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About SFFACC

SFFACC’s members consist of small to medium-sized Filipino-affiliated businesses ranging from various industries. The Chamber has an extended network of entrepreneurs, business executives, and government officials within the San Francisco Bay Area and abroad.



SFFACC continues to build a strong network and database of Filipino-American businesses.

SFFACC invites you to become a part of this community. Together, we can help promote our economic interests while uplifting the well being of the Filipino community.

Our Mission

Established in 1973, SFFACC is a non-profit organization 501 (c)(6), which seeks to promote the economic development of the Filipino-American business and civic community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The SFACC assists its members in the following ways:

  • By providing networking opportunities to expand and promote members’ businesses
  • By initiating programs and committees designed to advance the interests of members’ business
  • By serving as an information resource center for new business opportunities and business referrals
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Our Beginnings

HOW DID WE BEGIN?

Oldest Filipino-American Chamber Of Commerce In USA.

1974 The first large gathering of Filipino business leaders in the US took place in 1974 at a Unity Conference held in Anaheim, California, where a resolution was passed to organize nationwide. The resolution galvanized support and subsequent membership from Filipino-American business, a movement spearheaded by California, a major population center for Filipinos in the US. Out of this momentum, the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco was formed in 1973 and incorporated in 1974. 1995 Much later, a loose coalition of Filipino-American business organizations elected officers and met regularly to work toward further unification. In November 1995, this organization was formally incorporated as the California Coalition of Chambers of Commerce, Inc. and held its first Business Conference with the Philippine Consular Corps in attendance. Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos is credited for having encouraged Yolanda Ortega Stern, the SFFACC and CCCC president, to organize Filipino-American chambers in the United States and Canada into what is now known as the Federation of the Philippine American Chambers of Commerce.

Group Photo circa 1983 SFFACC Leadership

Left to Right: With thenConsul General of SF Romeo Arguelles; FACC Director P. J. Rhodes (P.J. Rhodes & Co.); Director Kathy Hoffman (Citibank); Director Larry David (President, Tondena USA); President Bert Galang (Purchasing Manager, AG&P Company of Manila, Inc.); Director Maria Luisa Gallego; Vice President and Director Juan Collas (Baker & McKenzie Law Offices); Director Mariano Aspillera (J. A. Marketing); Director Jose San Gabriel (Banque National di Paris); and Director Frank Podesta (Maersk Line Agency).

Manila Visit c. 1998

Cultural and Trade Mission headed by SFFACC President Sid Protasio with San Francisco Mayor Willie Lewis Brown Jr., Charlotte Maillard Shultz, Chief of Protocol, together with Dr. Paquita Reyes and Shirley Spinosa visit Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Board Of Directors

Officers

Jose Pecho

Chairman

Bio ➜

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Aaron Orcino

Preident

Bio ➜

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Shan Serran

Vice President

Bio ➜

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Lorna Dietz

Secretary

Bio ➜

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Yvonne Go

Treasurer

Bio ➜

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Board Members

Ben Menor

Bio ➜

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Cris Ibarra

Bio ➜

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Zac Borja

Bio ➜

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Pearl Parmelee

Bio ➜

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Pam Santos

Bio ➜

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Tristan Wise

Bio ➜

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Nathaniel Thomas

Bio ➜

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Raymond Garcia

Bio ➜

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Advisors

Yolanda Ortega Stern

Bio ➜

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Neil Ferrer

Bio ➜

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Audie Vergara

Bio ➜

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Interested in Becoming a Board Member?

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Our President’s Message

Welcome to the Filipino Chamber of Commerce! We invite you to join our vibrant community and experience the warmth and support that comes from connecting with like-minded individuals and businesses. Our chamber is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging, where members can share their experiences, collaborate on projects, and support each other’s growth. By becoming a part of our organization, you’ll not only benefit from valuable networking opportunities and resources but also contribute to the collective strength and success of our local Filipino community. We take immense pride in celebrating and promoting the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines. Our chamber is committed to preserving our heritage while also embracing innovation and progress. We are optimistic about the future and believe that by working together, we can achieve great things for our members and the wider community. Join us today, and let’s build a brighter, more prosperous future together!

2023 new SFFACC president

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The San Francisco Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization which seeks to promote the economic development of the Filipino-American business community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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The San Francisco Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization which seeks to promote the economic development of the Filipino-American business community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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©2024 SFFACC. All rights reserved.

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Jose Pecho

Chairman

Jose Pecho, a US Army veteran and thriving leader in the real estate and cannabis industries, embodies collaboration, diversity, and service. As Chairman of the Board for the SF Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, he drives impactful change and empowers businesses. Jose sets a powerful example of leadership in action, with a deep commitment to community and multicultural engagement.
As Vice President of Real Estate at STIIIZY and owner of JP Investments, Jose brings innovative thinking and solutions to the complex and evolving cannabis industry. He champions diversity and inclusion at STIIIZY navigating regulations with deftness and integrity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration for all stakeholders.
Jose’s strategic foresight, extensive real estate experience, and ability to provide effective counsel make him a versatile and adaptable leader. His innovative approach to finding unique property solutions and quick response to industry trends underscore his standout status in the highly regulated sector.
Jose’s strategic foresight, extensive real estate experience, and ability to provide effective counsel make him a versatile and adaptable leader. His innovative approach to finding unique property solutions and quick response to industry trends underscore his standout status in the highly regulated sector.
Jose Pecho is a successful professional and a beacon of service in community advocacy. His diverse experiences, collaborative nature, and unwavering dedication inspire positive change and drive progress as he builds bridges in community and government relations, both locally and globally.

Aaron Orcino

Preident

Aaron is passionate about amplifying community and commerce. He’s been a Kultivate Labs team member for 4 years, advocating for small business development and helping to build the SOMA Pilipinas cultural and economic corridor. He is a founding member of the Undiscovered Night Market team. He has recently launched his newest program called SEED Network that provides resources and access to consulting services to BIPOC owned businesses. This will be his 2nd year running the SEED Network and Accelerator Program.
Aaron has spent time at large companies like Facebook and Blizzard Entertainment, and can wear many hats: project manager, product manager, program manager and UX designer. He is currently a Design Program Manager on the Facebook App Design team.
Aaron is also program lead for Filipinos Feed the Frontlines. The program has raised over $150k to help stabilize Filipino owned restaurants and have delivered over 14,000 meals to essential workers, senior citizens and those in need.

Shan Serran

Vice President

Dynamic, creative, and seasoned digital marketing executive with over 15 years of comprehensive experience catalyzing business growth through innovative marketing strategies.
As the founder and CEO of Veewz, I have driven my team to disrupt traditional digital marketing paradigms, providing transparent and tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes. My broad expertise includes search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing (SMM), and the successful implementation of various marketing automation tools.
As a leader, I believe in fostering a collaborative environment, mentoring talent, and integrating cross-functional teams for maximum efficiency. My continued pursuit of staying abreast of digital trends and technological advances demonstrates my commitment to spearheading digital transformation and revenue growth in every organization I serve.

Lorna Dietz

Lorna Dietz

Armed with a management, marketing, ethnic public relations, and sales background in several industries, Lorna’s digital marketing know-how since 1996 makes her a valuable networking and strategic business consulting resource. See About.Me/RadiantView, RadiantView.com, and LLD.USPress.wordpress.com.
Lorna Dietz was honored First Runner-Up (the highest-ranking award for this category) for “Community Blogging” at the 2012 New America Media’s Ethnic Media Awards for Northern California & Central Valley in San Francisco, CA (better known as an ethnic Pulitzer Awards event). She was also honored as one of Filipina Women’s Network’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US, Behind the Scenes category, in Washington DC (2007). Lorna’s speaking skills were recognized in 1983 when she won the first runner-up trophy in the “Speech to Entertain” contest, Philippine Toastmasters Convention, representing the Sinulog Toastmasters Club of Cebu City
Lorna Dietz is a Notary Public of the State of California (June 13, 2015 to June 12, 2019). She consults for small businesses that need her writing, marketing, and social media skills. Lorna also works as a Life Agent for Eric Swanson’s Allstate Insurance Agency in San Francisco, California, marketing life insurance, fixed annuities, IRAs, retirement, disability, long term care, college plans, and workplace supplemental benefits.

Yvonne Go

Treasurer

Yvonne Go began her career at Bank of the Orient in 1985 where she had oversight responsibilities for Preferred Banking, marketing, business development, human resources, branch operations, community development and corporate philanthropy. In addition, she also served on the Bank’s Executive Committee, Director and Management Loan Committee, and Asset and Liability Committee.
In her current role, Yvonne serves as Director at Orient Bancorporation and Bank of the Orient, where she steers corporate planning, human capital management, enterprise risk management and growth strategies for Bank of the Orient and its subsidiaries.
An active member of the community, she serves as Board Director for the Hong Kong Association of Northern California and is the Treasurer and Board Director for the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce.
Yvonne was also a former Regent at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, San Francisco where she was a member of the Development Committee.

Ben Menor Jr

Board Member

Community Developer, Consultant, Trainer, Producer, and Author.
In business and community, Ben Menor, Jr. is best known as a master planner and community builder. Menor’s 40-plus years of programs, projects, and infrastructure development reflects his diversity of knowledge, experiences, and relationship-building skills. Everyone who has been trained or mentored by “Manong Ben” or “Uncle Ben” understands the responsibility of carrying forward, to the next generation, a rich legacy of consciousness-building and crosscultural heritage. Mr. Menor’s platform on Community Development is based on “an intergenerational and intercultural approach to building environments that maximize human potential.
”Ben Menor, as a lecturer and author, continues to share his broad knowledge of business, media, economics, sociology, politics, and community development — from classrooms to board rooms.
”Ben Menor, as a lecturer and author, continues to share his broad knowledge of business, media, economics, sociology, politics, and community development — from classrooms to board rooms.
Ben’s past political experiences as a state commissioner in the Juvenile Justice Commission, California Governor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, television producer and host, Bureau Manager for print media, business consultant for multinational corporations, as well as his political consulting career in the Philippines and the USA, blend harmoniously with his continuing role as an educator and advisor since 1975 to high schools and college student organizations with their Pilipino Culture Night (PCN). As a trainer in organizational development, his KISS (Keep It Simple & Sharp) Leadership Boot Camps have elicited comments that range from “I now understand what ‘Point of Order’ means” to “Our lives are forever changed!
Ben’s past political experiences as a state commissioner in the Juvenile Justice Commission, California Governor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, television producer and host, Bureau Manager for print media, business consultant for multinational corporations, as well as his political consulting career in the Philippines and the USA, blend harmoniously with his continuing role as an educator and advisor since 1975 to high schools and college student organizations with their Pilipino Culture Night (PCN). As a trainer in organizational development, his KISS (Keep It Simple & Sharp) Leadership Boot Camps have elicited comments that range from “I now understand what ‘Point of Order’ means” to “Our lives are forever changed!
”Ben Menor believes that “entrepreneurship without borders” can successfully bridge the complex rivers of change in today’s uncertain economy. Business endeavors, ranging from new technologies to health and wellness projects, are combined with responsibilities and advisory capacities in community-based organizations such as, to name a few, SVAPADC, FPACC, SFFACC, FACCSV, 4C’s, Rotary Club of Daly City & Colma, SF Unified Lions Club and SJ Maharlika Lions Club, Coalition 2001: Celebration of Unity in Diversity, NaFFAA, FANHS, and FACCGN. Ben Menor has received numerous citations for his work with diverse communities including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Santa Clara County, Inc., League of United Latin American Citizens, Asian American Community Involvement, Inc., Human Relations Commission of Santa Clara County, KQED “Local Asian Pacific American Community Hero Award,” and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Numerous recognitions from Filipino organizations throughout the United States.
Menor has worked for companies and institutions that reflect his business and professional acumen: Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce, 2008-Present, Vistaland Corporation, 2015-June 2016, ACE Corporation, 2015, Ayala Corporations, 2010-2015, FilAm SODC, 1993-2004. Pertinent additional employment information: KTSF Ch 26, 1985-1989; Philippine News, 1983-85 and MV-LAUSD, 1975-1983.
Ben Menor, Jr. graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Community Studies and Communication, with Honors, 1974 and a Secondary Teaching Credential at the same university, 1976.

Cris Ibarra

Board Member

Cris is a licensed California lawyer who has been practicing in San Francisco since 1982, handling civil litigation, family, probate, immigration, disability, business and international transactions. He works with a diverse group of professionals across the United States, Canada, the Philippines and other parts of southeast Asia on migration, infrastructure development, technology, tourism, health care and education
Cris spent ten years at Xavier School, Metro Manila, before graduating G. Washington High School in San Francisco. He started at San Francisco State University and graduated University of California, Berkeley in Asian American Studies and Conservation of Natural Resources, after which he obtained a juris doctor from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. He was a Howard University R.H. Smith Community Law Fellow doing economic development projects in Northern California, and later began advising government, nongovernment organizations and capital companies on emerging market issues. He was a State Bar of California commissioner on judicial neutral evaluation.
Cris is a senior fellow with the Council Exchange Board of Trade in Washington, D.C., and Virginia (and of the National Minority Technology Council), assisting with policy development for diverse American communities and social equity projects. Cris manages a California benefit corporation. He is business advisor for a handful of non-profit organizations on culture, basic health care and education for poor children.

Zachary J. Borja

Board Member

Zachary J. Borja is a highly skilled marketing professional and Principal Consultant at BorjaPlus, a digital marketing agency in San Leandro, CA. With expertise in creating and promoting content for social justice and environmental impact causes, Zachary has worked with clients such as Mills College, ThredUp, and Doordash. He previously served as a Social Media Manager at Blue Arris, where he led successful campaigns for non-profit causes. Zachary also has experience as an Account Manager and Program Director at PilotCity, connecting high school students with career opportunities. He holds an Associate’s degree in Entrepreneurship & Marketing and is involved in various professional and community organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, sales, social media marketing, and team management, Zachary is also proficient in software like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Google Suite. Outside of work, he is interested in sustainability, PC gaming, fencing, photography, and edible gardening.

Pearl Parmelee

Board Member

Pearl Parmelee attended Feati University as the first female to enroll in BS Aeronautical Engineering and while in college was recognized by Department of Education as one of Most Outstanding Coed of Metro Manila for 1976/77.
She is currently a Commissioner for Contra Costa Arts & Culture and Business Development Director for Latino Food Industry & Filipino Food Movement. She is active in promoting and mainstreaming Filipino food and products through her consulting company .
She has volunteered at different organizations and found out that conflicts are best resolved with FOOD which for her became a form of communication and way of sharing our culture and heritage. Resolving the question why Filipino Food is not as well accepted as our other Asian neighbors has been her mission and Filipino Food Movement inspire her to mentor, share, promote and continues her journey that FOOD is a common ground that we can all connect and understand our culture and heritage better. By sharing our food and table the conversation that occurs is an ice breaker like no other as a community and as a family unit.

Pam Santos

Board Member

Raised in the Philippines, Pam has worked in technology and product marketing in Asia, Europe and North America before becoming involved in fundraising for start-ups and nonprofits. With the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce she is particularly invested in proposal writing as she would like to help enable economic opportunities in underserved communities.She is currently a Regional Vice President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Americas (UPAAA) and serves on their Permanent Endowment Fund. She is also co-chairing the Diversity and Inclusion Committee (D&I) in an elementary school in Washington, D.C.She earned an engineering degree from the University of the Philippines with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Oblation scholarships.

Tristan Wise

Board Members

Tristan Wise is a dynamic sales and partnerships professional with extensive experience in driving revenue growth, forging key alliances, and strategic market expansion.
As a dedicated member of the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFFACC), Tristan is passionate about empowering Filipino American entrepreneurs and businesses through his network, community engagement, and driving collaborative initiatives.
Having recently relocated to San Francisco from Asia, Tristan brings a global perspective to business development, with deep expertise in cross-cultural partnerships and market expansion strategies. With a background spanning industries from cybersecurity to AI, he offers valuable insights into the technology sector. Tristan is eager to contribute his expertise in strategic sales, client relations, and business growth to support and strengthen the Filipino American business community.

Nathaniel Thomas

Board Members

Nathaniel Thomas has had roots in the Bay Area since his grandfather retired from the United States Coast Guard in the 1970’s. The Philippine-born, third-generation American has split his time between the Philippines and the West Coast since his youth.Attending grade school in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nathaniel moved to Manila to complete his high school and parts of his undergraduate studies
Following three years in San Francisco’s Financial District, Nathaniel transitioned to pursue his entrepreneurial curiosities. He has since established himself as a versatile producer, successfully delivering live theatre productions, wedding ceremonies, professional interviews and podcasts, and corporate event broadcasts. Additionally, he lends his dynamic voice to sport-specific broadcasts as a live analyst.
Equipped with the knowledge of both Philippine and Stateside practices, as well as the practical experience of Business Development and Professional Relationship building, Nathaniel is eager to serve the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFFACC) Board of Directors.He hopes to help members foster creative strategies for brand growth and recognition in today’s cluttered marketplace. Nathaniel is excited to bring his cross cultural and creative media experience to empower the chamber members.

Raymond Garcia

Board Member

Raymond Garcia is a dedicated board member of the FilAm SF Chamber of Commerce. With a background in leadership and sales, he brings valuable expertise to the table. As the Regional Director of Marketing for a clean energy integrated solutions organization, Raymond is committed to providing sustainable solutions. He actively participates in associations, serving as the Recording Secretary for the Chinese Real Estate Association of America and Friends of Filipino American Community PAC. Raymond’s goal as a board member is to contribute innovative ideas, recruit talented members, and build strong business relationships. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys basketball, dancing, karaoke, and spending quality time with family.

Yolanda O. Stern

Advisor

At the hub of Filipino American Businesses for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Yolanda O. Stern, a “Daughter of Mindanao”, is a quiet but formidable force in coalition building and partnerships. Handpicked as “Professional of the Year 2011” by Cambridge Who’s Who for the Non Profit Management Industry, Ms Stern is the charter founder and Chairman Emeritus of the largest business organization of Filipino Amercans in the United States– the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce. She is also the co-founder, along with her husband, Dr. Thomas K. Stern, of the One World Institute (OWI), a private charity for Health and Education that benefits Cambodia through the Sobhanna Foundation and in the Philippines, through the Department of Health and various NGOs.
Ms. Stern is widely remembered for spearheading the global campaign to win the Reacquisition of Citizenship and the Absentee Voting Laws of 2003, in partnership with Mr.Jose Molano Jr. of the CFO. Together, they cobbled the global coalitions that collected the signatures through her Federal Express account. Ms Stern also obtained the joint bi-national and bi-cameral Phil-US resolutions that won the Filipino Veterans their additional supplemental health benefits. Hers was also the first foreign organization to forge a Memorandum of Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after the signing of the Peace Pact between President Fidel V. Ramos and Chairman Nur Misuari. She is the key link to the Philippine US Business Council (PUBC), an arm of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI) and has been a presence since 1987 when she was president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco and later of the California Coalition of Fil-Am Chambers. She values and maintains these connections today

Yolanda O. Stern

Advisor

Mr. Neil Frank R. Ferrer is the Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in San Francisco, which has consular jurisdiction over Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming. His tour of duty as Consul General began on 20 January 2021.
Consul General Ferrer is a career diplomat with extensive experience in the foreign service, including consular work, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He has served in various capacities at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China (2001-2003); Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom (2003-2009); and Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada (2011-2013). He was Consul General of the Philippines in Vancouver, Canada from 2013 to 2018.
Consul General Ferrer is a career diplomat with extensive experience in the foreign service, including consular work, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He has served in various capacities at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China (2001-2003); Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom (2003-2009); and Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada (2011-2013). He was Consul General of the Philippines in Vancouver, Canada from 2013 to 2018.
Prior to his assignment to the U.S., Mr. Ferrer served as Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines from August 2018 to January 2021.
Consul General Ferrer served as Chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom from 2007 to 2011. The MSC is the senior technical body of the IMO and Mr. Ferrer is the only Filipino diplomat thus far who has been elected as MSC Chairman. Mr. Ferrer presided over numerous international meetings of the IMO and led global efforts to improve maritime safety and security.
Mr. Ferrer served as President of the IMO Diplomatic Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention), held from 21 to 25 June 2010 in Manila, Philippines. This Conference adopted major revisions to the STCW Convention and its associated Code, now referred to as the Manila Amendments. The Conference also adopted a resolution nominating 25 June of each year (the day when the amendments were adopted) as the Day of the Seafarer. The Day of the Seafarer has now been included in the annual list of United Nations Observances.
Consul General Ferrer is recipient of a distinguished award for Filipino diplomats, the Gawad Mabini, with the rank of Dakilang Kamanong (Grand Cross), conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on 29 June 2010.
Mr. Ferrer finished his Master of Arts in International Boundaries, with Distinction, at the University of Durham in the United Kingdom. He completed the course work for the Master of Science in Economics at De La Salle University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines.
Consul General Ferrer is married to Miriam M. Ferrer and they have four children.

Audie T. Vergara

Advisors

Audie T. Vergara serves as the Executive Director of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (APLFI), a non-profit organization founded by Apl.de.Ap, a member of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas. Under Vergara’s leadership, the foundation focuses on initiatives in education, technology, and healthcare to empower Filipino youth and underserved communities.
One of Vergara’s notable projects includes collaborating with Apl.de.Ap and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to establish the Philippines’ first Electric Vehicle Center for Excellence, aiming to provide technical training and promote clean mobility solutions in local schools.