Chamber calls on Cebuanos to help boost Cebu economy

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) urges the Cebuano community to actively support its mission of promoting Cebu and strengthening its economy through tangible actions rather than words.

In his speech during the Chamber’s 2nd General Membership Meeting (GMM), which was also the turnover ceremony and induction of new chamber officers, CCCI president Jay Yuvallos officially introduced the business organization’s new vision and mission, seeking everyone’s support to help boost Cebu’s economy through “deliberate partnerships and purposive collaborations among within member companies, various groups, sub-cultures and communities for a globally competitive Cebu and its people.”

“The Chamber movement is like a church. We evangelize the people to live with the moral laws, as we continue to spread the news that we aspire everyone to be globally competitive so that our vision will be lived out,” Yuvallos told the over 300 attendees during the event held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“To be world-class Cebuanos and Filipinos and to develop a world-class ecosystem for a world-class Cebu company,” Yuvallos added.

Under Yuvallos’ leadership, the new set of CCCI board has adopted a leadership agenda: LEAD.

“This agenda reflects the chamber’s mission and vision, which is clear to address the challenges we face and will continue to face as business leaders,” he noted.

Yuvallos explained that the “LEAD” agenda is an acronym for important advocacies the chamber will implement under his administration.

“L” refers to launching the Cebu brand ‘Invest in Cebu: Prosper in Paradise’ positioning Cebu as a premier destination for investment and business success. “We begin with our identity as Cebuano, where each one is an ambassador to the Cebu brand.”

 “E” refers to engaging the community deeper to ensure every member’s voice is heard and valued, fostering an inclusive environment for dialog and collaboration. Engagement is key.

 “A” refers to active partnerships as the Chamber leverages strategic alliances with industry leaders, government bodies, and community organizations, amplifying our impact and driving progress.

And, “D” means focusing on developing an innovative and creative culture in all business sectors and subsectors to add value through out-of-the-box thinking, embracing new ideas, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities.

“Adding two more letters, such as “E for Establish” Legacy Projects and thinking long term for future business leaders in Cebu like CBM [Cebu Business Month] and CIDCC [Cebu Investment Development Concierge Center]. Our dream is to have an ‘Innovation Hub.’ We plan to renovate the Chamber building, wherein our SME can have a showroom to maximize its use and benefit,” he added.

“R for Relevant Results” is ultimately a testament or a reward and summarizes the LEADER. Another R is reward, giving oneself / volunteer and going full circle as a LEADER. Each one is called to act and LEAD, and the LEADER is in You,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo, who inducted the new set of Cebu Chamber Officers and Board of Trustees into office, recognized the chamber’s collaborative, competitive, compassionate, and inclusive characteristics that make Cebu’s economy thrive.

The Chamber’s GMM is conducted on a quarterly basis and serves as an ideal platform for industry and business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to converge and discuss matters of mutual concern, keep abreast of the latest business trends and avenues to expand the network, build linkages, and foster relationships within the business community.