PGMA swears in new CCCI officers

CEBU, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday inducted the new officers of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the newly-opened Imperial Palace Waterfront Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Samuel Chioson, Portugal’s Honorary Consul to Cebu and dean of the Cebu Consular Corps, is the new president of CCCI, taking the reigns from Dr. Edward Gaisano of Vicsal Development Corporation.

The vice president and general manager of Cadiz Steel Corporation, Chioson was also vice president for finance and administration of CCCI and had served as trustee from 2003 to 2007 before he was elected as president.

In an interview with The Freeman, Chioson said his term as president would focus planning and implementation of a micro-entrepreneurs training program, planning and implementation of urban greening project to fight climate change, and putting leverage on established international relations through the conduct of more trade missions.

Chioson said his administration would also continue projects and programs introduced by the former administration, as well as yearly activities of CCCI such as the Cebu Business Month and meeting of “business legends.”

Joining Chioson in the executive committee are Prudencio Gesta of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, vice president for finance and administration; Teodoro Locson Jr. of Philmetal Products, Inc., vice president for external affairs and relations; Jay Yuvallos of Interior Basics Export Corporation, vice president for business development and management services; and Ed Limtingco of CIBI Information, Inc., vice president for membership development.

Completing the new set of officers are Nemesio Solomon Jr. of Honda Cars- Cebu, treasurer; Joelix Ng of Hanover Industries, assistant treasurer; Architect Benjamin Avila of Avila Architects, secretary; and Rachel del Mar of R.V. del Mar and Associations, assistant secretary.

Formed in 1913, CCCI is a non-profit institution of business and professionals in Cebu working together to protect and promote business. The chamber brings together the divergent interests of the entire business community with membership composed of small and medium enterprises, big corporations and sectoral associations.

Envisioned to be the "engine for Cebu’s Economic Growth," the CCCI is committed to initiate and influence the development plans of the government affecting business. CCCI also aims to promote and institutionalize linkages between the Cebu business community and domestic and foreign organizations; strengthen the skills, capabilities, and resources of the organization, its members and the business community; and provide services responsive to the needs of its members. - Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)