Mandaue chamber among RP's top ten

While the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) bested over a hundred business organizations in the Philippines, as the Most Outstanding Chamber, its sister organization Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) was also recognized as among the top ten most outstanding chambers.

During the 32nd Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held in Manila recently, the newly revived MCCI made a huge leap after it got the award and a special citation for organizing the Mandaue Business Month.

For the past two years, MCCI was able to stand on its feet again, after the organization settled in an inactive position for several years, especially after the 1997 economic crisis.

Under the leadership of its president Eric Ng Mendoza, the chamber has introduced several programs such as helping the micro to small and medium industry players in Mandaue City . It is also the first time, with the revival of MCCI in Mendoza 's leadership that the business sector forged a harmonious and stronger relationship with the local government unit (LGU) in Mandaue City .

According to Mendoza , through linkages with the different associations and local chambers, MCCI was able to address the various needs of its members and the business community thereby making the Chamber relevant and a strong voice in the business community.

In 2004, the Mandaue Chamber after a long period of non-activity has been revived through the efforts of the former Area Vice President Carlos Co & Regional Governor Mr. Jose T. Ng.

Among other advocacy programs initiated by the chamber within the almost three year's of re-activation, include; a position paper fighting on the Anti-Smuggling Law; bid to President Arroyo to reconsider declaring a holiday from December 11 to 14 (2006) due to ASEAN; Support to Arroyo's State of Emergency, position paper asking a reasonable wage increase, and among others.

In cooperation with the Mandaue City government, MCCI was able to launch the first Mandaue Business Month in 2005.

Since 2004, the membership base of the Mandaue Chamber has grown significantly, from 20 active companies, to 120 member companies as of September this year.

The chamber also gained support from foreign organization in terms of assistance, like the Chamber Development Program through the help of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Pearl2, and the implementation of the Promoting Regional Opportunities for Enterprise and Livelihood or Propel program in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For two consecutive years, MCCI has organized a Job Fair for local and international fair. This year, MCCI also organized a Business Opportunity Fair, giving would-be entrepreneurs a chance to start up their own business at an affordable cost.

Other SME Development Programs and Services initiated by the Chamber also in providing assistance to its members in their paper requirements with the LGU, and is also currently working on the project with PRISM for the Family Planning Program.