AFFI lines up several initiatives

MANILA, Philippines - The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), under its new leadership, has lined up several initiatives that will further professionalize and standardize the conduct of operations of its members.

Philippine franchise guru Armando ‘Butz’ O. Bartolome, the newly elected president of AFFI, said among the goals set by the current Board of Directors are to beef up the benefits of the group’s members, increase its presence and activities in the provinces, intensify the education program for franchisers and franchisees, and sustain public-private efforts to weed out pseudo franchisers.

“To achieve these goals, we are repositioning our officers so they can take charge of different roles. We will have officers that will take care of regional members, international relations, government relations, private and non-governmental agency networking, and education,” Bartolome, also the founder of GMB Franchise Developers, emphasized.

 He said Ricardo Z. Cuna of Fiorgelato Ice Cream will take the lead in promoting private and non-governmental agency networking. Victor Fernando of Big Apple Spa has already agreed to handle government relations, Bong Magpayo of SweetCorn will be the regional chapter head for Mindanao and Kamela Seen will lead Northern Luzon.

Bartolome said the association will also have its new home at 818 Building on Shaw Blvd. where the group rented a 54-square meter space.