MANILA, Philippines — For many years now, FOBAP has been a household word to businessmen – especially to those in the export business. FOBAP stands for Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines. Many foreign buyers all around the world have been doing export business with our country through the efforts of our buying agents for more than three (3) decades now.

More than thirty-five (35) years ago, FOBAP was not known. It was not even a dream. Until a Filipino way back in 1977 became obsessed with the thought that our country should develop soonest a corp of Filipino buying agents who will help fast-track the promotion and development of our export trade. The Filipino who organized FOBAP thirty-five (35) years ago is no other than Vic Agustin, a Bulakeño who used to work as country manager of Dodwell, a UK-based company that had branches all around Asia then in 1977.

Way back in 1977, the phrase buying agent was not popular. In fact, at that time there were only about five (5) prominent buying agents aside from Vic. These five (5) buying agents were Europeans. Vic was able to convince them to organize and incorporate into what is now known as FOBAP. From a starting membership of five (5), FOBAP today after thirty-five (35) years of existence has now seventy (70) members. Garments used to be the major product that FOBAP members deal, other product lines like furniture, handicrafts, Christmas decors, fashion accessories. However, other merchandise items have also been promoted and marketed by FOBAP members abroad.

The export trade in the Philippines would not be where it is now if not for FOBAP. And FOBAP would not be where it is now if not for a persistent 23-year-old Bulakeño in 1977 by the name of Vic Agustin who pursued his dream and his vision for our country to have a corp of professional buying agents. Someone once said that in this world we all have a reason for existence. Vic Agustin’s mission in this world, I believe, is to organize FOBAP, which undisputedly is the most credible, the most professional, and the biggest group of buying agents in the country. FOBAP indeed is a very effective forum for our countrymen to demonstrate that they are at par with other foreigners when it comes to guts, aggressiveness, and persistence in selling Philippine products abroad.

I am elated to know that recently FOBAP has been involved in charitable outreach projects – like medical and dental mission; also feeding programs for children.

Last Sunday, August 19, 2012, FOBAP in cooperation with the Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel Club of River City Marikina and other civic organizations conducted a medical and dental mission. There was also a feeding program.

In the past years, FOBAP used to have fabulous anniversary celebrations. Not anymore. It is heartening to note that the charitable outreach projects of FOBAP are generating positive and compassionate responses from the members. Indeed, FOBAP’s transformation in priorities, in missions and goals is dramatic and unexpected. Never did I expect that FOBAP would include in their priorities the launching of charitable outreach projects.

The incumbent Officers and directors of FOBAP are: Robert M. Young, President; Lucy Biscocho-Logan, Vice President; Malou J. Superio, Vice President; Lesty G. Mijares, Vice President; Antonia Roxas, Treasurer; Manny T. Melgar, Director; Berd T. Alba, Director; Jet Neric; Vincent Da Costa; Jerry R. Jara; and Jose V. Macabebe. Before Robert M. Young assumed the Presidency last August 2012, it was Ely Miranda who was the President.

Among the members of FOBAP are: Li & Fung (Phils), Inc., Gap, Mercury Group of Companies, Graymark International Sourcing, Celestino’s Global Trading, Newtimes Development Ltd., Phildansk International, Llessurtz Merchandising, Corp., Southgate Ltd., APL CO PTE LTD., Airfreight 2100, Inc., SDV (SCAC) Phils., Inc., DHL Global Forwarding, Contex International Mnl, JC Penny, Joint Global Resources, Vigra International, Avery Dennison, Agility Int’l Logistics, Inc., Airspeed Int’l Corp., Asia Cargo Container Line, Inc., Coats Manila Bay, Inc., CTSI Logistics, Phils. Inc., Eagle Express Lines, Inc., Evergreen Shipping Agency Phils. Corp., GRM Int’l, Inc., Maersk Filipinas, Inc., RAF Int’l Forwarding (Phils), Inc., Transglobe Logistics, Wallem Phils. Shipping, Inc., Shenker Phils. Inc., UPS-Delbros Int’l Express Ltd. Inc., Rainbow Cote, Inc., YKK Phils Inc., and others.

FOBAP recently opened a liaison office in China located at 5th Floor, Loosiwan Int’l Trade City, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.

FOBAP has successfully survived thirty-five (35) years. Simply because the leadership of FOBAP and its members are steadfast, persistent, and passionate in their vision commitment, concern and obsession to develop and promote our export trade.

Keep up the good work, FOBAP! For our country’s sake.

Have a joyful day!