In its first meeting held on January 31, 2013 at Intercontinental Hotel Manila, the MART Board of Directors for calendar year 2013, led by its President Michael D. Calleja, set its tone for the year with the working theme “MART: Breaking Higher Ground @ 42.” The theme was conceived to reflect the Philippines’ bid for investment grade and how the association can optimize this new environment in promoting its role as a catalyst in the development of the local interest rate markets to be at par with the global standards. In line with this thrust, the Executive Committee agreed to revive the Interest Rate Derivatives Committee, (which was folded into the Fixed Income Committee last year) so that it can take a significant role in pushing for a more active interest rate derivatives market. In the same meeting, the MART’s various committees presented their plans for the year. Pres. Calleja emphasized the need for greater membership to be more involved in the association and thus urged the committee heads to recruit more members. The heads of the various committees are the following: Ms. Cristina P. Arceo Communications Committee (China Bank) Mr. Ponciano C. Bautista, Jr. Ethics, Self-Regulation and Standards Committee (Philippine National Bank) Mr. Michael Joseph M. Delfino Fixed Income Committee (Deutsche Bank) Mr. Paul Raymond A. Favila Professional Markets Committee (Citibank) Mr. Manuel Andres D. Goseco Money Market Committee (East West Bank) Mr. Edgar Alan P. Guerrero Education Committee (Metro Bank) Mr. Carel D. Halog Legal and Audit Committee (Land Bank) Mr. Noel C. Malabag Fellowship and Sports Committee (HSBC) Mr. Dalmacio D. Martin External Affairs Committee (Banco de Oro) Mr. Reynaldo B. Montalbo, Jr. Membership Committee (First Metro Investment Corp.) Mr. Joselito Ricardo G. Nazario Convention Committee (Phil. Veterans Bank) Mr. Raul Martin A. Pedro Interest Rate Derivatives Committee (Security Bank) Mr. John Pichay of Union Bank sits as Vice-Chairman of the Fixed Income Committee to assist Mr. Delfino.