UA&P BIGGKAS+ and the Office of Alumni Affairs (OAA) hosted an exclusive pilot run of Fireside Chat on succession planning for family businesses on July 16, 2024, at UA&P. 

The event, attended by UA&P alumni entrepreneurs and guests, addressed the unique challenges of leadership transitions in family-run businesses. Hon. Eudaldo “Benjie” Atilano, Jr., Honorary Consul to the Marshall Islands, and financial luminary Aristides "Jong" Merida led the discussions on preserving family values in businesses, identifying future leaders in the family, and balancing business objectives with family dynamics. 

Organized by BIGGKAS+ and OAA,  with the participation of the School of Management through its Operations Committee Secretary, Ms. Jodie Claire Ngo, the pilot fireside chat marks the start of a series supporting family businesses through continuous learning and mentorship. With the next session scheduled in September, the organizing units plan to expand this initiative to more alumni and the family-run businesses in Barangay Pineda, UA&P's adopted community, giving them more opportunities to connect, learn, and lead in their families and industries.

Hon. Eudaldo “Benjie” Atilano, Jr.

(Front row, L-R) BIGGKAS+ Community Relations Officer Ruben B. Nicolas Jr., Hon. Eudaldo “Benjie” Atilano, Jr., BIGGKAS+ Officer-in-Charge Mr. Juan M. Borra III, and OAA Managing Director Ms. Carlee P. Estanislao, together with the UA&P alumni and guests who participated in the fireside chat.