CEBU, Philippines - The Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) have committed to fully support the first Presidential Forum in Cebu on January 22, 2010 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
Spearheaded by the three major business Chambers in Cebu Province namely, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Cebu Business Club (CBC), the forum intends to get straight to the point and question the candidates on their plans, competencies, approach to good governance, and platforms.
The event’s chairperson Camel de Pio-Salvador announced that the first Presidential forum has gained support specifically from the private corporations, as choosing the right leader to head the country in the next few years, is very crucial to the nation’s fragile economy.
The Presidential Forum dubbed as “Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables” expects to get together the six top Presidentiables .
“It was the united voice of the business sector of Cebu working with the full support of the Aboitiz Group, country’s leading business conglomerate,that made the difference. The Presidentiables juggled their schedules to be in Cebu for the Forum,” Salvador said.
“We would like to laud the Aboitiz Equity Ventures and VECO for partnering with the three major business chambers,” event Chairman Carmel de Pio-Salvador said. “We look forward to a successful, very interesting and straightforward Forum. This is really public service at its best!” Salvador added.
The Top six Presidentiables who are expected to face the Cebuano Business Community are: Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada, Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., and Richard “Dick” Gordon.
The Forum is expected to gather around 2,000 participants which includes members of Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) and the Cebu Business Club (CBC). Different local chambers in the Visayas, academe, Local Government Units, Sectoral Associations and other private organizations were invited to attend the forum.
Meanwhile, negotiations are underway for Smartmatic to do an actual demonstration of voting by machine after the forum. It is inline with the business Chambers’ effort to enhance voters education campaign in preparation for the coming May 2010 elections, Salvador concluded.