Meet & Greet with the Newly-elected Governor of Laguna!
On June 3, 2025, Ms. Sol Aragones, the newly elected Governor of Laguna, hosted a Meet and Greet event at Green Sun Hotel, Makati, where CPIP was invited to attend. Mr. Carlos Po, General Manager of CPIP, accepted the invitation and extended it to newly elected City Councilor Rajay Lajara, Mr. Saturnino Lajara, CPIP’s Legal Counsel Atty. Billy Lajara, CPIP Admin Head Ms. Michaela Nucup, and Occupational and Environmental Nurse Mr. Krister Po. CPIP locators also attended, including Mr. Yoo Yang Woo, President of Baek Gum Philippines Corporation; Mr. Yang Kwon Kim, Business Support Team Leader of SEMPHIL; Mr. Bae Jeom Yi, SEMPHIL’s Infra Group Expat; Mr. Jason Magallanes, SEMPHIL’s Infra Group Leader; Mr. Kyun Myung Jang, Managing Director of 21Climust; Mr. Ku Chul Kim, Admin General Manager of 21Climust; Mr. Eric Bruls, General Manager of Varex Imaging Philippines; and Mr. Jinsu Kim, President of THN Autoparts Philippines. At the event, Mr. Carlos Po was welcomed by Mr. Jason Lim, Chairman of Solid Group Inc.; Mr. David Lim, EVP, CSO, and Director of Solid Group Inc.; and Mr. Vincent Lim, SVP, CFO, and Director of Solid Group Inc. The CPIP locators were also acknowledged upon their arrival. As the evening progressed, Governor-elect Sol Aragones arrived and was warmly welcomed by the crowd. She was introduced by the event host, Mr. Beda Manalac of Solid Group Inc., to enthusiastic applause as she entered the venue. The program opened with a speech by Mr. Simplicio “Jun” Umali Jr., President and CEO of Gardenia Philippines. He thanked the guests for attending and expressed the collective support of the business community for Governor Aragones. His remarks were followed by Mrs. Susan Tan, President of Solid Group Inc., who extended her gratitude to the attendees and especially to Governor Aragones for making the event meaningful and productive. After a brief intermission, the main guest, Governor-elect Sol Aragones, was introduced and took the stage. She began by thanking Mr. Simplicio Umali Jr., Mrs. Susan Tan, Mr. Jason Lim, Mr. David Lim, Mr. Vincent Lim, all the business leaders present, and Mr. Rajay Lajara and Mr. Saturnino Lajara for their support. Governor Aragones proudly introduced Mr. Jerry Pelayo, former Mayor of Candaba, Pampanga, and now the Provincial Administrator of Laguna. She then shared her personal story of perseverance, including the mantra that guided her through challenges: “Sa buhay, hindi ko binibilang kung ano ang nawala, ang binibilang ko lang ay kung anong natira,” (In life, I don’t count on what was lost, I only count what remains). With the strength that remained in her, she continued to fight and eventually succeeded in her campaign, despite the difficulties she faced. In her speech, Governor Aragones presented her platform, which includes improving public hospitals by ensuring complete medical equipment, availability of medicines, and hiring more doctors and nurses. She also addressed the business sector, promising a more efficient and streamlined process for taxes and permits to support entrepreneurship and livelihoods. She emphasized her plans to revive the “Turismo ng Laguna” program, believing that each of the 24 municipalities and 6 cities in the province has a story worth sharing. Her message was met with loud applause and positive energy from the audience. Following her remarks, Mr. Jerry Pelayo delivered his speech. He thanked the attendees and affirmed his commitment to work alongside Governor Aragones, expressing full support in realizing the vision of a revitalized “Turismo ng Laguna”. The Meet and Greet event proved to be more than just an introduction; it was a productive and inspiring evening that brought leaders and community members together. As the event came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and optimism. Governor Aragones’ presence sparked meaningful conversations, and attendees left with more than just handshakes and photos, they walked away feeling more connected to the pressing issues facing the Province of Laguna. The event served as a strong reminder that great leadership involves listening, engaging, and inspiring. With renewed energy and a clear vision, the community looks forward to the future with Governor Sol Aragones.
Sweet gestures and sweeter mangoes!
On May 17, 2025, CPIP employees came together for Mango Picking Day! A special time to enjoy the season and celebrate our community. With care and teamwork, employees picked fresh, ripe mangoes straight from the trees inside the CPIP compound as well inside the park. After the harvest, the mangoes were shared, packed, and delivered personally to our valued CPIP locators by Ms. Alea Ilagan as a small token of appreciation. This simple act of gratitude, this gift-giving tradition reflects the fruitful partnership we continue to nurture together. Just like these mangoes, we hope our relationships grow sweeter with time.
CPIP’s 2025 General Assembly
On April 30, 2025, CPIP held its General Assembly together with all of its locators. This event embodied a spirit of partnership and collaboration. As Mr. Carlos Po, General Manager of CPIP, said: “get to know each other” and be “familiar with each other’s faces,” because events like this make you feel that you are part of the CPIP community—and that we are here to help one another. The event began with a presentation from CPIP’s Pollution Control Officer, Engr. Alea Trixie Ilagan. She elaborated on the innovations and improvements made to the forms required by each locator’s PCO. These forms can now be accessed through generated QR codes. She also emphasized the importance of these documents in ensuring that each locator’s sewage system is properly maintained and monitored by CPIP. Additionally, she announced that in May, the annual wastewater sampling for all locators will take place. In June, all CPIP locator PCOs will participate in collaborative planning activities designed to foster mutual connections and build professional rapport—strengthening the bond among all CPIP PCOs. Next, the Marketing Department, represented by Ms. Jhasmine Clamucha, CPIP’s Marketing Head, presented an impressive video showcasing past CPIP events and introduced the newly published magazine, The Quarterly Monitor. Ms. Jhasmine also promoted CPIP’s official YouTube channel, Facebook page, and website to keep locators updated on the latest news and developments. She highlighted that the CPIP’s website can also serve as a platform for locators to promote their businesses or job openings. In the afternoon session, Ms. Michaela Nucup, CPIP’s Admin Head, discussed the upcoming Quarterly HR Forum scheduled for May 23, 2025. Its goal is to strengthen communication on labor administrative policies and to encourage the sharing of best practices among locators. She also announced the creation of Viber groups to deliver official announcements, real-time emergency coordination, and other updates to all locators. Lastly, she noted that visitor and contractor forms are now accessible via QR codes, making the submission process more efficient. Future projects are also mentioned, such as road repairs in Barangay Prinza and infrastructure developments like dormitories for the contractors of locators, as well as designated areas for higher-ranking contractors. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our special guests: Atty. Timmy Chipeco, Atty. Rjay Lajara, and Hon. City Councilor Saturnino Lajara, who shared inspiring speeches and expressed their gratitude and support for CPIP. This General Assembly has demonstrated that when collaboration is the foundation, real progress is not just possible—it is inevitable. As we continue building a shared vision, may we remember that working as one is not only a goal, but a responsibility we carry forward together.
Start Your Saturday with an Epic Run!
On a sunny morning, April 26th, Varex Imaging Philippines Inc. held an Epic Run around CPIP’s park, starting bright and early at 6:00 AM. The event was focused on promoting the health and wellness of the Varex Imaging Philippines community. Everyone gathered with excitement as Ms. Michaela Nucup, CPIP’s Admin Head, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to Varex Imaging Philippines Inc. for being one of the event’s valued sponsors in support of the Epic Run. Mr. Eric Bruls, General Manager of Varex Imaging Philippines Inc., delivered a brief message of appreciation, highlighting the importance of events like these in fostering a strong sense of community and reminding everyone to prioritize safety while enjoying the activity. Warm-up stretches were led by the managers of Varex Imaging Philippines Inc., helping everyone get ready for the challenge ahead. The Epic Run kicked off in groups: first to run was the 9km team, followed by the 6km, and finally the 3km participants. As the event drew to a close, the first person to finish the 3km run was Mr. Jomar Elindo from CPIP. For the 6km category, the first finisher was again from CPIP—Mr. Emil Bert Marte. In the most anticipated 9km category, Mr. Raymart Manalo from Varex Imaging took first place! The Epic Run event hosted by Varex Imaging was more than just a race—it was a celebration of community, health, and fun. It gave everyone involved a memorable experience they will cherish. Thanks to the efforts of Varex Imaging and CPIP, the day was a resounding success, filled with laughter, achievement, and shared moments that truly made it an epic Saturday with Epic Run.
CPIP and Nippon Sanso Ingasco Philippines Extend Support to Barangay Batino
On March 25, residents of Barangay Batino received rice donations through a joint Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Calamba Premiere International Park (CPIP) and Nippon Sanso Ingasco Philippines Inc., a long-time locator within the park. The rice distribution event was held to support the local community, particularly those residing near the industrial hub. The initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of CPIP and Nippon Sanso Ingasco Philippines, reflecting both companies’ commitment to community welfare and social responsibility. Notable attendees included Atty. Rajay Lajara and Calamba City Councilor Saturnino Lajara, who recommended Barangay Batino as the beneficiary due to its proximity to the park and the presence of both companies in the area. Their involvement emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing community needs. Nippon Sanso Ingasco Philippines President, Takenori Kawachino, personally participated in the distribution, underscoring the company’s hands-on approach to community engagement. His presence highlighted the company’s dedication to giving back to the community where it operates. Through initiatives like this, CPIP and Nippon Sanso Ingasco Philippines continue to strengthen their ties with the local community while fostering a culture of corporate responsibility and care.
Batino Road Officially Opens!
On March 22, 2025, the citizens of Batino and CPIP celebrated a special day as officials of Barangay Batino, including ABC President and Captain Pio Dimapilis, Honorable Calamba City Mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal, and CPIP’s General Manager Carlos Po, inaugurated the new road in front of McDonald’s Batino. This new route will provide better access from Barangay Batino to SLEX and other parts of Calamba, helping to reduce traffic, especially during rush hours. In his speech, Mayor Rizal thanked everyone who contributed to the project and promised to continue improving road accessibility and easing traffic in Calamba and Batino. Earlier that day, he also opened a new road in Real, Calamba. CPIP’s General Manager, Carlos Po, congratulated the attendees and shared the values that define CPIP—Malasakit, Makatao, and Maka-Diyos. He also gave a glimpse of CPIP’s future plans, including working with the government and locators to create more job opportunities for Calambeños and Filipinos. Barangay Batino Captain Pio Dimapilis also expressed his gratitude, hoping these projects will improve daily transportation and make life easier for the community. The event ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the blessing of the road, followed by a walk-through by the officials to officially open the new route.
Coherent Laser Enterprise Philippines Inc. Inaugurates New Building
On February 27, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Coherent Laser Enterprise Philippines Inc. with the inauguration of its new building. The event was graced by Mr. Cesar Baracinas, the Country Manager for the Philippines, who has been with the company since 2019 as Plant Manager of II-VI Laser Enterprise Philippines. Now leading Coherent Laser Enterprise Philippines Inc., he continues to drive the company’s growth and expansion. The program began with a prayer, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and a traditional dance performance by Coherent’s talented employees. Their graceful and energetic performance uplifted the atmosphere as the event proceeded to the inauguration proper. A Tour of the New Facility Guests were then led into the new building, where Coherent provided a tour of the facility, which has the potential to create over 700 new jobs. To showcase their dedication to the Philippines, Coherent named rooms after famous mountains such as Taal and Makiling, adding a patriotic touch to the workplace. The tour also included a visit to Coherent’s original building, where attendees were given a glimpse of the company’s history, products, and expertise—highlighting how Coherent has grown through the years. Messages of Support and Partnership After the tour, Mr. Baracinas shared Coherent’s achievements and its vision for the next five years, emphasizing how the new building will contribute to the company’s success and provide job opportunities for Filipinos in Calamba. Atty. Angie Alonzo, representing Calamba City Mayor Hon. Roseller Rizal, extended her congratulations and assured Coherent that the Municipality of Calamba is always ready to support the company whenever needed. CPIP’s General Manager, Mr. Carlos Po, also shared his thoughts, recognizing Coherent (formerly II-VI Laser) as a long-time locator at CPIP. He emphasized the importance of connectivity and collaboration between CPIP and businesses, highlighting that progress can only be achieved through mutual support and understanding. Mr. Gary Kapusta, Executive Vice President for Operations, and Mr. Simon Loten, Vice President for Product Management, also shared their insights and encouraged Coherent to continue striving for success. Looking Ahead As CPIP, we also extend our warmest congratulations to Coherent Laser Enterprise Philippines Inc. and may you have greater years ahead as you step in to this new chapter. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and working together to achieve our shared goals as a business community. May Coherent Philippines continue to grow, succeed, and inspire many more stories in the years to come!
CPIP and Converge Renew Partnership!
On February 21, 2025, Converge’s Ms. Alyssa Bettina Aurio, the Key Account Manager visited CPIP for a courtesy call to renew their partnership, reinforcing their commitment to seamless and high-speed connectivity within the park together with CPIP’s General Manager Sir Carlos Po, Admin Head Ms. Michaela Nucup, and Sr. Accounting Manager Ms. Janine Malabanan to discuss continued collaboration and future enhancements. This partnership ensures that CPIP remains equipped with reliable digital infrastructure, supporting its locators’ evolving connectivity needs.
Navigating the Future: The Philippine Economic Landscape in 2025
The Philippine economy is set for sustained growth in 2025, driven by robust domestic demand, strategic public investments, and a youthful, dynamic workforce. While these factors fuel optimism, there are also potential risks that require careful management, including external economic uncertainties and the country’s vulnerability to environmental challenges. Both international and domestic institutions forecast positive economic growth for the Philippines in 2025. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects a 6.2% GDP growth along with Vietnam, with an inflation rate forecasted at 3.2% this year, citing moderating inflation, monetary easing, and public infrastructure spending as key drivers. Similarly, the World Bank anticipates a 6.1% GDP growth, underscoring the importance of strong domestic demand and ongoing public investments in fueling economic activity. According to John Paulo Rivera, a Senior Research Fellow at the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, prediction shows that the midterm elections in 2025 are expected to provide a temporary economic boost. Campaign spending will benefit key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services. But this is to take note that this growth is fleeting, highlighting the importance of electing leaders who can sustain momentum through strategic policies and productive investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Several factors will drive the Philippine economy’s expansion in 2025. A record ₱6.33 trillion government budget, heavily allocated to infrastructure and education, is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and enhance productivity. Infrastructure improvements will further support business operations and growth across multiple sectors. Additionally, the country’s young and growing population, paired with rising employment rates, will boost domestic consumption, driving demand for goods and services in retail, technology, and other industries. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector will remain a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. With global demand for outsourcing services continuing to grow, the BPO industry will attract significant foreign investments and create employment opportunities, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading outsourcing hub in Asia. Despite these positive indicators, risks remain. The Philippines is highly vulnerable to severe weather events like typhoons, which could disrupt agricultural production and damage infrastructure. Global economic uncertainties, such as geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices, may also impact trade and investment flows. Inflation is another concern; while it is projected to stabilize at 3%, unexpected price surges could prompt tighter monetary policies that might hinder consumer spending and investment. The election season this 2025 presents a critical opportunity to lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth. Beyond the immediate lift provided by election spending, policymakers must implement reforms that enhance the ease of doing business, attract foreign investments, and strengthen local industries. Most importantly, economic growth must be inclusive, addressing poverty, improving wages, and providing access to basic services to ensure that its benefits reach all Filipinos. Strategic public investments and robust local demand are driving the Philippine economy’s positive trajectory in 2025. The Philippines can set the stage for a peaceful and prosperous future for its citizens by concentrating on long-term reforms and making well-informed election judgments and attaining equitable and long-lasting growth necessitates tackling environmental issues, managing world unpredictability, and putting in place sensible regulations.
CPIP’s Christmas Carnival: Where Family Meets Festivity
On December 14, 2024, Calamba Premiere International Park brought the holiday magic to its employees and their family members through a festive Christmas Carnival-themed party. The event commenced with an opening speech from CPIP Admin Head, Ms. Michaela Nucup, who extended her Merry Christmas greetings and reminded everyone to treat the day as a celebration of dedication and camaraderie. The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement as host Carla Bianca led the crowd in fun-filled party games, especially for the children. The energy reached new heights during the highly anticipated CPIP Got Talent competition, where five departments showcased their unique talents. The Environmental Relations Department (ERD) kicked off the performances, bringing energy to the stage in their casual sleeveless sandos, red shorts, and festive Santa hats. They were followed by a lively Disney parody from the Marketing Department. The Human Resource Department, who secured second place, dazzled the crowd with an energetic dance routine in their vibrant rainbow skirts. The Admin Department, crowned CPIP Got Talent champions, kept the momentum going with an impressive flag dance and majorette performance. Finally, the Accounting Department, who earned third place, brought the event to a spectacular close with a spirited sing-and-dance performance. After the CPIP Got Talent performances, the spotlight shifted to the children of employees, who took the stage for their own talent competition. These young performers, though small in size, impressed everyone with their remarkable skills, especially in dance. However, one performer truly stood out—demonstrating exceptional gymnastic ability that captivated the audience. Her impressive routine earned her first place in the competition. In addition to the performances and games, the event became even more exciting as CPIP held the draw for 75 minor raffle prizes and 30 major prizes, adding an extra layer of anticipation and joy to the festivities. This event was not just a celebration of the employees’ hard work throughout the year, but also a special opportunity for them to bond with their families. The children brought by the employees clearly had a fantastic time, with their loot bags filled with treats and their faces lit up with joy as they enjoyed the inflatable bounce house. The celebration was also graced by several distinguished guests, including Honorable Calamba City Councilor Saturnino Lajara, who delivered a warm greeting and a brief yet heartfelt speech to everyone in attendance. Atty. Rajay Lajara also shared a brief but meaningful message and served as a judge for the event’s talent shows alongside his brother, Atty. Billy Lajara, and Mrs. Van Po, wife of CPIP General Manager Mr. Carlos Po. Atty. Lajara took a moment to reflect on CPIP’s impact, saying, “Napakaswerte po ng atin pong lungsod at merong CPIP dahil para po sa akin, CPIP is more than just an industrial park. It’s more than just a company. Para po sa akin, the way that our GM is running it, it is already an institution dito po sa ating lugar na aside po sa pinoproduce ng ating industriya, pagbigay ng employment, ay napakabukas-palad naman po ng CPIP ,” He encouraged the audience to give a round of applause to Mr. Po for his vision and leadership. (Our city is very fortunate to have CPIP, because for me, CPIP is more than just an industrial park. It’s more than just a company. For me, the way our General Manager is running it, it has already become an institution in our area. Aside from what our industry produces and the employment it provides, CPIP is also very generous.) As the event nears its conclusion, Mr. Carlos Po reflects on the impactful words of the CPIP Chairman in his closing remarks, “Lagi niya sinasabi sa amin ‘wag na ‘wag kalimutan ang isang araw na pinakaimportante sa mga empleyado natin: ‘yan yung araw ng Pasko. Kase ito ang araw na magkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na magsama-sama, kumain, at magsalo-salo lahat.”Mr. Po expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the employees for their unwavering commitment to CPIP. (He always tells us never to forget one of the most important days for our employees — and that is Christmas Day. Because it’s the day we get the chance to come together, to eat, and to celebrate with one another.) The CPIP Christmas Carnival was a heartwarming success, bringing together employees, their families, and distinguished guests in a celebration of unity and festive spirit. From lively performances to exciting games, the event was a perfect blend of fun and recognition. The talent showcased by both employees and their children, along with the raffle draws and inspiring speeches, made the day truly memorable. This celebration not only highlighted CPIP’s strong sense of community but also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting both its workforce and the local city of Calamba.
