GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy celebrates milestones in Rome
ROME, Italy — “From humble beginnings, the leadership and dedication of our officers and executive committees have built programs, strengthened partnerships, and created platforms for our entrepreneurs. We created not just a legacy, but a real and lasting impact in our community.”
This was the message shared by Leopoldo Reyes, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy (PCCI), during his speech at the chamber’s Thanksgiving Night and State of the Chamber Address held in Rome on March 9.
The event celebrated the organization’s milestones and its growing role in supporting Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals across Italy.
A bridge for Filipino businesses
PCCI serves as an important bridge for Filipino businesses, offering a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business support. It plays a key role in uniting Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals, fostering collaboration, and promoting growth within the community.
Through its initiatives, the chamber continues to strengthen business ties while empowering its members to succeed in the Italian market.
A major milestone came on May 10, 2024, when PCCI was officially recognized and registered by the Italian government. Today, the organization has grown to around 60 members.
Strengthening partnerships
During his address, Reyes acknowledged the strong collaboration between PCCI and the Philippine Embassy in Rome, highlighting its role in supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of Filipinos in Italy.
He also expressed gratitude to Confederazione Nazionale dell’Artigianato e della Piccola e Media Impresa (CNA) for its partnership with the chamber, emphasizing the importance of collaborative initiatives that benefit both Filipino entrepreneurs and the broader Italian business community.
Milestones and community initiatives
Over the past year, PCCI has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering Filipino entrepreneurs.
In May 2025, the chamber successfully held its first business seminar in collaboration with CNA, bringing together institutional leaders, industry experts, and community representatives for a day of learning, insights, and networking.
Another milestone followed in June when PCCI facilitated the first importation of Philippine mangoes to Italy, opening new opportunities for trade between the Philippines and Italy.
The chamber also celebrated Filipino culture and entrepreneurship through “Paskong Pinoy,” its first-ever Christmas bazaar in Rome, which showcased Filipino businesses, traditions, and holiday spirit.
Recognizing Filipino contributions
The event was also attended by Indra Perera, CNA’s honorary president, who expressed enthusiasm about the growing partnership and recognized the contributions of Filipino entrepreneurs to Italy’s economy.
Pereira also congratulated Barry Flores, PCCI secretary, who was recently nominated to the Board of Trustees of CNA World, representing ASEAN countries in one of Italy’s most important entrepreneurial associations.
In an interview, Flores said he initially hesitated to accept the nomination because of the responsibilities that come with the role.
Through Flores’ new role and the partnership between PCCI and CNA, efforts are underway to make the Italian business ecosystem more accessible to the Filipino community.
Among the initiatives being planned are training programs and seminars covering topics such as e-commerce, business licensing and compliance, and financial literacy for entrepreneurs. One proposed seminar will help entrepreneurs understand business financial accounts so they can make informed decisions about expansion and investments.
Financial literacy for the community
Financial literacy was also highlighted as an important issue not only for entrepreneurs but also for overseas Filipino workers.
According to Deputy Chief of Mission Donna Gatmaytan, improving financial knowledge among Filipinos can help address the alarmingly low life expectancy of Filipinos in Italy, estimated at around 58 years, and encourage younger generations to plan for a more secure future.
Francesca Carrascoso, one of the youngest members of PCCI and owner of a bigiotteria business, said the third generation of Filipinos in Italy is ready to face new challenges as entrepreneurs.
Encouragement from the Philippine Embassy
In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial encouraged the chamber to expand its reach beyond Rome.
“We hope that you will continue to expand your membership not only in Rome but also in Florence and Naples, and hopefully in the future you will be able to form a national chamber together with the chamber in Milan,” the ambassador said.
He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the embassy, the Philippine Trade Office in Paris, and the Philippine Agriculture Office in Rome, while urging the chamber to inspire more young entrepreneurs to join.
“We urge you to continue to invite and inspire young entrepreneurs to join the PCCI and help change the profile of Filipinos in Italy and create a more successful future for Filipino small businesses,” he added.
A night of gratitude and new beginnings
Before the evening concluded, 15 new members took their oath, marking another step in the chamber’s continued growth.
The Thanksgiving Night was attended not only by PCCI officers, members, and guests but also by officials of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, led by Ambassador Imperial, along with Deputy Chief of Mission Donna Gatmaytan, Minister and Consul General Randy Arquisola, and Agriculture Attaché Joy Javelosa.
The event served as both a celebration of the chamber’s achievements and a reaffirmation of its mission to strengthen Filipino entrepreneurship in Italy and create greater opportunities for the community in the years ahead. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
