𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 & 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲!

Davao City- The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) Davao hosted the event “Breaking Barriers: Diplomatic and Dabawenya Leaders Shaping the Future” in celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy on 24 June 2026 at the Holy Cross of Davao College.

The event featured H.E. Saija Nurminen, Ambassador of Finnish Embassy in Manila as keynote speaker; H.E Vladislava Iordanova, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Manila; and Dr. Diana Edralin, the first-ever female and Filipina ECCP President, who delivered their virtual message of support and welcome remarks respectively.

The event was also joined by diplomatic leaders including Ms. Mary Ann Montemayor, the Honorary Consul of Hungary in Mindanao, whose contributions have helped strengthen international ties in Mindanao. Together with H.E. Saija Nurminen, both served as the panelists in the high level panel discussion segment, where they shared their experiences as women in the diplomatic field and reflected on the broader responsibilities they carry as leaders in society.

Distinguished Dabawenya leaders also took part in the program, namely, Ms. May Tio, SVP – Admin and Finance of ConEquip Philippines Incorporated; Dr. Lyre Anni Murao, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Mindanao; Ms. Vanessa Suatengco, General Manager of dusitD2 Davao; Ms. Vivien Martin, Director of Power Up Girls Program of Save the Children Philippines who shared valuable insights about their personal journeys in leadership and the challenges they have to overcome working in male-dominated fields in the Fireside Conversation segment, moderated by Ms. Sheryl Udraneta, the Head of Center for Linkages, Internationalization and Language Studies of Holy Cross of Davao College.

Notable guests also include Mr. Antonio Peralta, the ECCP-SMBC Chairperson, who delivered the closing remarks of the event, and representatives from the Consulate General of Japan in Davao 在ダバオ日本国総領事館, Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City, People’s Republic of China in Davao, and the Honorary Consulate of Belgium in Davao.

The ECCP Davao expresses its gratitude to Holy Cross of Davao College for serving as the venue partner, Ms. Merle Comidoy-Acol for hosting the program, and the University of the Philippines Mindanao and ConEquip Philippines Incorporated for their support as event supporters in helping make the event a success.

📸 Holy Cross of Davao College

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