Cebu Chamber looks forward to closer ties with government

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is looking forward to stronger ties with the government policy makers following the establishment of Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

“CCCI and its general membership would like to recognize the efforts of President Marcos on establishing the PSAC, of which we look forward to an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive business landscape in the country,” said CCCI president Charles Kenneth Co in a statement.

According to Co, CCCI hopes that through the PSAC, local chambers and other business organizations alike will be able to air out the concerns of the business sector free from any biases and prejudice.

“In this process, we can be assured that we will be able to create more opportunities and grow businesses.

Marcos recently requested Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz to organize and convene the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

The council is composed of business leaders and experts who will be supporting the government in meeting its economic objectives across five main sectoral groups.

The newly established council pledges to help the government deliver on its commitment to transform the Philippine economy by implementing a robust infrastructure program, creating more jobs, digitizing processes, improving agricultural productivity through the recalibration of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and ensuring an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive business landscape for Filipinos.

PSAC’s sectoral groups will regularly report to the President to provide feedback on what is happening on the ground and will make recommendations on modern policy development.

Prior to the State of the Nation’s Address (SONA), CCCI had been vocal in calling the new administration for its proposed five priority programs and projects, which are seen to aid Cebu’s recovery efforts.

These are; 1) Funding for the Naga Diversion Road which aims to build a coastal diversion in the southern portion of Metro Cebu to alleviate traffic congestion; Funding for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); Reducing power rates which has been one of the main advocacies of the Cebu Chamber; Addressing health care gaps; and Water and sanitation facilities in Metro Cebu.

Co reiterated that Marcos’ SONA pronouncement of pursuing the Cebu railway and Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) gives boost to Cebu’s economic outlook.