44 LGUs join CBM 2006

Colorful festivities, luscious delicacies, interesting produce and the warmth participation of different towns and cities brought life and vibrance to the Cebu Business Month 2006.

Governor Gwen Garcia said the participation of several towns and component cities in the province was a clear sign that Cebu "speaks with one voice" that indicated the failure of the "puny attempt" to create three more provinces out of Cebu.

With this year's theme "Invest Cebu," the three-day annual conference of Cebu businessmen dubbed as "InTourPreneur" was for the first time participated by 44 local government units.

The theme was meant to promote investments in information and communication technology and tourism in Cebu.

The magnificent noontime cultural show at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino Grand Ballroom showcasing various festivities of different towns had enticed visiting investors and guests to know more about the booming island.

In her speech, the governor emphasized that "it is our unity that drives this province forward," drawing applause from the audience, especially from the mayors.

She said the move of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) to feature the cities and municipalities had encouraged LGUs to show their best to help in the campaign about Cebu.

To this, the LGUs responded that, "in the clearest signal ever that Cebu is united, that the puny attempts to divide us have failed, that Cebu is Number One because we are one."

Garcia's speech was followed by a cultural show choreographed by the famous Jonjit Primor that showcased beauty queens representing at least 20 municipalities. The show included at least eight LGUs displaying their magnificent festivities, including the prominent Sinulog festival of Cebu City.

During affair, around 140 booths occupied the first floor of the grand ballroom for trade exhibits of the participating towns and private companies.

About nine booths for the special spa showcase and another 20 for the Cebu ICT Jobs and Livelihood Fair occupied the second floor. - Cristina C. Birondo