The Association of Political Consultants in Asia (APCA) held its first General Membership Meeting (GMM) today, 15 July 2014 at Annabel’s Restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Around 25 political consultants in the Philippines attended the event, headed by the APCA interim President, Prospero E. De Vera III, Vice President for Public Affairs of the University of the Philippines. The other interim officers of APCA were also present: Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents (PRIMEX) Chairman Jose P. Leviste, Jr. (External Vice President), Political Science Professor Sergio M. Andal, Jr. (Internal Vice President), PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. Founder/General Manager Malou N. Tiquia (Secretary) and Campaign and Election Management expert Manuel S. Tabunda (Treasurer).
APCA is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registered association that aims to professionalize the practice of political consulting in the Philippines and in Asia. It is a group of individuals that actively promotes politics, political communication, public affairs, government relations, and other similar professions involved in the practice of political consulting; create a network of political consultants in Asia; conduct campaign seminars tapping local and international experts; introduce and use technologies in campaigns; and recognize the best practices of political consulting in Asia.
Among the things discussed during its first GMM is the APCA Code of Professional Ethics. APCA is set to formally launch in the Philippines in December 2014 and in the ASEAN region in December 2015.
