The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) special Commercial Trade Representative, Alma Argayoso has completed her tour of duty in Australia. The driven, conscientious and marketing-savvy DTI representative leaves us with an invaluable gift – a book titled “Tatak Pinoy in Oz: Filipino Companies in Australia.”
The book, “Tatak Pinoy in Oz” highlights some of the Filipino companies and individuals who’ve taken the leap of faith and have dared to venture into unfamiliar territory with great success. Despite Australia’s stringent importation and business regulations especially on biosecurity, these enterprising individuals armed with their dreams have made it happen or are making it happen.
Tatak Pinoy includes carefully selected success stories in Franchising and Retailing, Importing Distribution and eCommerce, Corporates, Services and Logistics. Every page speaks of determination, dedication and perseverance. It is imbued with Filipino pride, proving that Filipinos are ready to compete in the global market. It captures the brilliance, ingenuity and creative workmanship of the Filipinos competing on foreign grounds.
Tatak Pinoy stands for Filipino brand – that indelible mark that is identifiable and undeniably proudly Filipino.
In the book, Argayoso also touches on the promotion of the taste of the Philippines with our various food products, our exquisite design-driven, furniture and home wares plus stories on the Filipino community here in Oz. She also acknowledges with gratitude strategic partners like the Australian Philippine Business Council (APBC), the Philippine Australian Business Council (PABC) and the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ANZCHAM).
Her time in Oz has seen the much-awaited Filipino mangoes land in Australia and likewise, she has had the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to contend with.
In the book’s Foreword, Undersecretary (former Ambassador to Australia) Ms Hellen B. De La Vega encourages others to “pursue their goals and to grow their ventures, and further integrate Filipino products and services into the Australian market.” “to contribute to share success to amplify our global presence and recognition of Filipino excellence that is Tatak Pinoy,” she adds.
Argayoso hopes the book inspires “the budding entrepreneurs who are hoping to make it happen down under.” “Join us in our mission of showcasing “Tatak Pinoy” entrepreneurs and brands in Oz,” she adds.
Argayoso has been undoubtedly a great trade ambassador for the Philippines. and hopes that Filipinos “will support and patronize Filipino businesses.” She further hopes that Filipinos will “keep the Filipino culture and tradition alive for the next generation.”
Alma Argayoso’s assignment coverage included Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Oceania region. She was responsible for advancing the trade and investment interests of the Philippines through trade promotion, investment promotion and trade policy negotiations. Her previous DTI assignments were in The Netherlands and Indonesia.
She has a degree in Mass Communications from St. Paul University, Philippines and a Master of Law in Trade, Investment and Competition Policy as special program developed by Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) in Indonesia and World Trade Institute (WTI) from the University of Bern, Switzerland.
The Filipino community in Australia wishes her the best on her next assignment. Just like her book, Tatak Pinoy in Oz,” she’s been an inspiration.
