross expense
Surplus/(loss)
2013
PHP
10,183,651
11,064,469
(880,818)
2012
PHP
8,889,027
9,520,548
(631,521)
Change
PHP
%
1,294,624
14.6%
1,543,921
16.2%
(249,297)
(9.5%)
Total reserves
483,059
1,363,877
(880,818)
(64.6%)
Page 10 of 12
Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
The major increase in loss in 2013 was due to the combined impact of:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Decreased number of Major Corporate members (from 13 in 2012 to 12 in 2013)
Decreased number of Corporate members (from 149 in 2012 to 141 in 2013)
Decreased net income from NCR Golf Tournament due to typhoon “Yolanda” impact
Large CSR contributions (total PHP 120,000) for post- Bohol earthquake and post
“Yolanda” typhoon rehabilitation of business sector in Bohol and northern Cebu
Increased staff costs with addition of Communications and Research Officer
Increased travel costs in additional developing partnership arrangements
A major accounting revision with carry-over of website costs to 2013 from 2012.
It is anticipated that with an increase in Major Corporate Members (an increase of 3
already accomplished by end of March 2014) as well as non-recurrence of the large CSR
contributions and accounting carry-overs, the major loss in 2013 will be reversed in 2014.
Pursuant to the By-laws (Article VII, Section 2 (b) (ii)) the Treasurer is submitting a
separate Report of the Treasurer to the 2014 Annual General Meeting.
(b)
Re-appointment of Independent Auditor for 2013 and Report:
Pursuant to the By-laws (Article VII, Section 2 (d)), the 2013 Annual General Meeting
appointed SGV & C0. as independent auditor for the year ending 31 December 2013.
The independent auditor has reviewed the financial records and statements of the
Chamber for the financial year 2013. It has given the Chamber an unqualified opinion that
it financial statements and reporting meet all applicable requirements and standards. The
report of the independent auditor is available to members.
10.
APPRECIATIONS
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Officers of CanCham, I wish to record appreciation
to:
o
All members of CanCham for their contributions and participation in supporting the
Chamber and its mission
o
The Governors of CanCham for their advice and support in 2013
o
The Chairman and members of the Cebu Regional Advisory Committee for their
advice and support in 2013
o
The major corporate members for their substantial financial contributions to the
Chamber and sponsorships of many specific events
o
The former Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, Mr. Christopher Thornley, and
his successor the current Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, Mr. Neil Reeder,
as well as the International Trade Section of the Canadian Embassy for their support
during 2013 to CanCham
o
The Honorary Consul of Canada in Cebu, Mr. Robert Lee, for his support to the Cebu
Chapter during 2013
o
The members of the Judging Panel for the International ICT Awards 2013 for their probono contribution of service in this capacity
o
The Executive Director, Ms. Cora dela Cruz and Secretariat staff in Cebu and Manila
for their dedication and hard work during 2013 in planning and CanCham’s program
of activities and services; and
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Report of President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to the 2014 AGM (April 24, 2014)
o
The Philippines’ authorities and business community, as well as other national and
foreign chambers of commerce, for their cooperation with CanCham in 2013
Submitted April 24, 2014:
Julian H Payne
President
Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
.
Appendices
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
New By-Laws approved by SEC June 14, 2013
CanCham Major Corporate Members at end of 2013
Events arranged in 2013 in the National Capital Region and in Cebu
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