Lapu-Lapu mulls opening own chamber of commerce

CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City government is set to open its own Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as revealed by City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan on July 3, 2024, during the Cebu Tourism Forum spearheaded by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) dubbed “Dayon Kamo: Reimagining Sugbo Tourism”.

Among the tri-cities in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City is the only one lacking its own business chamber, with Mandaue and Cebu City already having their own respective business organizations.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Jay Yuvallos disclosed that they had discussions with the mayor regarding the establishment of Lapu-Lapu City’s own business chamber during their recently concluded Cebu Tourism Forum, held at the Terminal 2 VIP Lounge in Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

As the largest and a prominent local business membership organization in the Philippines, CCCI pledges to support Lapu-Lapu City in creating its own business chamber to further enhance the city’s prosperity.

Ahong echoed this sentiment, expressing that the city’s growth and increasing investor interest highlight the necessity for such a chamber at this stage.

The Mayor emphasized the importance of having a dedicated chamber for the city, stating, “... As you can see that the city is growing and we have a lot of businesses we have a lot of investors so it’s high time that we will have our own... it is a very big help to us if we have the chamber.”

Ahong is optimistic about the establishment of this Chamber within the year with the guidance and expertise of CCCI officials.

He emphasized the significant role such a chamber would play in stimulating the entrepreneurial mindset to contribute to economic growth, not only locally in Lapu-Lapu but also across the province of Cebu.

Additionally, the mayor expressed gratitude to CCCI for hosting the forum in the city, especially given the city’s recognition for having the best airport in Asia, surpassing over 200 airports in the Asia-Pacific Region in 2023.

During his opening remarks at the forum, the Mayor highlighted the vital role of CCCI in the development and progress of the island of Cebu, stating, “Working together, the Local Government Units in Cebu and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will empower the engine of Cebu’s Business Growth Towards Global Competitiveness,” he said emphasizing the great role of CCCI in the island of Cebu.”  – Renee Ross Villariasa, CNU Intern