Cebu-based IT companies urged to join COMDDAP

CEBU, Philippines - The Computer Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines (COMDDAP) is inviting Cebu-based companies in this sector to join the organization and enjoy the benefits of its advocacies and programs.

COMDDAP executive director Gina Dimayuga said most if not all members of the organization are Manila-based. COMDDAP has been encouraging their counterparts in the Visayas and Mindanao to join the organization.

“But it's not easy to become a COMDDAP member. We have certain standards and qualifications. We (scrutinize) all their documents. We have to because we want to protect the industry from fly-by-night companies,” she said on the sidelines of the opening of the COMDDAP Cebu Expo 2010 at the SM City Cebu trade hall yesterday.

COMDDAP is an association of the country's top information technology businesses. Its primary objective is to promote the sustainable development of the of the country's information technology industry through voluntary collaboration of its member companies.

COMDDAP' goal is to be able to provide its members general views and updates from different sectors - private and government, and highly regarded individuals to further uplift the morale and knowledge of its organization. The organization currently has 41 members.

COMDDAP vice president Salvador “Bing” Latrilla earlier said that the participation of more Cebu-based companies in the exhibit is a positive sign that Cebu's IT market is growing.

In this year's exhibit, only five companies are Manila-based. These are Canon Marketing Philippines Inc., CBX Corp., Microsoft Philippines Inc. and Wordtext Systems.

Back in 2008, majority of the exhibitors that participated in COMDDAP were Manila-based. COMDDAP conducts exhibit twice a year. Once in Metro Manila and the other is done alternately in Cebu and Davao.

The exhibit which will run until Sunday, July 18, offers IT products at discounted prices of as much as 70 percent.