MBC reelects five trustees,
ushers in new leadership as it marks 45th year
17 July 2026 – The Makati Business Club (MBC) members reelected five trustees during the organization’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 9.
Edgar Chua (CEO, Amber Kinetics), Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. (Chairman, FWD Life Insurance Corporation), Cosette Canilao (President and CEO, Aboitiz InfraCapital), Manolito Tayag (Chair, Philippine Business for Social Progress), and Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip (Founder, CARD MRI) were reelected as Trustees of the MBC Board, continuing their service and leadership in advancing the organization’s advocacies across the different industries in the business community.
Their reelection reflects MBC members’ confidence in the Board’s continued leadership as the organization pursues its work on key business and policy issues. With MBC marking its 45th anniversary this year, the organization looks to build on more than four decades of constructive engagement while responding to the evolving priorities of the Philippine economy and business sector.
“MBC will continue to be a forum for constructive ideas in pursuit of its ultimate mission of national development and equitable progress,” said MBC Chairman Edgar O. Chua.
MBC marks 45 years of constructive engagement
During the AGM, the chairman provided initial plans to the members that they can look forward to – with MBC kickstarting its anniversary year in October 2026. The year-long celebration will highlight the organization’s history as a forum for constructive ideas, a new advocacy on Poverty Eradication, and plans for a new space for the organization.
Julia Abad joins first MBC engagement as Executive Director
The AGM also marked the first official MBC engagement of Executive Director Julia Abad, the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s 45-year history.
Abad joined MBC on July 1, bringing more than two decades of experience in public policy, governance, development, and strategic leadership. Her appointment comes at a significant time for the organization as it deepens its work in areas such as economic reform, good governance, agriculture, and sustainability.
A special evening for MBC members
Following the formal part, over 120 MBC members gathered for a cocktail reception that provided a space to reconnect, exchange ideas, and build new relationships within the business community.
Adding to the evening was a special raffle presented in partnership with Gallery Genesis. Hana Tobi Faustino from Petronas Chemicals took home a painting valued at PHP 200,000, making the occasion even more memorable.
This year’s Annual General Meeting marks another successful membership meeting that highlights the value of MBC membership and the important purpose the organization plays in the business sector and in society.
MBC is looking forward to next year’s Annual General Meeting with its members.
BUSINESS MATTERS: Doris Magsaysay Ho: Nation-builder
BUSINESS MATTERSDoris Magsaysay Ho: Nation-builder 20 August 2026 – For nearly two decades, the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building has recognized Filipino
Globe Business and MBC: Outline the Blueprint for Philippine Enterprises
Globe Business and MBC: Outline the Blueprint for Philippine Enterprises 20 August 2026 —The Makati Business Club (MBC), in partnership with Globe Business, successfully hosted
Joint Statement on Calling to Uphold the GDP Education Budget
Joint Statement on Calling to Uphold the GDP Education Budget Sustaining the Gains in Education: A Call to Uphold the 4% GDP Education Budget and