PH consulate receives international award for supporting startups

SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has received international recognition for supporting the growth of startups at the inaugural Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards event.

The SES Awards program recognizes individuals and governmental organizations focused on supporting innovation and the growth of startup ecosystems in their regions.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco receives international recognition for supporting the growth of startups. In photo: Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer (left) and Philippine Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley Celynne P. Layug. CONTRIBUTED

A partnership between the Silicon Valley-based Mind the Bridge and the International Chamber of Commerce, the event was held in Paris, France recently.

The event presented best practices in ecosystem innovation and featured an interactive bootcamp, where participants and awardees shared experiences and insights.

The 2023 SES Award was presented to Mariya Gabriel, deputy prime minister of Bulgaria and former European commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth.

Other SES awardees included the United Kingdom’s Venture Capital Unit, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO Startup Programmes), Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Basque Government, the City of Hamburg, Investissement Québec and Global Digital Innovation Network – Born2Global from the Republic of Korea.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez congratulated Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer and the consulate team, including the Philippine trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, led by Trade Commissioner Celynne P. Layug, for the recognition.

The consulate and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley will continue to work with Dynamico Space and other partners to support the growth of Philippine startups. In photo: (from left) Dynamico Space co-founder Carlo Pimentel, Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer and Dynamico Space CEO JR Calanoc. CONTRIBUTED

“The award is indeed an acknowledgment of the consulate’s commitment and dedication to enhancing our country’s interests in the United States,” Romualdez said.

The consulate and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley will continue to work with Dynamico Space and other partners to support the growth of Philippine startups.

“We are optimistic that our startups will continue to innovate and support sustainable development in the country,” Ferrer said.