Biz-to-advocacy matching at Fair

CEBU, Philippines - The synergy of the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector and the passion on volunteerism of non-government organizations (NGOs) is seen as a potent tool to achieve community empowerment, social welfare, sustainability and global competitiveness.

Last Tuesday, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) officially opened the three-day advocacy fair at the Active Zone in Ayala Center Cebu in celebration of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2013.

Advocacy Committee chair Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon said that unlike the usual business-to-business matching, the chamber has embarked on a flagship venture on a business-to-advocacy matching between NGOs and the private sector.

She added that the fair aims to promote the advocacies of NGOs in Cebu and empower firms to conduct their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in partnership with the former.

“Businesses and NGOs should take the opportunity to collaborate on the visions they share for the welfare and the development of the community. This collaboration is a powerful tool to realize programs and projects for the good of the community and of Cebu,” she stated.

This is the first time that the chamber has conducted a business-to-advocacy meeting and Solomon expressed hope that this will be institutionalized and be conducted annually during the month of June.

Consul Antonio Chiu, vice president for external affairs and relations division, said that the local business community is truly an advocate for pro-business policies that could be related to health, environment, social welfare, education and good governance.

He added that it is already a growing trend for companies and firms at present to conduct CSR programs as a way of giving back to the community.

He also commended NGOs who serve as frontliners of advocacies as they pro-actively extend their non-profit service and support for the development of the grassroots communities.

“If businesses cater to market demands, NGOs cater to the society’s welfare. The Cebu business community could go hand in hand with these likeminded NGO. Through this activity, we want to encourage and promote advocacy for the welfare of the greater community,” he said.

Chiu’s statements were also supported by CBM 2013 overall chair Melanie Ng, saying that the progress of Cebu is “not just about doing business but also about the general welfare and development of the communities.”

She said that the collaboration of the private sector and NGOs is relevant in promoting better health, pursuing quality education, pushing for sustainable liveability, and empowering underprivileged communities in Cebu.

She added that Cebu needs a participative society that has the spirit of volunteerism and charity in order to sustain its growth, promote better lives, and move forward towards global competitiveness.

The three-day fair that runs from June 25 to 27 is participated by 16 exhibitors. These include NGOs such as Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc., Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Philippine Red Cross – Cebu Chapter, Movement for a Livable Cebu, Youth for a Livable Cebu, Kaabag sa Sugbo, Dilaab Foundation, Inc., Coalition for Better Education, Alay Lakad Foundation, Kythe Foundation, Inc., World Vision, Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board or Mega Cebu and Ayala Business Club of Cebu, Inc..

There are also government agencies that participated to provide consultation and service to the public. Among those who joined in the fair are the Land Transportation Office Regional Office, National Statistics Office Region 7 and the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas Office.

For instance, Solomon cited, one can approach the information helpdesk of NSO to get priority numbers that could be presented in the central office to have the privilege to be prioritized first in processing transactions. /JOB (FREEMAN)