Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2024

HONOLULU—The State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), in partnership with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH), will be presenting the Hawaii-Philippines Sister Province Symposium on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Hawaii Convention Center.

The goal of the symposium is to strengthen and maximize opportunities provided by the sister relationships between Hawaii and the Philippines. The symposium will include speakers from government, community, and educational, cultural and business sectors from Hawaii and the Philippines.

Governor Matthew Manotoc of Ilocos Norte will be the keynote speaker. Governor Manotoc is the nephew of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the grandson of former President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“The relationship between Hawaii and the Philippines is long and historic. Furthering a strong and vibrant sister relationship between Hawaii and the Philippines ensures that we maintain a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.

“Hawaii is home to over 380,000 residents of Filipino and part-Filipino descent. And most can trace their roots to one of our sister provinces and Ilocos Norte in particular,” said Susana Berardy, president of the FCCH. “So, this event is very timely.”

The symposium will cover topics on workforce development, import-export opportunities, sustainability, energy and infrastructure, and tourism.

For more information and to register for this event, please visit: https://givebutter.com/HPSPS24

About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation-sector job growth.

About the Business Development and Support Division (BDSD)
The Business Development and Support Division of DBEDT promotes industry development and economic diversification by supporting existing and emerging industries in Hawaii and by attracting new investment and businesses to the state. Learn more at:  https://invest.hawaii.gov.

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Media Contacts:
Laci Goshi
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
808-587-9006

Dennis Ling
Business Development and Support Division Administrator
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism