MCCI to push for environment-related projects

CEBU, Philippines – As the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) commemorates is 45th year this 2010, the organization is strengthening its focus on pushing more companies to uphold environment-related programs as well as fortify international trade relations in 2011.

MCCI president Eric N. Mendoza said the chamber will establish strong advocacy that will emphasize the "beyond sustainability" programs, which means that member companies will be encouraged to implement programs that will not only prevent activities that damaged the environment, but also to introduce activities that will make the environment much better.

MCCI members can anticipate more pro-active programs in 2011 that will help them become trendsetters in environment-related programs turning businesses to be in the fore-front of saving the sick-environment.

Also, Mendoza said that while the chamber has inked several trade partnerships with other countries, by next year it has to focus its penetration of trade partnership among neighboring Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Korea, and others.   

He said MCCI is going to primarily study these two markets-Indonesia and Korea, on how Mandaue businessmen can become partners of traders in these countries, considering the potential of Indonesia and Korea as good consumer markets for Cebu-made products and services.

Meanwhile, MCCI will formalize the celebration of its 45th Founding Anniversary this coming December 15, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, as it honor the men and women who have journeyed with the Chamber in its 45-year history.

At the same time, it will celebrate its grand-slam award as the Most Outstanding Chamber in the Visayas for the past three consecutive years making it to the Hall of Fame of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

On the same night, MCCI will launch its partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK) for a project in Maguikay, Mandaue City, to build a Multi Purpose Building as part of MCCI's CSR Program. A silent auction of valuable items donated by renowned personalities will be conducted during the event to raise the much needed funds for the said project.

"As it celebrates its 45th Founding Anniversary, MCCI has shifted its focus from being a purely business support organization to that of strategic positioning and innovation, promotion of entrepreneurship, creation of a strong business network and building a globally identifiable brand that will make Mandaue City an attractive international destination for business and investment," said Mendoza.

The upcoming event is chaired by Ms. Marylou Ngo-Ang of Dynamic Casting and co-chaired by Ms. Carmel de Pio-Salvador of Global Carrier Philippines.

MCCI, which was officially formed in the mid-60s by a handful of concerned businessmen led by Dr. Norberto Quisumbing Jr., was then a legend of a true and transparent relationship between the business sector and the local government unit (LGU).

It was in 2004 that the 16 business prime movers in Mandaue City took the challenge of reviving the organization despite its blurred history, and dispersed membership base.

Young and respected businessman Mendoza led the 16 other business icons to give "life" and dynamism of the business sectors' voice again, in the name of Mandaue's emerging economic landscape. (FREEMAN)