MAKATI CITY — In a landmark development that highlights Makati’s standing as the country’s leading business center, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has elected its first female and first Filipina president. Dr. Diana Edralin, General Manager of Roche Philippines, officially assumed the position during the chamber’s Annual General Membership Meeting on May 26, 2026. The ECCP has long maintained its headquarters in Makati, operating from the 19th Floor of the Philippine AXA Life Centre on Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, at the core of the city’s central business district.
Breaking New Ground in International Business Leadership
Dr. Edralin’s election represents a significant step forward not only for the ECCP but also for Makati’s international business community. Prior to becoming president, she served as one of the chamber’s vice presidents and was the only woman among its 11 directors. Her appointment marks the first time in the organization’s nearly 50-year history that a woman and a Filipina have held the top leadership position, reflecting Makati’s growing reputation for inclusive and progressive leadership in the business sector.
Alongside her new role at the ECCP, Dr. Edralin also serves as president of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines. Her leadership across both organizations places her in a strong position to champion initiatives that enhance healthcare accessibility and support industry development, goals that align with Makati’s emphasis on public health and its network of world-class medical institutions.
New Leadership Team Sets Direction for 2026–2027
Joining Dr. Edralin in the ECCP’s leadership team are Lars Wittig, Ruben Camba, and Roman Menz as vice presidents, while Albert Perez will serve as treasurer. The chamber also welcomed two new members to its board: Ruben Camba, managing director for Southeast Asia at infrastructure company ACCIONA, and Liher Urbizu, president and managing director of SAP Southeast Asia. Together, the newly formed board will guide the ECCP’s priorities for 2026 to 2027, focusing on strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Europe and the Philippines while operating from its Makati headquarters.
Advancing Trade Relations from the Center of Makati
Dr. Edralin takes on the presidency at a pivotal time for European-Philippine economic relations. The sixth round of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and the Philippines took place from May 18 to 22, 2026. Throughout the process, the ECCP has remained a key partner of both the Department of Trade and Industry and the European Commission, advocating for a timely, balanced, and comprehensive EU-PH FTA. From its base in Makati, the chamber continues to play a central role in these important discussions, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a premier destination for international business, investment, and policy engagement.
