Wilcon Depot Inc. and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), on August, 7, 2026, strengthening their shared commitment to advancing resilient growth, social equity, and inclusive opportunities across the Philippines and the broader ASEAN region.
The partnership comes as the Philippines takes on the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 under the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together,’ with the collaboration supporting initiatives focused on upskilling people and advancing women-led initiatives toward a more stable, forward-looking, and integrated ASEAN community.
Embodying its commitment to fostering inclusive growth through collaboration and shared purpose, Wilcon Depot formalized its partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Present during the MOU signing were (L-R) ASEAN-BAC Philippines Executive Director, Mr. Patrick Chua; Chair of ASEAN-BAC 2026 and Founder of Go Negosyo, Mr. Jose Ma. Concepcion III; Chairman Emeritus of Wilcon Depot, Dr. William T. Belo; Director and Executive Vice President – Chief Product Officer, Ms. Careen Y. Belo.
During the ceremony, Wilcon Depot Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. William T. Belo expressed his appreciation for the partnership and his long-standing relationship with Go Negosyo and its founder, Jose Ma. ‘Joey’ Concepcion III.
‘Thank you, particularly to Joey [Concepcion]. We’ve been together for 10 – 15 years since Go Negosyo times. It’s a pleasure for us to be part of the ASEAN BAC,’ he shared, congratulating Mr. Concepcion on his leadership as chair of the ASEAN-BAC.
Meanwhile, Mr. Concepcion acknowledged Mr. Belo’s continued support for Go Negosyo and its efforts to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He highlighted the organization’s work in developing people and creating opportunities, citing Trabaho at Negosyo as one of its significant initiatives in support of skills development and employment.
With the signing of the MOU, Wilcon Depot and ASEAN-BAC reaffirm their commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that extend beyond business, supporting people and communities through skills development and inclusive initiatives.
The partnership also looks toward creating a lasting impact on sustainability and economic development as the Philippines carries the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, contributing to policies and initiatives that can help shape a stronger and more inclusive future for the region.