Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy and CNA Host First Business Seminar for the Filipino Community

Rome, Italy – In a significant move to empower and uplift the Filipino community in Italy, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy (PCCI), in collaboration with CNA (Confederazione Nazionale dell'Artigianato e della Piccola e Media Impresa), successfully held its first business seminar dedicated to Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals. The event brought together key institutional figures, industry experts, and community leaders for a day of insights, inspiration, and networking.

Held in Rome, the seminar featured Mr. Francesco Amendola CIO of LUISS University, who delivered an enlightening keynote on cybersecurity in the digital age—a critical subject for professionals and business owners navigating an increasingly connected world.

Adding a powerful personal touch to the event, Mr. Ashen Munasenghe, a Sri Lankan-Italian engineer working with Poste Italiane, shared his journey as a child of immigrants and how he overcame barriers to lead research in the field of technology. His testimony served as a beacon of hope for many aspiring foreign professionals in Italy.

DCM Donna Celeste Felician Gatmaytan of the Philippine Embassy in Rome delivered institutional remarks that underscored the importance of unity and collaboration. She emphasized that through strong partnerships—like that between *CNA and PCCI*—the community can build a meaningful legacy for current and future generations of Filipinos in Italy.

Sir Indra Perera, Honorary President of CNA, also highlighted the vital role both the Philippine Embassy and CNA play in advocating for the *recognition of foreign-acquired diplomas*, enabling professionals to practice their trades in Italy and unlock greater opportunities.

In her speech, Ms. Evely Perera, President of CNA World, encouraged everyone to keep pursuing their dreams, assuring the community that CNA is ready to provide technical support and assistance to Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

The event concluded on a high note with a raffle draw, where Ms. Precious Manriquez won a round-trip ticket from Italy to Rome, generously sponsored by China Airlines. Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Sarap and Pezzo Pizza, offering a relaxed setting for further networking and connection-building

This seminar marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and supportive environment for Filipinos in Italy, with CNA and PCCI leading the way in fostering professional development, integration, and community empowerment.