CCCI proposes creating local chapters

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) proposed for the creation of business chapters outside Metro Cebu to increase access of network and create more value among local businesses in the province.

Through the Working for the Enhancement of the Chamber & Association Network (WE CAN) project, CCCI and the AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation of Germany are working on enhancing the capability of  the chamber to extend help and organize business councils.

Outgoing CCCI president Lito Maderazo said that businesses who are part of these councils could collaborate in terms of sourcing materials in a particular area in the province

He said that they are planning to put up one business council in the northern province after the effect of typhoon Yolanda in the area, another chapter in Bantayan Island, one business council in the southern part of Cebu possibly in Carcar or Argao, and another in western part, possibly in Badian.

“Once established, these councils will be part of the network, bigger market and more opportunities of doing business,” he said.

During its General Membership Meeting and Election of Trustees last February 28, Maderazo said that 2013 has been a fruitful year for the chamber as CCCI continues to push for development programs aimed to spur growth among local businesses and achieve global competitiveness.

In partnership with the Asia Foundation, CCCI aims to come up with a study proposing to the provincial government the creation of a road investment and development board that would work on the improvement of the commodity flow and efficiency of transporting goods.

Maderazo said that the road network in most parts of the country such as Cebu are fragmented and not linked to each other, thus affecting the competitiveness of businesses.

CCCI also joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the German International Cooperation (GIZ) in pushing for the promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) that is focused on greening the value chain.

“This is not a business-as-usual thing for us. Climate change has become more relevant after the strongest typhoon hit our country. There is a strong need to adapt with climate change, be aware of  its impact and mitigate its risks,” Maderazo said.

He encouraged all businesses to promote the global movement through the practices of recycling, solid waste management and segregation.

CCCI, together with the German AFOS Foundation, is also pushing for the K+12 reform program that includes dual-vocational training, industry-academe linkage and technical-vocational livelihood program with the ongoing transition of the Philippine educational setting.

“The industry clamors about the academe providing talents that are inadequate for us to be more competitive. We have identified the specific requirements that will be raised to the academic institutions. Once we hire new graduates, they will be more productive, thus improving overall competitiveness,” he said.

Further, CCCI ventured a project aimed to optimize and upscale the roles in the food supply chain. It is a food safety advocacy program that will certify business establishments such as restaurants or those engaged into food processing.

Maderazo said that it is also high time to certify street food in terms of food safety since it is also one of the tourist attractions in Cebu. (FREEMAN)