Countryside programs top Gaisano’s agenda

Newly elected Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Edward S. Gaisano aims to focus on programs, during his term, that will help the business sectors in the countryside of Cebu.

Gaisano said the establishment of Cebu Business Council to be headed by CCCI former president Hernan Estreegan will be tasked to organize business councils in the towns, as part of CCCI’s outreach program to the smaller businessmen from the different towns in the province.

According to Gaisano, this is an offshoot of the challenge given by Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for the chamber to teach the entrepreneurs in the countryside on how to succeed in business.

Garcia allotted P1 million for this particular program, which will kick off soon.

“We are going to formally organize the council first, and start in a pilot town,” said Gaisano, who is the first of the Gaisano clan to be installed as business leader in Cebu.

He said CCCI, as a nationally award-wining chamber in the country, should duplicate itself in helping the business sector in the towns to be pro-active in forging economic development in their respective areas.

Details of the Cebu Business Council plans will soon be formulated, as soon as the team will be organized formally, Gaisano said.

Gaisano said, under his leadership, CCCI will still continue programs started by the organization, primarily in pushing the Cebu Ecozone project, initiated by his predecessor Francis O Monera.

“The Ecozone project may take some time to get everybody on board. But, we are confident that it will be a success project of the chamber,” Gaisano said.

Gaisano served as vice-president for business development and management services of CCCI for two consecutive years from 2005 and 2007. He was also a member of the board of trustees in 2003.

The new CCCI President is also the vice president of Vicsal Development Corporation, the holding company of retail giant Metro Gaisano chain. He is also the President of Prime Asia Pawn and Jewelry Shop Inc., and the chairman and director of Wealth Development Bank.