Formation of Naga cluster chamber to kick off today

CEBU, Philippines – To officially kick off the formation of an organized business community in the City of Naga, officials of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its president Ma. Teresa Chan, will be meeting with business stakeholders of the city today.

City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said in a statement that he wants to establish a business chamber so that “we will know their concerns and we can address them immediately."

Chan, for her part said that the creation of Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry will accelerate CCCI's plan to extend its membership base all over the province.

The City of Naga, Chan said is a very good location for a cluster chamber because of its strategic location at the same time the business sector in the city is very active, thus, its potential to attract investors is high.

Next in line will be the creation of two cluster chambers in the cities of Bogo and Toledo.

"These groups will be an extension of CCCI to the far-flung areas in Cebu. We are going to help them become legitimate and advocacy-driven business groups not just a mere social club," said Chan.

The City of Naga is being positioned as an industrial investment hub in the South.

The CCCI president further said that as countryside industries are gaining ground, and growth is fast spreading in the sub-urban areas and municipalities, it is imperative to activate an organized business group in each locality.

"Naga City needs to have a solid group to serve as voice of the private sector that will also include membership-base from other neighboring towns. We have been planning to look big localities wherein business communities are open and active," Chan added.

CCCI will be assisted by an NGO group "WECan", in institutionalizing the formation of cluster business chambers in countryside.

This move, according to Chan will likewise step up CCCI's plan to forge closer partnerships with local government units in each town and cities in Cebu to pursue more harmonious developmental goals as well as expedite the implementation of planned projects.

Just like CCCI, that has been the mouthpiece of the business sector in Cebu, these cluster chambers will also help their members craft advocacies that will help business players solve their concerns, specifically with regards to government policies, and other issues.

With this, the organized business groups in component cities of Cebu that will get membership from neighboring towns and municipalities will have a stronger voice and capacity to partner with their respective LGUs. (FREEMAN)