Toledo forms business chamber to spur growth

CEBU, Philippines —  Business leaders in Toledo City formalized the city’s first business chamber, establishing a new platform for private-sector engagement aimed at strengthening local economic development.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), led by Visayas Area Vice President Melanie C. Ng, facilitated the formation of the Toledo City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCCI), guiding members through governance requirements and overseeing the election of the chamber’s inaugural leadership.

Representatives from major companies were elected to key posts, reflecting the city’s growing industrial and commercial base.

Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) representative Noel Cabahug was named president, while AboitizPower’s Mark Vincent Israel was elected vice president for external affairs. Additional executive committee positions were filled by leaders from the finance, cooperative and service sectors.

The newly formed chamber brings together companies across energy, banking, mining, hospitality and cooperatives, creating a formal structure to coordinate advocacy and business development initiatives.

Its 13-member board includes representatives from Philippine National Bank, Carmen Copper Corp., MGen, The Ranch Resort and Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, among others.

Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales said the chamber is expected to strengthen public-private collaboration and ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have a stronger voice in policy discussions, as the city seeks to attract investment and support sustainable growth.