EDMONTON, Alberta — Philippine Consul-General Gilberto Asuque challenged officers of the newly-formed Philippine Business Society of Alberta (PBSA) to serve as a conduit to Philippine Department of the Trade and Industry’s senior trade commissioner to Canada, Maria Roseni Alvero.

Asuque said this is an opportunity for Filipino entrepreneurs in Alberta to promote Philippine products to Canada after the Alberta government declared June as Philippine Heritage Month.

The Philippines has popular products like mangoes and bananas which have been in high demand in Japan for many years aside from its famous tuna and other agricultural products.

He said in his recent talk with Alvero, the Philippines has manufacturing products that can also be promoted in Canada.

The Calgary-based Consul General said that with the Heritage Month celebrations scheduled every year, it is about time for both business leaders in Edmonton and Calgary to conduct activities that would support their businesses and make it grow.

Asuque said that once agreements are forged, more business meetings can be organized and joint ventures can be sealed.

PBSA president Celso Andrade said that they will work side by side with various partners and reach out to others.

Asuque formally inducted the officers led by Andrade, vice-president Bayani Alcantara, treasurers Marjorie Newman and Resty Reyes, and other members of the board, or their representatives, on Sunday afternoon, June 17, at the Manila Grill. The society’s secretary Virgie Sumalinog is currently out of the country.

Witnessing the ceremony were Philippine ambassador Petronila Garcia, former honorary consul Esmeralda Agbulos and family members of the PBSA officers.(Moses Billacura)