Capitol to give P3M aid for CCCI confab

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be getting P3 million as assistance from the province of Cebu for its hosting of the 27th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry next month.

The amount however is P2 million short from the P5 million earlier promised by suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Acting Governor Agnes Magpale slashed the amount because of the current financial status of the provincial government.

Magpale said that expenses and outflow of cash should be limited especially since the province is still depending on the Internal Revenue Allotment.

Magpale said that after the officers and board of trustees of the CCCI visited her last February 11, she called a meeting with the adhoc committee, who is in-charge to oversee the payables of the province.

After having discussed and computed, the adhoc committee, composed of Provincial Board members Peter John Calderon, Willie Caminero, Acting Provincial Treasurer Manny Guial, Magpale and her legal consultant, decided to extend P3 million assistance for the important event.

Magpale said that even with the financial constraints, she had to give assistance for the hosting of the CACCI which is expected to host 27 countries that can open greater opportunities for the local business sector. The event would be on March 14 and 15 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

During their visit to Capitol, CCCI president Prudencio Gesta told Magpale that the event would be a ‘rare opportunity’ for the province to position itself as a good investment hub for the Asia-Pacific region.

Gesta said that they are grateful for the promised support of Magpale even with the financial concerns of the province. He said that no matter how small the assistance would be, the province would always be considered a valuable partner in all of their events.

Magpale also said that they would have to rent out the use of the Cebu International Convention Center, but it would be for a discounted amount.

Initially, the CICC was offered to be used for free but Magpale said the use of the CICC is very costly where the province spends P1M every month for electricity and P250,000 for water bills. The provincial government also pays P200,000 to the Philippine Exhibitors Trade Corporation which manages and promotes the CICC.

Meanwhile, Magpale said that she has instructed the provincial engineer to immediately attend to the CICC, which reportedly was leaking during the heavy rains in the past few days.

According to Magpale, reports sent to her office stated that it was leaking terribly during the past few days, which had carpets and interiors wet. PETCO however denied the reports.

Members of the media who tried to go in the CICC yesterday to check on the reports were barred by security personnel since there was no official event or particular office to visit.  (FREEMAN)