FVR, Koko Pimentel in leadership forum

MANILA, Philippines - In the face of divergent challenges and problems, Filipinos remain resilient and hopeful for a better future. The country constantly seeks ways and opportunities to address the myriad challenges it faces, whether on the political, economic, environmental or international front.

“Overcoming Challenges: Philippines Vision 2020” is a leadership forum and dinner featuring two of the country’s prominent leaders, – former President Fidel V. Ramos and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” L. Pimentel III. They will share their views on such topics as maritime border disputes, justice issues, electoral reform, climate change and environmental concerns, and other challenges facing the country, and share their own visions of the Philippines in the year 2020. 

Former President Ramos is credited with the resurgence and growth of the Philippine economy during his presidency. He now continues to help the country through his Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Inc. which is dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the Philippines and in the larger Asia-Pacific region.  He also provides insights and visions of nation building, through his books, columns, and lectures.

Pimentel is chairman of the Senate committees on electoral reforms and people’s participation, justice and human rights, and the select oversight committee on the Local Government Code of 1991.

A panel of reactors composed of Mayor John Bongat of Naga City, Dean Antonio La Viña of the Ateneo University School of Government, and director Mario Molina of Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, will provide further insights on the issues discussed during the forum in relation to their expertise and experience. Rodrigo Quimbo, a partner in Quisumbing Torres Law Firm, is the moderator for the event.

“Overcoming Challenges: Philippines Vision 2020” will be held on July 9, 6 p.m., at the Manila AB Room, Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala Ave., Makati City.  Participants will be treated to a buffet dinner with entertainment provided by the Chorus Juris.

The forum is a fund-raising activity of UP Law Class ’89 Inc., a non-stock and non-profit organization, in partnership with CD Technologies Asia Inc., Pilipinas Shell, Jaka Investments, and Meralco for the following projects and beneficiaries: Habitat for Humanity Philippines House Building Projects for affected families of the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda; “You Got My Boat”, a project for building and repairing fishing boats in Central Visayas; Specialized Education and Training of Lawyers in International Maritime and Border Disputes; UP Law Alumni Online Directory, a web-based system to be donated to the UP College of Law; I AM PGH,  a project to improve the facilities of Ward 12 of the Philippine General Hospital; and a Medical Fund for retired UP Law faculty and personnel.

The STAR is a media partner for the event.

Ticket prices for the forum are P5,000 and P2,500 (student rate; valid school ID must be presented). For ticket inquiries, call or text 09718856683 or call 02-8180385. Look for Al Oxales, chairman of the ways and means committee.