MCCI marks six decades of empowering businesses

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) marked its 60th anniversary on Jan. 9, underscoring the role of business groups in sustaining enterprise growth in one of Cebu’s key industrial hubs as companies navigate a tougher operating environment.

MCCI President Mark Ynoc said the chamber’s six decades reflect how coordination and a shared agenda among local firms have helped Mandaue adapt through cycles of expansion and disruption.

Founded in 1965 as the Mandaue Industrial and Commercial Association Inc., the group was reconstituted as MCCI as the city’s economy broadened beyond manufacturing into trade, logistics and services.

The chamber went through periods of transition before regaining momentum after a 2004 revival led by long-standing member companies and a new leadership team, Ynoc said.

Past president Kellie Ko, who chaired the anniversary celebration, said the milestone provided a platform to recognize the chamber’s founders and former trustees while positioning the organization for its next phase of growth.

The event formally inducted 41 new member firms, reflecting continued interest from businesses seeking collective representation and advocacy.

“This is both a moment of gratitude and a statement of intent,” Ko said. “We are honoring those who built the chamber while bringing in a new generation of enterprises.”

The ceremony drew senior officials from the Cebu provincial government and Mandaue City, as well as representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and business chambers from Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod and Talisay. Honorary consuls from Spain, Portugal and Israel also attended, underscoring Mandaue’s growing links with foreign investors and trade partners.

The anniversary was originally scheduled for 2025 but was deferred after a series of natural disasters disrupted business operations across Cebu, testing the resilience of local companies and industry groups.

Held under the theme “Bridges Through Time, Redefining Legacy Today,” the gathering highlighted MCCI’s push to balance continuity with renewal as it enters its seventh decade, with the chamber positioning itself as a platform for collaboration and inclusive growth in Mandaue’s evolving economy.