A new wave of influential Filipino business leaders are set to join the US-Philippines Society’s board, further deepening private sector ties between the two countries. The incoming directors, including top executives from some of the country’s largest conglomerates, will now assume key roles in shaping the Society’s initiatives.
Among those appointed are Sabin M. Aboitiz of the Aboitiz Group, Helen Yuchengco Dee of the Yuchengco Group, Lourdes Josephine Gotianun-Yap of Filinvest, Federico Lopez of the Lopez Group, Christopher T. Po of Century Pacific, Lucio Tan III, president and COO of LT Group Inc., and Manuel B. Villar Jr., the Philippines’ wealthiest individual.
The appointments were confirmed during a board meeting in Manila on Tuesday, marking the first private sector-led forum between the US and Philippines since the recent US electoral transition. The meeting focused on discussing key areas of collaboration and shared interests between the two nations.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, co-chair of the Society, hosted the 2025 program, with Ambassador John D. Negroponte leading the US delegation. During the event, the Society introduced new members from diverse sectors, including business, professional, and civic leaders.
The board also held a session titled Outlook 2025, which provided an analysis of global trends, US diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region, and key Philippine government priorities. The session examined the potential impact of the Trump administration’s policies, along with discussions on the Philippines’ upcoming midterm elections. The group also identified opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and investment initiatives between the two nations.
Founded in 2012 and based in Washington, the US-Philippines Society is an independent, bi-national organization dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations through programs in business, governance, culture, education, and strategic issues. The Society continues to play a pivotal role in fostering long-term, stable engagement between the US and the Philippines, especially during periods of political change.
