CCCI to create Bogo and Toledo chapters

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry plans to create two more cluster chambers in the north and southern parts of Cebu to strengthen partnerships in the countryside areas.

CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan yesterday announced that apart from the CCCI-Bantayan chapter, soon chapters in the cities of Bogo and Toledo will be created as well.

Chan said businessmen in these areas have already expressed interest to form their own group and will invite members from neighboring towns.

"These groups will be an extension of CCCI in the far-flung areas in Cebu. We are going to help them become legitimate and advocacy-driven business groups and not just a mere social club," said Chan.

CCCI will be assisted by an NGO group "WECan", in institutionalizing the formation of cluster business chambers in the countryside.

This move according to Chan will accelerate CCCI's plan to make a closer partnership with local government units in each town and cities in Cebu to pursue a more harmonious developmental goals as well as make faster and progressive implementation of planned projects.

Just like CCCI, that has been the mouthpiece of the business sector in Cebu, these cluster chambers will also help their members to craft advocacies that help business players address their concerns, specifically with regards to government policies, and other issues.

With this, the organized business groups in component cities of Cebu will have a stronger voice and capacity to partner with their respective LGUs.

These cluster chambers will also hold and organize events that will promote their respective industries as well as continuous business updates and seminars to further capacitate countryside business players in keeping up with the upbeat growth of Cebu.

This plan is a spin-off to the chamber’s plan to partner with LGUs in the entire province of Cebu.

Realizing the crucial role of LGUs to sustain Cebu's growth in the long term, CCCI will lead in institutionalizing the partnership between the private sector and the LGUs starting this year.

Pointing fingers and blaming each other should not exist anymore–at least in Cebu, as the private sector will move closer to the government instead of keeping its distance, she said.

According to Chan, linking and working closely with the government, LGUs in particular is the only way Cebu could maximize its potential in achieving stellar growth in the face of tough regional and global competition.

Gone were the days that the private sector will only reach out to government/LGUs in certain issues and projects. This time, she said the business community will make its constant presence to partner with the government in issues, development projects, that need private sector's help and suggestions.

Though there are a number of business organizations and industry associations within the province, Chan said this program will bring together the entire business community to one and unified goal in partnering with the government. — Ehda M. Dagooc (FREEMAN)