Looking Back at 2016

0
353

scmapIn the Philippines, one thing is constant whenever December comes along: a lot of Christmas parties. If you’re lucky, you only have to attend one or two, but chances are, you’re going to at least five – many chances to kick back, have fun and perhaps say hello to a colleague or two. Inevitably, you also get a chance to look back at the year that passed by.

 

It’s safe to say that 2016 has been a really eventful year for SCMAP. You get the feeling that it is the climax of our many years of work – but, of course, you know there is much more ahead.

 

2016 is the year when SCMAP capped off its year-long collaboration with REID Foundation and Fountainhead Technologies in connecting stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. The resulting 4Tfy Network is expected to strengthen the commitment of its members to foster connections to improve tourism, trade, transportation and technology, recognizing its roles in strengthening the position of the Philippines.

 

Just a few weeks ago SCMAP (alongside REID) became part of ROLL IT, the convergence program linking the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Public Works and Highways. As representatives of the private sector, we will play a role in identifying infrastructure projects that are important to national development.

 

We have also strengthened our links with the academe. Last September we formalized our partnership with the University of the Philippines, with the view of establishing certificate courses on supply chain management through its National Center for Engineering.

 

We also tied up with GoNegosyo, become a part of their Kapatid MentorMe program, bringing supply chain education to entrepreneurs across the country. We have gone to places such as Tacloban, Iloilo and even Tubod in Lanao del Norte, teaching supply chain basics to MSMEs.

 

This year’s SCMAP Supply Chain Conference is the biggest ever, with a record number of delegates and a strong line-up of speakers, including DOTr undersecretary Rommel Gavieta and shipping icon Doris Magsaysay Ho. The changes to the event’s set-up also meant an enhanced experience for all attendees, something which we plan to build on in next year’s conference, tentatively slated for September 21-22.

 

We also held a successful conference in Cagayan de Oro – our first in Mindanao – which saw renowned speakers from the region as well as in Manila impart their knowledge to an equally diverse set of delegates. Our Visayas chapter’s one-day conference last July also saw record attendance – I can attest that it is a packed house.

 

Our Supply Chain Outlook event last February saw powerhouse speakers, led by former Customs chief Alberto Lina. Our General Membership Meetings was particularly responsive to the topics of the day, with events dedicated to TABS, reforms in customs laws and the latest technologies, including a visit to the Manila International Container Terminal last October.

That seems a lot to take in, but I believe the SCMAP team is up for the challenge. We are quite energized by the successes of this year and resolve to work on all this in the year ahead.

 

Particularly, I would like to thank our outgoing president Cora Curay, whose vision throughout the years has set us on this course. While she will no longer be part of the SCMAP board in 2017, she is committed to continuing her work with the organization.

 

I would also like to wish our incoming president, Nestor Felicio, the best of luck as he takes the helm of the organization for the next two years. The same goes to our national board, whose insights and input will remain important in the months ahead.

 

Most importantly, of course, thank you for your support. We hope to count on the same in the coming year. But, for now, may you have a prosperous 2017 ahead. And here’s hoping you’ve gotten past the Christmas hump.

 

Henrik Batallones is the marketing and communications executive of SCMAP. A former board director, he is also editor-in-chief of the organization’s official publication, Supply Chain Philippines.