Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL MEETS WITH OHIO STATE TREASURER, PROMOTES TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Consul General Diano posing with Treasurer Sprague of Ohio (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 23 March 2026- Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano paid a courtesy visit to Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague on 20 March at Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, Ohio. She was accompanied Consul Melvin Almonguera and Filipino-American Joy Kouns-Lewis, President and Executive Director of Asian American Commerce Group (AACG) of Central Ohio.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed ways to expand economic and trade ties between Ohio and the PHL, emphasizing the country’s growing economy and the potential for the state’s agricultural products to meet the country’s rising demand.

The Consul General also highlighted the multi-sectoral Business Mission to the PHL scheduled for July, in line with the 80th Anniversary of PHL-U.S. relations this year. She encouraged Ohio, home to prominent companies in logistics, energy, and manufacturing, to explore investment opportunities in the country. The State Treasurer committed to informing Ohio companies about the upcoming Business Mission.

The State Treasurer is an elected official who serves as Ohio’s chief investment officer, managing the state’s investment and debt portfolios while also overseeing daily cash flows. END

Consul General Diano discussing the PHL’s growing economy (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano posing with State Treasurer Sprague, joined by Consul Almonguera (leftmost)

and Dr. Kouns-Lewis (2nd from the right) (Chicago PCG photo)