18 Dec SPIK Unites for Sustainable Growth at 175th GMM and Christmas Celebration
The 175th General Membership Meeting and Christmas Party of the Samahan sa Pilipinas na mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), held at the prestigious Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City on December 18, 2024, was a resounding success, embodying the theme “Embracing Sustainable Progress through Enhanced Safety Operations.”
The event commenced with opening remarks by Vice President for Internal Affairs – Director Arnold Benitez, setting the stage for an insightful day of collaboration and celebration.
The highlight of the program was President Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle’s inspiring report, where she acknowledged the unwavering support of members, the board of directors, and the staff, whose collective efforts have propelled the association forward. Her words echoed Margaret Mead’s famous quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. This was followed by the unveiling of the Chemical Warehouse Management Guidance Manual, a vital tool developed with the support of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and aimed at bolstering safety protocols within the industry. This manual was presented via a video detailing its salient features and objectives.
Another significant moment was the recognition of the new Responsible Care (RC) verifiers, who have undergone intensive training to ensure the highest standards of environmental, health, and safety practices are met. Their dedication to the RC program is a testament to SPIK’s commitment to sustainable growth.
A strategic alliance was also sealed as SPIK entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with SALTEGRA Consulting LLC, aiming to strengthen process safety initiatives. Engr. Reyson G. Dela Cruz, Operations Manager of Saltegra, and Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, SPIK President, signed the MOU, with Engr. Reinier Bagabay and Marian Mendoza as witnesses.
The event also included the much-anticipated election of the SPIK Board of Directors for 2025. Nominees’ qualifications were thoroughly reviewed by a committee of past SPIK Presidents, and the voting process concluded on December 17, 2024.
After a rigorous vetting process and a week of voting, the new board members were announced: Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, Engr. Arnold Benitez, Engr. Reinier Jay Bagabay, Ms. Doris Torres, Mr. Romeo Dela Cruz, and Mr. Joel Malaluan, who secured the 6th position in a tie-breaker.
Ms. Malou Formalejo, SPIK Director, delivered the closing message, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation for the association’s success. She quoted: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller, encapsulating the spirit of unity and collaboration that fuels SPIK’s mission to advance the chemical industry in the Philippines.
The festive mood continued with the Christmas party segment, where members indulged in merriment, games, and raffle draws sponsored by SPIK and its affiliates. The event served as a reminder of the strong bond shared by the industry professionals, all working towards a common goal of fostering a safer and more sustainable chemical sector.
The event concluded with the hope of greater achievements and collaborations in the coming year, as SPIK moves forward with its new leadership and renewed commitment to responsible chemical stewardship.
