US-ASEAN Business Council Brings American Defense Industry Delegation to the Philippines

(Manila) On September 5-7, the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) conducted its aerospace, defense, and security (ADS) industry mission to the Philippines. The mission was led by Imelda Martin-Hum, President & CEO of I.M. Systems Group (IMSG) and Chair of the US-ABC’s ADS committee; Florina Vistal, US-ABC's Chief Country Representative – Philippines; and Jack Myint, Director of the US-ABC's ADS Committee. 

“Our delegation hopes to demonstrate the U.S. private sector's commitment to serve as a trusted partner and resource in addressing the Philippines' military modernization efforts.”, said Imelda Martin-Hum of IMSG. “We view this mission as part of our ongoing engagement to further deepen defense and security ties, while strengthening the overall bilateral relationship.” 

The US-ABC delegation held discussions with senior officials in the Philippine government, including Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, the Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and the Chief of the Philippine National Police, General Benjamin Acorda, Jr. The delegation also met with the leadership of the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority, the Office of Civil Defense, and all branches of the Philippine Armed Forces. ​ 

On the U.S. side, the delegation hosted a reception featuring U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and U.S. Defense Attaché to the Philippines Colonel Edward Evans, after participating in the U.S. Embassy-organized Defense Industry Day, hosted at Camp Aguinaldo. 

“This mission comes at a critical time in the U.S.-Philippine relationship, where in light of recent geopolitical developments, both governments are placing higher priority and emphasis on their long-standing military alliance.”, said Florina Vistal of US-ABC. “Our delegation had frank and productive engagements with key decision makers in the Philippine Government, which we hope will lead to mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense and security space, moving forward.” 

Companies who participated in the mission include IMSG, RTX, Bell, Lockheed Martin, and OCR Global.