the Stratbase team, led by Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stratbase Group, and Mr. Rupert Paul Manhit, Chief Operating Officer of Stratbase Group, attended the ASEAN-EU Business Summit at Conrad Manila. Stratbase was pleased to support the EU-ASEAN Business Council in making the summit a success. 

The summit brought together government and business leaders to discuss energy and the green transition, inclusive finance, digital connectivity, health and nutrition, and deeper trade ties between ASEAN and the European Union. Speakers included Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino “Perry” S. Rodolfo, Department of Finance Undersecretary Ma. Angela E. Ignacio, and Department of Energy Undersecretary Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella, alongside private sector leaders from the Philippines, ASEAN, and the European Union. 

Stratbase has long supported stronger Philippines-European Union relations across trade, investment, and defense. The proposed Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement offers an opportunity to deepen those ties. Once finalized and ratified, it could give Philippine businesses more reliable access to the European market, encourage investment, and strengthen open, rules-based trade. 

The agreement would also support the Philippines’ broader economic security strategy by diversifying its commercial relationships and helping the economy withstand external shocks. Stratbase looks forward to its conclusion and implementation so that Filipino workers, businesses, and consumers can benefit from stronger, more resilient economic ties.