CCCI lines up activities for business month 2014

CEBU, Philippines - This year's Cebu Business Month is focused on preparing Cebu for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Integration opportunities, spurring further its business growth to compete globally.

CBM 2014 organizers have lined up various activities that aim to sustain the development of the business community and to see the future of Cebu in the coming integrated economy.

"What we're trying to do is to offer activities that have ASEAN flavor," said Lito Maderazo, ASEAN Integration chair and past chamber president. "We're now in the process of creating a road map particularly on the economic drivers of Cebu."

Maderazo said the chamber wants to identify on what prospects Cebu could have and prepare it for the challenges in the integration, citing ASEAN's goals to support free flow of goods, cooperation and strong region and global economies.

The involvement of the government and other agencies is crucial in creating a plan for integration, he noted.

CBM Overall Chair Felix Tiukinhoy, Jr. said the Philippines particularly Cebu is now facing the challenges--and opportunities--ahead of the 2015's integration, the main reason of having the event themed as "ASEAN 2015 and Beyond".

The activities, he added, want to highlight and focus attention to Cebu's bright future: "Our collective existence has become a key driver of the national development and progress."

For his part, CCCI President Ma. Teresa Chan cited the two disasters that hit the Visayas region last year made the preparation for the month-long event more challenging, even saying it's getting bigger and bolder this time.

She said the chamber continues to support the trade and industry in Cebu leading to a sustainable progress, which it hopes would help create more jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of the Cebuanos.

"CBM has become a great venue not only for Cebu as a business hub in the Philippines," she noted, "but also to promote and introduce our programs and advocacies."

The programs will focus on improving the different industries that include the information and communications technology, tourism and investment promotion, business process outsourcing, creative industries and entrepreneurship.

For one, entrepreneurship seminars are expected to teach small entrepreneurs and homegrown businesses on how to build a national brand and join the nationwide market, said Apolinar Suarez, Jr., entrepreneurship chairman.

"We put some programs that these entrepreneurs can really do something about," he further said. "The essence of this is like 'What you can do as an entrepreneur?'."

He added members of the micro, small and medium enterprises have to understand the implications, threats and opportunities of the AEC: "We penetrate the MSMEs because we see that they need our help."

Local players are challenged to become a partner of choice of global companies coming into the Philippines.

"Stay towards being a potential global company," Suarez stressed.

Moreover, the chamber is also looking at building infrastructure what will sustain the good condition of Cebu's tourism industry and foreign direct investments, revealed Consul SabinoDapat who chairs the tourism and investment promotions.

"If we want to be competitive, we need to develop infrastructure," he said, adding the major businesses in Cebu are tourism, export and the ICT.

Meanwhile, Tiukinhoy said the city and provincial government continue to support the organization's activities and the success of Cebu's business society.

In fact, CCCI is partnering with the Department of Manpower Development and Placement to have a local job fair during the business month celebration to improve employment.

Industry players and stakeholders from the government, academe and other sectors will discuss the impact of the integration on ICT and BPM industry through a conference and expo.

Another CBM event, the Startup Weekend will gather marketers, entrepreneurs, developers, startup enthusiasts and designers to share ideas and build relationship.

Other activities to expect include Regional Franchise Expo, job fairs, run for a cause, discussion on the Cebu-based creative industries' position on the ASEAN integration, etc.

Other events will strengthen the capacities of Cebu-based businesses and support its business environment, the CCCI said.  (FREEMAN)