Press Releases

Makati City, Philippines – The European-Philippine business community welcomed 2026 at a New Year’s Reception hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) last 22 January 2026 at Dusit Thani Manila. 

The gathering brought together over 300 leaders from the public and private sectors, diplomatic missions, and partner organizations, reaffirming the Chamber’s vital role as a bridge for dialogue and collaboration between Europe and the Philippines. 

More than a celebration of the new year and the Chamber’s achievements, ECCP President Paulo Duarte said the reception was "designed to be a catalyst" for collaboration. As one of ECCP’s pillar events, the evening offered stakeholders a unique space to reconnect, exchange perspectives, and align on shared priorities for the year ahead. 

Duarte also recognized the Chamber’s growing network of over 930 members and emphasized that the ECCP’s strength lies in its community’s diverse perspectives and shared purpose. 

“As we look ahead, let us commit not just to another year of plans, but to a year of outcomes. A year where we build on our momentum and work together to create even greater impact," the ECCP President added, encouraging the community to pursue more successes in 2026. 

The reception was attended by key government figures, including ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez; SEC Chairperson Francis Lim; DOT Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation Sharlene Zabala-Batin; DFA Acting Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria; PEZA OIC Division Chief of the Investment Promotions Division Mr. B Philip Teomar A. Radin; DENR Director Dr. Al Oga Orolfo; National Security Council Director Brigadier General Romeo Racadio (Retired); FDA Spokesperson Atty. Khay Ann Borlado; GPPB-TSO Deputy Director General Santiago C. Quial; PEZA Supervising Investment Specialist Jalyssa Abad; and DTI Trade Industry Development Specialist Rain Anne Mojica. 

Also in attendance were H.E. Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, and H.E. Yuliia Fediv, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Philippines. 

The ECCP’s New Year’s Reception concluded with renewed momentum, as the European-Philippine business community set its sights on a year of sustained growth and collaboration.

The success of the 2026 New Year’s Reception was made possible through the support extended by Gold Partner Discover It Corp.; Networking Partners PPI Pazifik Power, Inc. (PPI) and Royal Cargo; Table Top Partners MR Travel, Novo Nordisk, PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, Retail Associates, Sotern Land by Arthaland and Viajero Rent-A-Car; Raffle Partners Dusit Thani Manila, The Alpha Suites Makati, The Ascott Limited, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveboard Philippines, Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive Resorts, ELSAL Ventures OPC, Gardenia Bakeries (Philippines), Inc., TRYP by Wyndham and Microtel by Wyndham Philippines; Beverage Partners The Coca-Cola Company and Le Cellier French Wine Selection (Le Cellier Quality Store Corp.); and Media Partner Great Travel Philippines.