Bridging Innovation: Philippine Delegates Visit Arizona to Strengthen Global Semiconductor Ties
PHOENIX, AZ — A distinguished delegation from the Philippines visited Arizona this week for a special reception hosted by Global Ties Arizona, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between Arizona and the Philippines in the global semiconductor industry.
The event, titled Advancing Global Semiconductor Supply Chains, was part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)—an exchange initiative that brings emerging international leaders to the United States to foster collaboration, innovation, and mutual understanding.
Held at Indy by Industrious in downtown Phoenix, the gathering drew leaders from business, government, and education, along with members of Arizona’s Filipino community, all united by a shared goal of strengthening U.S.–Philippine cooperation in technology and workforce development.
Arizona Welcomes the Delegation
Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien welcomed the guests and spoke about Arizona’s fast-growing semiconductor sector, home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of advanced manufacturing and technology investment.
“Our economic security depends on strong international relationships built on trust and shared goals,” she said. “Partnerships like these create high-quality jobs, support innovation, and strengthen the connection between communities like Phoenix and nations like the Philippines.”
O’Brien emphasized that the region’s expanding facilities, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and other technology partners, will soon account for a significant share of the world’s advanced chip production.
Strengthening Bonds Between Arizona and the Philippines
Honorary Consul Jenny Ho-Vijungco of the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Arizona shared updates on recent milestones since the Consulate’s opening in Chandler earlier this month. She called it “a home and a bridge” for the state’s fast-growing Filipino population—the largest in the region’s history.
She also highlighted upcoming milestones, including the naming of “Filipino Town” in Chandler this November, a sister city partnership between Tempe and Cebu, and plans for a Filipino American Multicultural Center that will feature a Jose Rizal statue as a lasting symbol of cultural pride and learning.
“These are symbols of who we are and what we can achieve when we work together,” Ho-Vijungco said. “This partnership is not only about trade and technology—it’s about people, heritage, and shared opportunity.”
The Delegation
The visiting delegates represented major Philippine government agencies central to education, workforce training, trade, and innovation:
- Desiderio III Rana Apag, Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
- Nelly Nita Nuezca Dillera, Deputy Director General, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
- Maria Angela Sandejas Garcia, Representative, 3rd District, Province of Bataan
- Ma. Angela Escalona Ignacio, Undersecretary, Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs
- May Nina Celynne Pasado Layug, Commercial Trade Counselor, Philippine Trade & Investment Center – United Kingdom
- Peter Marc Diaz Magsalin, Director IV, Bureau of Curriculum Development, Department of Education
- Enrico Camero Paringit, Executive Director, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
- Vivian Sulit Santos, Deputy Director General for Operations, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
- Mark Torres, Vice President, Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA)
- June Derulo Villasanta, Supervising Investments Specialist, Board of Investments (BOI)
Their Arizona itinerary included visits to Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, local community colleges, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to explore workforce programs, semiconductor training pipelines, and potential direct flight connections between Arizona and the Philippines.
A representative from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President also discussed national reforms to ease business operations, attract investment, and advance the semiconductor industry—an area already accounting for more than 40 percent of the Philippines’ export revenue.
Filipino Community Leaders
The event was made possible through the collaboration and sponsorship of several Filipino community leaders and organizations:
Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC)
- Marie Cunning, President
Filipino American Asian Business Chamber of Commerce of Arizona (FABCCA)
- Marie Cunning, President
- Charmel Dela Cruz, President (East Valley)
- Minnie Palis, President (West Valley)
- Jennifer Del Mar Lewis, Public Relations
Council of Filipino Organizations of Arizona Foundation
- Ethel Luzario, President
- Cynthia Vilar
Council of Filipino Organizations of Arizona (CFO)
- Fleur Magbanua Mansur, Chairman
- Ricky Llave, Vice Chair
- Leonardo Aromin
- Dr. James Campbell
- Edward Lago
- Jennifer Del Mar Lewis
Corporate sponsor: May Potenza Baran & Gillespie (MPBG)
Also supporting the coordination of the event was Barry Wong, JD, Immediate Past Chairman and current member of the Board of Directors for Global Ties Arizona, who helped facilitate outreach and communication leading up to the program.
In attendance was Arizona State Representative Junelle Cavero Harnal, showing support for continued collaboration and dialogue between Arizona and the Philippines.
Building Pathways for Shared Growth
Elizabeth Dorman, President and CEO of Global Ties Arizona, closed the program with words of gratitude to all partners and attendees. “This gathering reflects what we stand for—bridging communities, exchanging knowledge, and strengthening international understanding,” she said.
As the evening ended, delegates, community leaders, and business partners mingled and shared stories, many meeting for the first time but already discussing future collaborations. The connections made that night reflect a growing truth: Arizona and the Philippines are not just trading partners—they are allies in innovation, education, and opportunity.
