New CCCI prexy assures sustainability of programs

CEBU, Philippines - As the newly inducted president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Prudencio Gesta assured the sustainability of the programs of the chamber, continuously upholding itself as the prime mover in promoting the interest of the Cebu business community.

“I accept wholeheartedly this noble task in service of the whole chamber and business community of Cebu. Together with my team and with the guidance of my other predecessors, we will continue to provide opportunities towards quality service and leadership to the chamber and business community,” he stated during the General Membership Meeting and Induction of Officers and Trustees last Tuesday at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Recognizing its vital role in the business arena, he emphasized that the micro, small and medium enterprises will be his primary focus, acknowledging their need to gain access to capital and eventually opening up more business opportunities.

Accomplishing public initiatives in partnership with Philippine Stock Exchange, he also encouraged Cebu-based companies to participate in the stock market to raise their financial capacities for their businesses.

He cited that part of the advocacies of the chamber also includes intellectual property awareness for MSME’s to have improved access to global technology and intellectual property protection.

Gesta stressed out the significance of the public-private partnership in creating a more sustainable business environment for Cebu and the country as a whole.

Under his term from 2012 – 2013, he said that the chamber intends to promote closer and better relationships among business and other sectors of the society, having the private sector as a catalyst towards achievable economic development.

“Thank God we have done the first three months of service and nine months more to go. We are all moving to make Cebu a place to live and enjoy. CCCI will continue to voluntarily serve and support Cebu as we encourage all of us to work together for the best of Cebu. Nobody will help Cebu better except Cebuanos themselves and other Cebuanos by choice,” Gesta stated.

He further expressed gratitude to CCCI past president and Portugal’s honorary consul to Cebu Samuel Chioson in taking CCCI to greater heights as it gathered various awards and recognitions such as the most outstanding chamber in the Visayas, most outstanding chamber in the Philippines and to be the host of the 27th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry Conference next year.

Chioson, on the other hand, considered his term from the year 2009 until February 28, 2012 as an adventure and a unique experience to serve Cebu.

He cited that just as he began his term, the country has felt the impact of the global economic crisis and though the Philippines was not spared as its GDP growth decelerated in the last quarter of 2008, Cebu was able to manage with its steadfast economy and synergy between members and partners.

He also thanked the partners of CCCI from the government and non-government sector as they have been part in fulfilling the chamber’s goal to be the engine of Cebu business growth.

Chioson advised the incumbent officers and trustees to keep on the chamber’s mission in promoting leadership and upholding its values to improve the business sector for Cebu, CCCI and the whole SME environment.

Other officers inducted were Lito Maderazo, VP-finance and administration services; Teodoro Locson, Jr., VP-external affairs and relations; Melanie Ng, VP-membership and development; Nestor Archival, VP-business development and management services; Mary Anne Alcordo, board secretary; and Dennis Wong, treasurer.

Also elected into office to represent various sectors were: Lito Maderazo, Felix Tiukinhoy, Michael Basubas, Antonio Chiu for the Industry sector; Melanie Ng and Emily Chioson for the trade sector; Nestor Archival, Francis Monera, Danilo Kimseng and Julita Urbina for the service sector; Johannes Hauri for the sectoral associations; and Jerry Rapes for the ICT/tourism sector. (FREEMAN)