The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) conducted a series of site visits to manufacturing facilities in Batangas, last December 2024.

The FTSC delegation consisting of overseas Trade Counsellors and Manila office staff at the Oleo-Fats, Inc. posing for a photo.
The FTSC delegation consisting of overseas Trade Counsellors and Manila office staff at the Oleo-Fats, Inc.

Emphasizing FTSC’s commitment to support DTI’s goal of promoting the Philippines as a premier investment destination in Asia and globally, the delegation composed of Philippine Trade Counsellors based in DTI posts overseas, the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC), toured the facilities of Oleo-Fats, Inc., Grandsun Advanced Electronics Philippines Co. Incorporated, and Aice Philippines Ice Cream Incorporated. These facilities represent key sectors of the Philippine economy – food manufacturing, electronics, and consumer goods which are notable contributors to the country’s export growth, industrial development, and job creation for Filipinos.

During the visit, the FTSC delegation engaged with the three companies’ executives and management teams to discuss operational insights, innovative practices, and opportunities for partnership ensuring strong collaboration with both international and local industries.

FTSC Executive Director Emman Ang (second from left) introduces the FTSC delegation to Grandsun Advanced Electronics Philippines Co. Incorporated, President Giovanni Gapasin (leftmost). Together with PTIC’s Senior Trade Representatives, Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda (PTIC Beijing), Commercial Counsellor Nicanor Bautista (PTIC Berlin), and Commercial Counsellor John Paul Iñigo.
FTSC Executive Director Emman Ang (second from left) introduces the FTSC delegation to Grandsun Advanced Electronics Philippines Co. Incorporated, President Giovanni Gapasin (leftmost). Together with PTIC’s Senior Trade Representatives, Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda (PTIC Beijing), Commercial Counsellor Nicanor Bautista (PTIC Berlin), and Commercial Counsellor John Paul Iñigo.

The visit to Oleo-Fats, Inc., an industry leader in specialty oils and fats manufacturing was led by Vice President for Exports, Anton De los Santos showcased the company’s state-of the-art facilities, production capabilities, and sustainable practices which cater to both domestic and international markets.

The electronics sector remains a fundamental industry in Philippine exports. At Grandsun Advanced Electronics Philippines Co. Inc., a major player in the electronics manufacturing and assembly, the FTSC explored the latest innovations in the semiconductor and electronics production. President Giovanni Gapasin of Grandsun warmly welcomed the delegation and highlighted the successful partnerships that have been established in the past.

From L-R: PTIC Beijing Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda; Aice Philippines Ice Cream Incorporated Vice President Simon Yang; FTSC Executive Director Emman Ang posing for a photo.
From L-R: PTIC Beijing Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda; Aice Philippines Ice Cream Incorporated Vice President Simon Yang; FTSC Executive Director Emman Ang.

Lastly, the visit at Aice Philippines, emphasized the growing demand for high-quality food products in Asia. Aice Philippines Vice President Simon Yang welcomed the delegation. Aice actively collaborates with upstream and downstream industries to enhance the Philippine economy through investment in the Philippines. FTSC lauded the company’s success in bridging cutting-edge technology and its success in bridging the gap between local manufacturing and economic growth.

In a statement by Commercial Counsellor of PTIC Beijing, Glenn Peñaranda, he expressed his appreciation in learning that the company is utilizing the best of the Philippine fruits to create flavors for their ice cream line, “We’re happy to know that Aice Philippines is incorporating Philippine flavors to their top-of-the-line ice cream products.”

Commercial Counsellor Peñaranda and FTSC Executive Director Emmanuel Ang assured the continued support of DTI to these businesses’ continued expansion which plays a significant role in Philippine economic growth. The DTI through the FTSC reaffirms its mission to promote the Philippines as a significant partner in global trade and investment landscape through strategic visits and collaborations. ♦

Date of release: 23 January 2025