17 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary (Calgary PCG) trailblazed a series of high-impact activities from 4 to 9 July 2025 at the sidelines of the Calgary Stampede, Alberta’s premier showcase of entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural expertise.
On 8 July 2025, Consul General Emma R. Sarne opened the PH-CA Business Conference & Calgary Stampede Networking B2B event, in partnership with the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC). Drawing on her extensive multilateral experience, CG Sarne shared in her remarks, that “the Philippines offers strategic access to ASEAN markets, with a combined population of over 670 million with increasing consumer power, and a solid track record of resilience and reform.”
Afterwards, the 2-part program featured CABC President Wayne Farmer, sharing insights on bridging businesses between Canada and ASEAN. He echoed the remarks of CG Sarne in welcoming partners from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), noting that CABC and PCCI recently forged a cooperation agreement this April 2025.
InvestAlberta’s Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Bernie Hsie, shared their mission of attracting high-impact investment that drives growth, innovation, and job creation across Alberta. She recognized that the Filipino community is the fastest growing in Alberta, playing such a vital role in Alberta’s economy, through health care, construction, hospitality, logistics, and more. She encouraged Filipino exporters to scale their value-added products, working with her team’s tailored investment support, especially in areas like logistics, fintech, and AI.
Export Development Canada (EDC) Regional Director, Ms. Ran Carter, presented her slides on supporting Canadian businesses in ASEAN, with the mandate to support exporters to expand globally. EDC supported over $123 billion dollars worth of exports through financial and non-financial expertise, opening the Indo-Pacific office in Manila. Knowledge & intel, financial solutions, financing, insurance, and free in-house economic expertise are just some of the services that the Calgary PCG’s guests can apply for.
CABC Executive Director Thi Be Nguyen shifted to moderating the “Barnyard Chat” in a vibrant Q&A format, with the excited guests raring to ask panelists their burning questions.
Then, PCCI President Enunina Mangio opened the 2nd half of the hybrid programme by introducing PCCI and sharing a video on why the Philippines is an attractive investment destination.
Team Canada Trade Mission participants joined the B2B Speed Networking sessions, together with top Filipino-Canadian business executives who were eager to connect virtually with PCCI-member businesses. Divided into sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure, energy and clean technologies, and information and communications technologies, guests moved to red, blue, and green rooms as they exchanged ideas with their counterparts.
Finally, Deputy Consul General Victorio Mario M. Dimagiba, Jr. closed the jampacked event with the mission of Calgary PCG to continually position the Philippines as a key trade partner in the Indo-Pacific, advancing ties with Alberta’s C-suite executives and the PCCI, in bridging more prosperity for all.
Over 80 people joined the hybrid event, both, in-person and online, as well as viewed the Facebook Live video with a reach of nearly 42, 000 Facebook followers.
Notably, Calgary PCG also joined several business events, as follows:
On 4 July, CG Sarne was the guest of honor, together with MLA Tany Yao, in the Annual BBQ of Solid Industries, a key Filipino-owned industrial service firm based in Alberta.
On 6 July, one of the most anticipated community activities was Pacific Hut’s 10th Almusal: Filipino Stampede Breakfast, organized with the support of Calgary’s Filipino organizations. All Calgary PCG personnel participated in this 5000-strong community event, with CG Sarne at the helm, serving Filipino breakfast, together with MP Blake Richards.
That same evening, CG Sarne and Sir Emanuel Nacario attended the Calgary Stampede Government Reception hosted by Hon. Devin Dreeshen, Alberta Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, serving as a platform to affirm shared goals in trade, mobility, and logistics innovation between Alberta and key Asia-Pacific markets.
A key economic diplomacy highlight was the CABC Conference on Navigating Economic Challenges and Market Diversification, co-organized by the Canada-ASEAN Business Council and law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP on 7 July. VC Vida Soraya Verzosa joined Alberta trade stakeholders in exploring new routes for resilient business growth, in the trend towards market diversification. Opportunities for Canadian firms in Philippine sectors such as clean energy, infrastructure, agri-tech, and digital finance were spotlighted by the panelists.
Calgary PCG’s presence concluded with participation in the Taste of Western Canada and Stampede Agriculture and Agri-Food Reception on 9 July 2025 at the BMO Centre. There, VC Verzosa engaged with industry executives in the agri-food innovation ecosystem, aligning with the Philippines’ priority to increase agricultural productivity, integrate advanced technology, and attract foreign direct investment in food security infrastructure. “As the Calgary Stampede reminds us – it is when we honor our roots, celebrate community, and champion innovation in sectors like agriculture, that we create lasting legacies” said Consul General Sarne. END
