26/05/2026
๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐
The Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) convened at Parliament House New South Wales on 26 May 2026 to mark its 50th anniversary, bringing together government ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomatic representatives, business leaders, and community figures in a formal reception that underscored the deepening strategic and people-to-people ties between Australia and the Philippines.
The reception was hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of the Philippines, co-chaired by Tim James MP and Stephen Bali MP, whose leadership of the cross-party group has been central to amplifying Philippine community interests within the New South Wales chamber. APBC Vice President and Treasurer George Votava delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Council.
Tim James MP, Member for Willoughby addressed the gathering on the substantial and wide-ranging contribution of the Philippine community to Australian trade, business, and civic life. Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown spoke to the community fabric of Western Sydney, drawing particular attention to the Blacktown region, where the Filipino community has established a significant and enduring presence. The APBC recognises the commitment of both parliamentarians and of NSW Parliament in championing the interests of Filipinos across the state and in providing a platform for bilateral engagement at the highest levels of government. The APBC also extends its appreciation to the other members of Parliament who joined the event, whose presence further affirmed the breadth of parliamentary support for the AustraliaโPhilippines relationship.
APBC President Rafael Toda then addressed the assembled guests on the Council's five-decade history, its recent programmatic activities, and the Philippines' role as ASEAN Chair in 2026 โ a responsibility that places the Philippines at the centre of regional diplomacy and economic coordination at a pivotal moment for the Indo-Pacific.
Of particular significance was the address delivered by NSW Minister for Trade The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP Member for Macquarie Fields, whose attendance and remarks carried considerable weight for the Council and its membership. The Minister affirmed the importance of the Philippine community to New South Wales and spoke directly to the broader strategic significance of AustraliaโPhilippines bilateral relations at a time of growing regional economic integration. His engagement reflects the New South Wales Government's recognition of the Philippines as a valued partner in trade, investment, and community life.
The event also marked the formal announcement of the Kindred Pathways Foundation, a newly established charitable organisation. Chair Michelle Baltazar addressed guests on the Foundation's mandate and its vision for community development and support across Australia and the Philippines. Ronna Guzman, President of the PAMAI - Philippine Australian Multicultural Association, Inc., spoke on multicultural cohesion and her organisation's continued and active support for the APBC's mission.
The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney NSW was represented by newly arrived Consul General Greg Marie C. Mariรฑo, who was warmly welcomed by the APBC and its guests. Consul General Mariรฑo congratulated the Council on its milestone anniversary and commended its sustained commitment to advancing bilateral trade, investment, and relations between Australia and the Philippines. She also expressed her appreciation to NSW Parliament for its support of the Philippine community in Australia โ a relationship she indicated her office intends to build upon in the period ahead.
The APBC acknowledged the contributions of former Consul General H.E. Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, now serving as Ambassador of the Philippines to the Arab Republic of Egypt, whose tenure helped consolidate the Consulate's partnership with the business community in New South Wales, as well as Consul Sheila Marie C. Tario, currently serving as Consul General in Canberra, for her ongoing role in supporting bilateral engagement at the national level.
The APBC also wishes to acknowledge the support of representatives from the Philippine Tourism in Australia & New Zealand, the DTI Sydney, Austrade and Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose commitment to the Council's mission has been valued over many years, and looks forward to deepening these institutional partnerships in the years ahead.
Membership Director John Kennedy formally acknowledged the APBC's membership, professional network, and NSW Parliament for their support. The eventโs proceedings were emceed by APBC Director of Communications John Tantoco, with APBC Company Secretary Allan Mortel, Director of Events Jenny Ryall, and Vice President of Western Australia Virma Symons among those representing the Council alongside members, past directors, partners, and community representatives.
The 50th anniversary reception at Parliament House New South Wales stands as a formal affirmation of the APBC's place within the bilateral institutional landscape โ and of the Council's commitment to the next half-century of advancing AustraliaโPhilippines relations across business, government, and community.
More photos soon.
