FMC Chairman Elmer Francisco (center) and CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo present copies of the signed agreement on March 31. From left: CITEM Department Manager III Rowena G. Mendoza, FMC President and CEO Dominic Francisco, and CITEM Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist Katrina C. Pineda.

Seeking greater exposure overseas for its sustainable vehicles, renowned Filipino jeepney manufacturer Francisco Motors Corporation (FMC) has partnered with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In an agreement signed on March 31, FMC–known for its electric jeepneys and electric multi-purpose vehicles (MPV’s)–was named CITEM’s Official Mobility Partner for this year’s International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines and Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX). At these events, the company will showcase a prototype of its latest electric jeepney.

FMC will also provide a fleet of electric jeepneys and electric MPV’s for the exclusive transport of conference and exhibition delegates, visitors, and organizers. In addition, the company will transport select overseas buyers and guests on a day trip to Metro Manila tourist attractions arranged by the Tourism Promotions Board.

During the meeting, Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo,  Department Manager III Rowena G. Mendoza, and Chief Trade-Industry Development Specialist Katrina C. Pineda represented CITEM. FMC Chairman Elmer Francisco and his son, President and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Francisco, stood for FMC.

CITEM partnered with FMC in recognition of its demonstrable commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental sustainability—principles that align with the objectives of SSX.

“I want people to experience our very own electric vehicles and see for themselves that we are at par with other foreign brands”, Elmer Francisco said.

Dominic Francisco noted that the company aims “to show the world what Filipino scientists, engineers, artisans, sustainability experts, and builders can do,” tackling climate change with “innovative, durable, adaptive, climate-mitigating, and climate-resilient electric and green hydrogen-powered vehicles.”

The younger Francisco also expressed confidence in the events’ impact, saying IFEX Philippines and SSX 2025 will “provide a well-structured platform” connecting “businesses committed to the sustainable development goals and real global industry leaders with green innovative solutions.”

A signature brand of  CITEM, SSX is a trade platform that promotes sustainable products and solutions. It aims to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) journeying toward a circular economy in support of the country's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  This year's conference will cover subjects under the theme "Green Innovations: Navigating Sustainable Solutions to Future-Proof the Food Industry."

IFEX Philippines 2025 will be held on May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines. The SSX Conference will have sessions from May 22 to 23 at the neighboring Philippine Trade Training Center, also in Pasay.

For more updates on IFEX PH and SSX 2025, visit ifexconnect.com and sustainability.ph