Julia Christine Botin

Boardroom Tea: DICT under new chief; Hans Sy in Disneyland

Article (news)

Salve Ibaňez

ABS-CBN News

There are many things that happen between headlines and news reports. This is why a reporter finds it hard to move to another career. We get addicted to the side stories and boardroom whispers; the cocktail tsismis and side glances; the hidden numbers that move markets faster than the official ones.So, after almost 30 years of covering the business community as a journalist, I have finally succumbed to that irresistible urge that infects old-timers like myself — to write a column on the things that inevitably draw in anyone with even a modicum of curiosity.<div>I SPY</div>Last week, I spotted newly appointed Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda at the FintechAlliance.ph General Membership Meeting. He boldly announced his program to create eight million digital jobs by 2028 by providing universal internet access through 55,000 new and free public Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide. An ambitious target, especially considering the global headwinds affecting foreign investments in the Philippines. But he’s secured industry support — and that might just be his ace.I spied Former Deputy Commissioner of the National Privacy Commission Leandro Angelo “Dino” Aguirre in Aguda’s entourage. Is Dino joining Sec Henry’s team? He was tight-lipped, but with his impressive track record reforming the NPC, he’d be a formidable addition. For the curious: Aguirre is a lawyer with sterling credentials in corporate and capital markets law, having served as an advisor to senators and held positions at PLDT. His educational pedigree includes the University of the Philippines College of Law and Harvard Law School.*****The talent pool has suddenly deepened in Manila. Numerous highly skilled professionals have unexpectedly entered the job market following the abrupt closure of USAID offices in the Philippines. These researchers, economists, and development specialists possess decades of collective experience in mission-critical work across the country. Several confided to me that after President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle USAID, operations shut down with breathtaking speed — within 48 hours. Even digital assets vanished overnight, with Google Drives containing years of invaluable data simply disappearing. That represents an incalculable loss of institutional knowledge on development initiatives — regardless of one’s perspective on USAID’s sometimes controversial underlying agenda.<div>BOARDROOM WHISPERS</div>During a recent laughter-filled conversation, a retail industry titan delivered this gem: “Salve, here’s a piece of advice worth its weight in gold: When moderating high-profile panel discussions, recognize when to gracefully exit during photo opportunities.&quot;Apparently, a certain media personality got between a prominent father and his son during the young man’s first major industry appearance, eﬀectively ruining what industry insiders considered the “money shot” of the decade.  *****<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1746014165551hans sy in disneyland.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"/></div>To close on a delightful note: here’s a charming photo of Hans Sy — the fourth child of the legendary Henry Sy, Sr. — during a getaway with his school friends at the happiest place on earth. There he is at Disneyland, sporting Mickey Mouse ears with childlike joy! I couldn’t resist asking: “Did you really have the entire park closed for your private visit?&quot;With that characteristic Sy smile, he replied simply, “No, I just know someone there.” :)BOARDROOM TEA comes out every Wednesday.

During a light talk, a retail titan noted how a media personality ruined the "money shot of the decade" by not stepping aside during a photo op.

During a light talk, a retail titan noted how a media personality ruined the "money shot of the decade" by not stepping aside during a photo op.