Minister Chia-ching Hsu of Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) led the delegation and joined overseas Taiwanese residents in commemorating two decades of community service, unity, and civic engagement. The event brought together prominent guests from both Taiwan and the Philippines, reflecting the vibrancy and cohesion of the Taiwanese community in the country.

Senior Taiwanese officials and elected representatives attending the event included Deputy Minister Wen-chieh Liang of the Mainland Affairs Council, legislators Chu-yin Lin and Jie Huang, New Taipei City Councilor Wei-shan Dai, and Taichung City Councilor Chih-chang Shih. All traveled to Manila to show their support for TAPh and its members.

In his remarks, TAPh President Tomas Pai paid tribute to the association’s founding leaders and past officers for their dedication over the past 20 years. He reaffirmed TAPh’s commitment to unity, expanded community services, and youth development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation to ensure the long-term strength of the Taiwanese community in the Philippines.

Jack Hsieh, speaking on behalf of founding president Hsieh Shih-ying, reflected on the association’s early years and encouraged younger members to carry forward the spirit of solidarity, mutual support, and social responsibility that has defined TAPh since its establishment.

Ambassador Wallace M.G. Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines highlighted the growing momentum in Taiwan–Philippines relations, citing expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. He praised TAPh for serving not only as a home away from home for overseas Taiwanese, but also as an important platform for grassroots diplomacy and civil society engagement that strengthens bilateral friendship.

Minister Hsu expressed appreciation for TAPh’s long-standing collaboration with the Taiwanese government in advancing overseas community affairs. She noted that the association’s growth has been driven by leadership continuity and a strong culture of unity, enabling Taiwanese residents in the Philippines to thrive while contributing meaningfully to local society. She highlighted how overseas communities have embodied the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help” through sustained involvement in charity and public welfare initiatives.

Philippine House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil commended the Taiwanese community for its contributions to Philippine development, particularly in economic cooperation, education, and social welfare. She noted that these efforts have deepened mutual understanding and friendship between the Filipino and Taiwanese peoples and expressed gratitude for recently receiving Taiwan’s Order of the Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, a symbol of strengthened bilateral goodwill.

Wilson U. Tecson, Director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, underscored TAPh’s role in promoting sustained people-to-people exchanges over the past 20 years, laying a solid foundation for closer Taiwan–Philippines relations and broader cooperation in the years ahead.

The celebration opened with vibrant lion and dragon dance performances, followed by the national anthems of Taiwan and the Philippines. A commemorative video tracing TAPh’s 20-year journey was screened, highlighting its long-standing efforts to support overseas Taiwanese, integrate into Philippine society, and give back through community service.

The event concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere, with more than 300 guests in attendance, collectively celebrating two decades of partnership, friendship, and shared aspirations between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Held in partnership with the IEC and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE), the session introduced participants to the IEC Young Professionals Programme and the critical role of international electrotechnical standards in improving product safety, quality, and innovation.

The forum was led by IEC President Jo Cops, who previously served as Secretary-General of the Belgian Electrotechnical Committee (CEB-BEC) from 2012 to 2021. He highlighted global best practices and emerging technologies that shape the future of electrotechnical industries worldwide.

Since its launch in 2010, the IEC YP Programme has equipped young engineers across the globe with the skills needed to help industries meet international benchmarks. For 2025, 15 Filipino engineers have already been nominated to represent the Philippines in the global program — a milestone that underscores the country’s growing commitment to world-class technical leadership.

Held on November 13, 2025 (every second Thursday of November), the Day of the Future brought together Swiss companies, Filipino students, and educators for a nationwide program focused on career discovery and vocational readiness.

Inspired by Switzerland’s long-standing Nationaler Zukunftstag, the initiative gives young learners the opportunity to explore real workplace environments and gain an understanding of emerging career pathways. In the Philippines, it is implemented through the Swiss Cultural Fund, which supports cultural, educational, and youth-focused programs. Now in its third year locally, the program continues to broaden its reach alongside the Embassy’s growing network of advocacy partners.

For this year’s edition, the following Swiss companies opened their facilities to public school students nationwide:

• Endress+Hauser
• Roche Philippines
• Holcim Philippines
• Novartis Philippines
• SGS
• Partners Group
• Sateco

Each company designed its own full-day program featuring workplace tours, interactive demonstrations, hands-on sessions, and mentorship dialogues. These activities gave students firsthand exposure to sectors where Swiss companies are major contributors to the Philippine economy—including engineering, pharmaceuticals, finance, advanced manufacturing, and scientific solutions.

The Philippine activities ran in parallel with programs in Switzerland, underscoring both countries’ shared commitment to empowering the next generation and strengthening long-term bilateral ties through education and industry collaboration.

This year’s initiative was held in close partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), which played a pivotal role in selecting participating public schools nationwide and helping ensure broad student participation. The Embassy expressed its appreciation for DepEd’s continued cooperation in expanding access to meaningful learning experiences for Filipino youth.

At its core, the Day of the Future underscores the importance of vocational training—an anchor of Switzerland’s internationally acclaimed education system. By immersing young Filipinos in real-world professional settings, the program encourages them to explore multiple career pathways and develop future-ready skills aligned with an evolving labor market.

Through the Swiss Cultural Fund and its sustained partnerships with industry and government, the Swiss Embassy reaffirms its commitment to supporting youth empowerment and strengthening Switzerland–Philippines cooperation in education, innovation, and workforce development. With each edition, the Day of the Future continues to grow as a bridge between Swiss expertise and Filipino potential.

Through its “Day of the Future” initiative, the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, together with Novartis and the Department of Education, offers young learners a rare glimpse into real-world careers, turning curiosity into purpose and inspiration.

For nine students from the Philippine Science High School, a typical school day turned into an eye-opening exploration of the professional world, thanks to the third edition of Day of the Future in the Philippines.

Organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines in partnership with Novartis Philippines and the Department of Education, the initiative offered students a rare opportunity to experience real-world work environments—far beyond classroom lectures or textbooks.

For the first time, the Swiss Embassy also invited select media representatives, including THEPHILBIZNEWS, to witness the students’ experience firsthand. This addition underscored that the event was more than career guidance—it was a hands-on engagement with innovation, curiosity, and purpose.

Experiencing Careers First-Hand

The Day of the Future, an annual tradition in Switzerland, is dedicated to children—the future of the world. In the Philippines, now on its third year, the program allows learners aged 11 to 16 to explore careers through hands-on immersion. Students participate in actual work scenarios in offices and laboratories, gaining insights into professional life and discovering potential career paths in ways that books or films cannot replicate.

At Novartis Philippines, students met Dr. Peter Paul “Pipo” Ronque, Medical Manager, who shared his journey from a Philippine Science High School student to becoming a doctor, and later, a professional in the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Ronque emphasized that professional paths are rarely linear, and that discovering one’s purpose often comes through exploration and experience.

“Being a doctor is not just about treating patients directly,” Dr. Ronque said. “Joining a pharmaceutical company gave me a platform to influence many doctors and improve patient care on a broader scale. Curiosity and openness to new paths can lead to unexpected, meaningful opportunities.”

Curiosity and Purpose Over Ambition

Students also heard from Ms. Livia Meisser, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines, who shared her own professional journey from lawyer to diplomat, highlighting that career paths are often nonlinear.

“Paths are often not linear, and that’s what makes professional life exciting,” Ms. Meisser said. “Follow your passions wherever they may lead, and stay open to unexpected opportunities along the way. Today is about discovering those possibilities.”

Bernadette Joy “Beej” Almirol, Health Economics and Outcomes Research Manager of Novartis Philippines, reinforced this message by emphasizing the youth’s role in shaping the future of health and innovation in the Philippines. She encouraged the students to remain courageous, committed, and curious—qualities that define purpose-driven work beyond personal ambition.

Students Reflect on Possibilities

When asked about their takeaways by THEPHILBIZNEWS, the students shared reflections that revealed newfound optimism and perspective.

“This experience allowed me to focus on myself in the present. My future path doesn’t have to be fixed, and that is okay,” one student said.

Another added, “We’re still young. There’s time to explore. Seeing a company like Novartis in action makes me hopeful and inspired about what the future could hold.”

Many students expressed that their initial career ideas had expanded. They realized that curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities, and that what matters most is developing purpose and contributing to society.

Seeing Swiss Innovation in Action

The hands-on immersion gave students a glimpse of Switzerland’s global reputation for innovation and excellence. They observed office work, scientific processes, and teamwork—experiences many had never encountered in a single day.

“I never imagined what an office in a pharmaceutical company looks like, much less what the work entails,” one student shared.

Through direct engagement with professionals, the students learned about science, medicine, resilience, adaptability, and the value of continuous learning—lessons extending far beyond the classroom.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The third-year celebration of Day of the Future in the Philippines reaffirms the Swiss Embassy’s commitment to inspiring Filipino youth through experiential learning. By opening doors to real workplaces, students develop curiosity, creativity, and purpose—skills that will guide them as they navigate their future careers.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Meisser reminded students that the most valuable lessons are not about ambition alone but about nurturing curiosity and courage.
“This day is about more than exploring careers,” she said. “It is about inspiring young minds to shape their own futures with purpose, courage, and curiosity.”
As the students left the immersion, they carried with them more than knowledge—they carried confidence, renewed optimism, and a sense of purpose, showing that experiential learning can ignite a lifelong commitment to discovery and impact.

The annual event, part of Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ global sustainability and social impact initiative, came alive through a week-long lineup of projects focused on community empowerment, environmental protection, and sustainable living across Mega Manila.

The festivities kicked off at Don Bosco Pugad Center in Makati, where scholars aged 17 to 24 got a taste of the hospitality world — literally. Hilton Manila chefs guided students through hands-on pastry-making sessions while sharing career insights meant to build skills, confidence, and hope for a brighter future.

Midweek, volunteers rolled up their sleeves at Pasay Social Development Center to refresh a beloved community playground with new paint and a revived mural originally crafted by volunteers in 2018. The once-faded space now bursts with color again, offering children a brighter, safer place to play and heal.

The spirit of giving didn’t end there. At Sta. Ana Church, team members teamed up with Scholars of Sustenance Philippines for “Feeding Hope: Community Kitchen,” preparing hot meals for 150 people, including inmates from a nearby detention center. The initiative addressed both hunger and food waste, putting the spotlight on food rescue and responsible consumption.

The following day brought team members out of the city and into the heart of nature. Partnering with Conrad Manila and the Dumagat Tribe, they planted 1,000 cacao seedlings around Angat-Ipo Dam — the lifeline of Metro Manila’s water supply. The activity not only supports watershed protection but also boosts the tribe’s livelihood through tablea-making and cacao farming.

Back at the hotel, the week wrapped up with “Greens in the City,” a rooftop gardening activity where herbs and ornamentals found a new home in Hilton Manila’s sixth-floor garden — a nod to the property’s commitment to sustainable urban living and farm-to-table dining.

“Travel with Purpose is not just a program—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for,” said Gagan Talwar, General Manager of Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts. “This week reminded us that hospitality goes beyond service; it’s about uplifting communities, protecting our environment, and creating moments that matter. I’m incredibly proud of our team members for leading with compassion and purpose.”

Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy advances responsible travel through goals that reduce environmental impact, drive social progress, and foster inclusive opportunities. Hilton Manila has embedded these principles into everyday operations — from maximizing natural daylight in meeting spaces to cultivating its own hydroponic vertical farm and sourcing 80% of its vegetables from Atok farmers in Benguet.

By aligning global ambitions with local action, Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts shows that sustainability can be both heartfelt and hands-on — a philosophy that turns every stay into something bigger than just a hotel experience.