The Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) enjoyed a wonderful year, culminating in elaborate end-of-year celebrations at Savoy Hotel Manila. Members and leaders from the chemical industry joined the occasion in 2025 and marked the year with friends and industry leaders.

A warm welcome by Director Aldrich Bentilanon opened the festivities, which ended with a public act of thanks to all those present. The gathering was vital because it not only represented a party to honor accomplishments but also to renew the drive to develop the chemical industry in the Philippines, she emphasized. The message from Director Bentilanon at the reception was optimistic in tone and encouraged the attendees to foster coexistence and innovation. 

Then came SPIK President Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle shared the President’s report with the members, which highlighted the association’s many successes this year. She enthusiastically discussed SPIK’s heightened advocacy of sustainable chemicals and practices, new partners, and the drive for new industry standards—additionally, Engr. Enarle presented the strategic objectives regarding professional development and regulatory requirements, and it struck a chord with the audience’s deep desire to support the association’s vision. 

One of the highlights of the event was an astute presentation by the Honorable Engr. Maricris Vines, ASEAN Eng, Chairperson of PRB Chemical Engineering. She spoke of the new PNS 2186:2024 technical standard, introduced most recently, and how it is intended to raise all chemical engineering practices nationwide. “This benchmark is vital for increasing professional competence, quality, and public safety,” Engr. Vines said. Her detailed analysis of the industry spurred other SPIK members to adopt the new standard and advocate excellence across the chemical industry. 

Five new and official directors were elected and welcomed the event: Mr. Jahzon Lih, TNC Chemicals Phils., Inc., Engr. Aldrich Bentilanon, DKSH, Ms. Mary Grace San Jose, Henkel, Ms. Danrina Begonia, Avestronics Industrial Sales and Services, Inc., and Ms. Amy Chua, Coastal Bay Chemicals Inc. Each fresh perspective brought a significant breadth and depth of expertise to the organization’s leadership. At our new board, SPIK’s focus on flexible governance and diversity of representation was a clear commitment.

The joyous games combined with a fun raffle drew people together in a fun way. Members were all very enthusiastic participants, bringing in a spirit of cooperation amongst themselves and entertaining each other; raffle winners were delighted to receive a variety of prizes. Director Jose Raquel Santos and Ms. Tonette Fallarme won the Best Ugly Sweater Costume award. Above all else, SPIK member interactions bonded to create a festive, and memorable atmosphere. 

In a moment of high hopes, SPIK also added two new members, Seanogy Environmental Solutions and Centaur Chemical Enterprise, signifying our never-ending commitment and industry relevance. They were keen to work together and contribute to SPIK’s vision of being the world’s best chemical professional. The induction ceremony was led by Director Romeo Dela Cruz, Membership Committee Chairman, who formally welcomed the new members into the SPIK family.

In closing the very successful event, Director Malou Formalejo delivered some very kind words about everyone’s participation and contributions. She urged members to carry the excitement and learnings that the new year will bring, citing unity and continued collaboration as the secret to future success. Director Formalejo ended the celebration with motivational remarks, leaving guests on a hopeful note, looking forward to SPIK’s forward-leaning trajectory.

With the chemical industry now set for reorientation in 2026, SPIK’s new leadership, growing membership, and drive to uphold new standards provide ample room for the group to ascend to new heights in achievement and impact, all highlighted during the event graciously hosted by Engr. Jai Rocamora of Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation.