VisMin Exhibitions 2024
The 2024 VisMin Printing, Packaging & Plastics Show and VisMin Hotel & Foodservice Suppliers Show held at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel & Casino, Lahug, was a treasure trove of powerful vision, lessons, and strategies from industry leaders and experts.

During the event, attendees participated in six informative seminars, starting with "What's New? The Ease of Paying Taxes Act and its Implementing Rules in Focus," led by P&A Grant Thornton on July 18 at the Aegean Room.

July 19 was packed with talks, with the "2024 Philippine Sustainability Now Forum: Cebu Edition" at its forefront. The forum, which occurred at the Baltic-Blearic Room, was made possible through the partnerships of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI), and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. Organized by OLACON Events, it provided insightful viewpoints on sustainable practices across various sectors in Cebu.

The "2024 Philippine Sustainability Now Forum: Cebu Edition" provides a significant opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together and discuss the complex sustainability landscape in Cebu Province and the Central Visayas region. It acknowledges the importance of promoting growth that is not only strong but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.

The forum aims to promote rapid growth while prioritizing the shift towards a resilient, fair, and sustainable economy. It is divided into a series of panel discussions centering on critical areas of sustainability with Lorens Ziller, Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, as its moderator.

In an interview, Lorens Ziller stressed the relevance of the Sustainability Now Forum. "The importance of the forum is underlined by the government policies to push for a sustainable future for the Philippines, especially for renewable energy, waste disposal, and sustainable manufacturing practices," Ziller said.

Ziller highlighted the role of ICCPI in connecting local companies with new technologies, which the chamber can bring in from Italy, other countries in Europe, and even Australia. He also talked about the everyday challenges of foreign investors in practicing sustainability in their businesses.

"Sustainability has two sides. One, especially until now, there has been little monitoring. I think now there is more incentive to police a little bit more, especially wastewater, what goes inside the rivers, plastics, and air pollution. We see a lot of new electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles being put on the roads. And therefore, it is a movement, a mindset, which slowly will sink in. I think much more has to be done," Ziller explained.

Ziller also underscored the importance of government collaboration with schools to ensure the younger generation develops a sustainable mindset.

Atty. Anne Momongan, Tax Partner of SGV & Co., spearheaded the discussions on “Incentivizing Sustainability: Tax Compliance and ESG Investment Strategies,” while Richard Koh, Sales Director for Compliance Solutions of CRIF Asia, fronted the talks on “Sustainable Success: ESG Compliance in Modern Business.” Prominent to Atty. Momongan’s dialogue is implementing a balance between the environment and the economy.

The “Smart Grids and Beyond: Renewable Technologies for Sustainable Utility Management” panel explored how smart grids enhance utility management by integrating renewable technologies.

Jenny Lin G. Maaño, President of SunSmart Solar Power Technology Inc., served as the panel’s session speaker. The panel's top-notch panelists are Arturo Boncato Jr., Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Dr. Pericles P. Dakay, President and CEO of Dakay Construction & Development Corporation (DCDC), and Emil Andre Garcia, president of Vivant Corporation.

Each session discussed advanced strategies for efficient energy distribution, grid resilience, and sustainable infrastructure, paving the way for greener and more reliable utilities.

 The “Smart Manufacturing: Integrating Technology for Sustainable Production” looked into integrating advanced technologies in Cebu's manufacturing sector to promote sustainable production. Among the industry experts who talked about the innovations and practical applications that enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact are Stephen Araneta, Chief Sustainability Officer, Steel Asia, Inc., Jay Fernandez (Confirmed), President & CEO, Twin-Bee Print Ads Corporation and Henry Gaw, President and CEO, Integrated Packaging Logistics Manufacturing Inc.

The session highlighted how smart manufacturing can drive sustainability and economic growth in Cebu.

“Green Growth: Developing Cebu with Sustainable Infrastructure,” addressed the industry's efforts to envision a greener future for Cebu's infrastructure and construction projects. The last panel offered comprehension into shaping the landscape of sustainable development and setting new standards for eco-conscious infrastructure in Cebu.

Gwen Sala, General Manager of City di Mare Filinvest Land (Cebu), was the session speaker, while Ar. Kristina Samantha S. Pobre, Head of Sustainability at Arthaland Corporation, Ar. Eddie Trusgnach, Principal Director at ET Architects Pty Ltd., and Ar. Yumi Espina, head of the Cebu City Planning and Development Office, spoke as panelists.

Other notable talks held during the VisMin exhibitions are "Optimization of Compressed Air System" by Kobelco Compressors and Machinery Philippines Corporation, "Uratex: Your Business Solutions Partner in Quality Sleep and Comfort Solutions" by Multimax Industries Corp., and "Coding Machine for Different Industries" by Elixir Industrial Equipment Inc. - all of which took place at the Coral Room.

The conferences during the VisMin exhibits catered to the needs of the growing market in the Visayas and Mindanao. It also allowed participants to engage with like-minded professionals, discover sustainable energy, manufacturing, and construction strategies, and explore new products and technologies. Interested visitors are free to visit the event at the Waterfront Hotel until July 20.