The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Iloilo induct a new set of Officers and members last November 22, 2008 at the Jordan Hall, Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center. Hon. Cerge M. Remonde, Secretary, Presidential Management Staff was the Guest Speaker with Usec Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr of the Department of Tourism introducing the guest. Hon Jerry P. Trenas inducted the new members and the Mr. Guidon I. dela Cruz, Regional Governor of PCCI Region 6 for the new chamber officers. The Regional Governor represented the Mr. Joe Ng, PCCI Vice-President for Visayas in the ceremony.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Inc
Year 2008-2010:
President : Joe Marie C. Agriam
VP-Internal : Valerie S. Maravilla
VP-External: Wilson G. Jesena
Treasurer : Jeanette T. Oberio
Secretary : Elsa D. Seguiban
Auditor : Elena M. Ledesma
IPP : Angel L. de Leon
Board of Directors:
Juanita S. Espinosa
Antonio J. Junio
Florenedo M. Besana
William H. Martirez
Rose J. Madero
Donnah Ratilla
Ramon Buenaflor
Cesar Ting
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Region 6 workers get P15 raise
BACOLOD — Minimum wage workers in Western Visayas will get a P15 increase in their daily wages starting December 25, after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved in a meeting in Cebu last Tuesday night a new wage order granting the raise.
Wage Order No. 17 will add P15 to the existing P225-235 daily pay of nonagriculture workers, and P193-P203 for non-plantation and plantation agriculture workers, respectively, pegging minimum wage rates in Western Visayas at P208-P250.
The wage hike petition actually sought a P40-P50 wage increase in the region.
John Peter Millan, employers representative in the wage board, said in an interview that "we want to our workers’ salaries at par with other regions, considering that we did not grant an increase in Wage Order No. 16."
That last wage order drew protests from board labor representatives Wennie Sancho and Hernane Braza, who noted that it provided only a P15 emergency relief allowance that ran from July 6-October 15.
This time, Mr. Sancho was supportive of the new wage order. "This is an opportune time to grant a wage increase. There’s a series of rollback of oil prices, so it’s [a raise in daily minimum wage] not economically impossible," he said in separate interview.
But employers warned the additional pay could force some companies and sugar farms to retrench. "The wage increase will be a welcome relief to the labor sector. The danger to companies and farms that cannot afford the increase will be to reduce manpower," Roberto Montelibano, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said in a mobile "text" message.
BY NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER, Correspondent, Business World , Dec 11, 2008
Wage Order No. 17 will add P15 to the existing P225-235 daily pay of nonagriculture workers, and P193-P203 for non-plantation and plantation agriculture workers, respectively, pegging minimum wage rates in Western Visayas at P208-P250.
The wage hike petition actually sought a P40-P50 wage increase in the region.
John Peter Millan, employers representative in the wage board, said in an interview that "we want to our workers’ salaries at par with other regions, considering that we did not grant an increase in Wage Order No. 16."
That last wage order drew protests from board labor representatives Wennie Sancho and Hernane Braza, who noted that it provided only a P15 emergency relief allowance that ran from July 6-October 15.
This time, Mr. Sancho was supportive of the new wage order. "This is an opportune time to grant a wage increase. There’s a series of rollback of oil prices, so it’s [a raise in daily minimum wage] not economically impossible," he said in separate interview.
But employers warned the additional pay could force some companies and sugar farms to retrench. "The wage increase will be a welcome relief to the labor sector. The danger to companies and farms that cannot afford the increase will be to reduce manpower," Roberto Montelibano, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said in a mobile "text" message.
BY NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER, Correspondent, Business World , Dec 11, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Iloilo Business Renaissance
The Iloilo business renaissance - Speech of Sec Cerge Remonde during the Induction of New Members and Officers of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo.
27 November 2008 .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Iloilo, Inc. (CCII) had a fresh start last Saturday with the induction of its new officers. My good friend and Mayor of Iloilo City Jerry Treñas was on hand to personally preside over the induction ceremonies.
The CCII was, at one time, one of the more active chambers of industry, whose actions made an impact in and outside Iloilo. It is a tradition that the present Secretary of the Department of Justice Raul Gonzalez continues to uphold.
Along with the new officers, new members were also inducted into the CCII membership. Notably, many of these inductees that infused new blood into the CCII belonged to the younger generation. It was a welcome sight which clearly indicated that more young people – in Iloilo, and hopefully in other parts of the country – are becoming entrepreneurs, instead of going on the traditional route of being employees only.
The declaration of newly inducted President Joe Marie Agriam that one of the priorities of the CCII under his leadership shall be to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was also pleasant to hear.
Indeed, the call of the hour in these times of global economic instability is to stand together and do what we can to help one another. The government is doing all it can to mitigate the effects of the present global crisis through pump-priming activities, such as MSME promotion and infrastructure development.
Certainly, businesses can also contribute in enabling the country to weather this economic tsunami. Chambers of commerce, whose members include industry leaders and seasoned veterans in the art of business, can greatly help start-up and nascent enterprises become more established
More established and growing enterprises should translate not just to job security but also to greater employment opportunities for many more of our people. More people employed would mean more consumption, which in turn should drive greater production. The continuance of these economic activities should keep the country on its growth streak.
Beyond helping smaller businesses, the movers and shakers of the Iloilo business community can also do a lot in terms of improving the province’s electricity infrastructure. The supply of reliable electricity continues to elude the area, which prevents the province from realizing its full potential.
I am confident that the re-energized CCII will be able to provide the impetus that will unite and mobilize all sectors in the province in resolving this key issue in Iloilo development, and enable the province to keep in step with the developments happening all over the country.
27 November 2008 .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Iloilo, Inc. (CCII) had a fresh start last Saturday with the induction of its new officers. My good friend and Mayor of Iloilo City Jerry Treñas was on hand to personally preside over the induction ceremonies.
The CCII was, at one time, one of the more active chambers of industry, whose actions made an impact in and outside Iloilo. It is a tradition that the present Secretary of the Department of Justice Raul Gonzalez continues to uphold.
Along with the new officers, new members were also inducted into the CCII membership. Notably, many of these inductees that infused new blood into the CCII belonged to the younger generation. It was a welcome sight which clearly indicated that more young people – in Iloilo, and hopefully in other parts of the country – are becoming entrepreneurs, instead of going on the traditional route of being employees only.
The declaration of newly inducted President Joe Marie Agriam that one of the priorities of the CCII under his leadership shall be to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was also pleasant to hear.
Indeed, the call of the hour in these times of global economic instability is to stand together and do what we can to help one another. The government is doing all it can to mitigate the effects of the present global crisis through pump-priming activities, such as MSME promotion and infrastructure development.
Certainly, businesses can also contribute in enabling the country to weather this economic tsunami. Chambers of commerce, whose members include industry leaders and seasoned veterans in the art of business, can greatly help start-up and nascent enterprises become more established
More established and growing enterprises should translate not just to job security but also to greater employment opportunities for many more of our people. More people employed would mean more consumption, which in turn should drive greater production. The continuance of these economic activities should keep the country on its growth streak.
Beyond helping smaller businesses, the movers and shakers of the Iloilo business community can also do a lot in terms of improving the province’s electricity infrastructure. The supply of reliable electricity continues to elude the area, which prevents the province from realizing its full potential.
I am confident that the re-energized CCII will be able to provide the impetus that will unite and mobilize all sectors in the province in resolving this key issue in Iloilo development, and enable the province to keep in step with the developments happening all over the country.
DOST chooses Bacolod, Iloilo for ‘biogas digester’ project pilot areas
ILOILO CITY, Nov. 24 – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has chosen Bacolod and Iloilo cities as pilot areas for its ‘biogas digester’ project.
The ‘biogas digester’ is a two drum-module composed of a biogas generator and gas collector that can produce energy from animal manure and kitchen and yard wastes.
The biogas can produce energy enough for 30-minute cooking gas everyday if mixed with animal manure. If purely kitchen wastes, it will take about three days to produce gas enough for 30-minute cooking.
DOST regional director for Western Visayas Rowen Gellonga said their office will partner with the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) in Bacolod and the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineer and the City Government of Iloilo for the project.
“This can serve the requirement of small establishments and households,” he added. “This unit is small and it uses local materials.”
Last week, technicians from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) conducted training for fabrication of 'small scale biogas digesters' in Bacolod City.
Gelonga said they will come up with five demonstration units each in Bacolod and Iloilo to be tested and for demonstration purposes.
If the performance is good, they will transfer the technology of fabricating and operating to their partners and to interested clients.
He said that the ‘biogas digester’ is not difficult to commercialize because it is not sophisticated to handle unlike the customized ones.
Gelonga said that demonstration units will hopefully be ready in the next two weeks. (PNA)
The ‘biogas digester’ is a two drum-module composed of a biogas generator and gas collector that can produce energy from animal manure and kitchen and yard wastes.
The biogas can produce energy enough for 30-minute cooking gas everyday if mixed with animal manure. If purely kitchen wastes, it will take about three days to produce gas enough for 30-minute cooking.
DOST regional director for Western Visayas Rowen Gellonga said their office will partner with the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) in Bacolod and the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineer and the City Government of Iloilo for the project.
“This can serve the requirement of small establishments and households,” he added. “This unit is small and it uses local materials.”
Last week, technicians from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) conducted training for fabrication of 'small scale biogas digesters' in Bacolod City.
Gelonga said they will come up with five demonstration units each in Bacolod and Iloilo to be tested and for demonstration purposes.
If the performance is good, they will transfer the technology of fabricating and operating to their partners and to interested clients.
He said that the ‘biogas digester’ is not difficult to commercialize because it is not sophisticated to handle unlike the customized ones.
Gelonga said that demonstration units will hopefully be ready in the next two weeks. (PNA)
AACCII supports Aklan Product Trade Show
Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCII) supports the annual Aklan Product Trade Show at the SM City-Iloilo last November 10-16, 2008. The annual trade spreaheaded by the Department of Trade & Industry-Aklan showcase the various products and services of the province for the local and international markets. AACCII President Larry Barbaza grace the opening of the trade show together with the participants from various industry association and producer from the province of Aklan.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
PCCI-Aklan supports Aklan Investment Promotion Code
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Aklan Provincial Board conducts public hearing on the proposed Investment Code for the province during the regular session. PCCI-Aklan is a member of the technical working group which assisted in the crafting the provincial investment code. The Code made through the initiative of the chamber, the Department of Trade & Industry-Aklan, and the Provincial Development Staff envisioned to provide platform to spur economic development in the province.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chamber Management Break-out Sessions during PBC!
One of the Break-out sessions during the Philippine Business Conference is a Chamber Management workshop for Local Chamber of Commerce & industry senior staff and officers held at the Maynila Hall of the Manila Hotel.
It was a cold and squeezing afternoon at around 4:00 in the afternoon of when the rbeak out sessions started.
The Database Project of PCCI that was discussed further. This program will enable local chamber of commerce & industry members to find possible tie-ups and clients through the PCCI website.
Each local chamber has to submit the there membership database on November 22, 2008 following the format that will be given by PCCI.
Also, websites, blogspots and the like will be provided with links on the PCCI official website to make informations about the LCCIs accessible to whoever will be interested to surf the internet and find information on local chamber operations.
Lastly, during the workshop, Mr. Edwin Glindro, Assistant Secretary General of PCCI mentioned another program of the PCCI. The "APEC Business Travel Card". It is a privilege card that can be availed by officers or members who frequently travels within the ASEAN region.
The Chamber Management Break Out Sessions ended at 6:30 in the evening followed with the fellowship dinner at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel.
It was a cold and squeezing afternoon at around 4:00 in the afternoon of when the rbeak out sessions started.
The Database Project of PCCI that was discussed further. This program will enable local chamber of commerce & industry members to find possible tie-ups and clients through the PCCI website.
Each local chamber has to submit the there membership database on November 22, 2008 following the format that will be given by PCCI.
Also, websites, blogspots and the like will be provided with links on the PCCI official website to make informations about the LCCIs accessible to whoever will be interested to surf the internet and find information on local chamber operations.
Lastly, during the workshop, Mr. Edwin Glindro, Assistant Secretary General of PCCI mentioned another program of the PCCI. The "APEC Business Travel Card". It is a privilege card that can be availed by officers or members who frequently travels within the ASEAN region.
The Chamber Management Break Out Sessions ended at 6:30 in the evening followed with the fellowship dinner at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel.
Franchise Seminar set in Antique!
Panay News
October 28, 2008
San Jose, Antique - Entrepreneurs in Western Visayas will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of franchising as a better investment vehicle through the seminar dubbed "Business Opportunities Through Franchising: the 2008 Franchising Forum in Antique" on November 7, 2008 at the Summit Hall of the San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
The one-day seminar is a joint project of the Dept. of Trade & Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) in cooperation with the Antique Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge on the many benefits and advantages of franchising.
Leading the pack of guest speakers is Mr. Manuel Siggaoat, PFA vice chairman and chief executive officer pf Manels Leathergoods. He will give a presentation on buying the right franchise, as well as an overview of the Philippine franchising sector and franchise trends.
A number of PFA member companies will give presentations on their franchise offerings.
A business-matching consultation session will cap the day. Participants will get the chance to sit down with the franchise presentors and ask them more about the business. (PIA/PN)
October 28, 2008
San Jose, Antique - Entrepreneurs in Western Visayas will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of franchising as a better investment vehicle through the seminar dubbed "Business Opportunities Through Franchising: the 2008 Franchising Forum in Antique" on November 7, 2008 at the Summit Hall of the San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
The one-day seminar is a joint project of the Dept. of Trade & Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) in cooperation with the Antique Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge on the many benefits and advantages of franchising.
Leading the pack of guest speakers is Mr. Manuel Siggaoat, PFA vice chairman and chief executive officer pf Manels Leathergoods. He will give a presentation on buying the right franchise, as well as an overview of the Philippine franchising sector and franchise trends.
A number of PFA member companies will give presentations on their franchise offerings.
A business-matching consultation session will cap the day. Participants will get the chance to sit down with the franchise presentors and ask them more about the business. (PIA/PN)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
PCCI Western Visayas goes to Manila Hotel!
With the purpose of showcasing the products and services from the Western Visayas Region, the office of the Regional Governor, Guidon I. Dela Cruz has initiated a participation in the simultaneous conference & trade exhibit of the 34th Phil. Business Conference (PBC) and the 22nd Confederation of Asean Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACCI).
The Trade Exhibit was held at the Manila Hotel from October 20-23, 2008 at the Millennium and Pandango Halls. More than 50 exhibitors showcased their products and services to hundreds of international and national delegations.
The provincial government of the province of Aklan thru Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez supported this activity of the PCCI Western Visayas.
The following are the establishments and local chambers which participated in the exhibit:
1. Sacred Heart Realty (Capiz CCI)
2. Guimaras Producers (Guimaras CCI)
3. Asya Boracay (Boracay CCI)
4. Nigi Nigi Resort (Boracay CCI)
5. Southwest Tours
6. PCCI Aklan
7. Lima Enterprise (PCCI Aklan)
8. Metro Bacolod CCI
9. Sotuñel Piña Cloth (Hugod Aklanon Producers)
To those who participated, our thanks for your cooperation!
PCCI Region VI - Western Visayas
The Trade Exhibit was held at the Manila Hotel from October 20-23, 2008 at the Millennium and Pandango Halls. More than 50 exhibitors showcased their products and services to hundreds of international and national delegations.
The provincial government of the province of Aklan thru Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez supported this activity of the PCCI Western Visayas.
The following are the establishments and local chambers which participated in the exhibit:
1. Sacred Heart Realty (Capiz CCI)
2. Guimaras Producers (Guimaras CCI)
3. Asya Boracay (Boracay CCI)
4. Nigi Nigi Resort (Boracay CCI)
5. Southwest Tours
6. PCCI Aklan
7. Lima Enterprise (PCCI Aklan)
8. Metro Bacolod CCI
9. Sotuñel Piña Cloth (Hugod Aklanon Producers)
To those who participated, our thanks for your cooperation!
PCCI Region VI - Western Visayas
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
PCCI Western Visayas joins 34th Philippines Business Conference Exhibition
The PCCI Western Visayas joins the upcoming Philippine Business Conference Exhibition at the Manila Hotel on October 20 -23, 2008. This year's conference theme, "One. Global. Filipino - Sustaining Gains, Sutest and morging Ahead" will also showcase an exhibition running parallel to the conference. It will feature the latest and most innovative Philippine Products and Services. The exposition will be clustered by industry namely: Tourism, Energy, Fashio, Beauty and Wellness, Mining, Real Estate/ Construction, Information Technology, Food, Franchise, Retail and others. We are inviting all chambers in the region to join us in the Western Visayas booth to promote and market your products and services to more than 15,000 visitors and guest and 4000 decision-makers and industry leaders. With the support of the Department of Trade & Industry - Region 6 and local goverment, this will be an opportunity to expand your markets and prospects. For more information, please contact our local chamber or call Rhoda, PCCI WV Secretariat at 036-2685425 or email: pcciwv@gmail.com
34th Philippine Business Conference & Expo
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry will hold its 34th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBC & E) from October 20 -22, 2008 at the Manila Hotel, Philippines. This year's conference theme, "One. Global. Filipino. Sustaining Gains, Surging Ahead" highlights the significant gains that the Philippines has achieved given its active participation in the ASEAN and global economic integration. One of the major components of the conference is the traditional conferment of the Most Oustanding Chamber Awards, which seeks to recognize local chambers for their potent and crucial role in business growth and community development. Winners of the Most Oustanding Chamber Award will be honoured during the culmination of the Conference with Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. For more details, please contact Ms. Angie Basilan of the PCCI Secretariat at 896-4549. - PCCI, Secretariat
Monday, September 01, 2008
Visayas Area Conference Resolution - Mandaue City, Cebu
Resolutions passed and approved during Visayas Area Business Conference in
On Power and energy:
- Urgently request the president of
- Granting permit to the Wholesale electricity Spot Market (WESM) to start commercial operations in the Visayas;
- Approval of Time of Use (ToU) rates for the Visayan Electric Company (
- Explore and implement other possible immediate short-term solutions to the power crisis in
- To promote, campaign for and encourage and massive Private an Public Sector Investments on Fossil Fuel Renewal Energy Development.
- Resolution urging the Department of Energy (DoE) to require all electric cooperatives to provide the transformers and meters (free of charge) to their clients and to reimburse those clients who were made to pay for the cost of transformers and meter
- Resolution urging the President to order the DoE to fast track the implementation of the national Biofuels Program.
On Infrastructure
- To effect the rehabilitation and expansion of the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport
- Installation and maintenance of lighting and navigational aids along the San Juanico Strait
- To laud the President of the
- On governance:
- To seriously and honestly implement and to carry electoral reforms (e.g. computerization of election returns) aimed to eliminate vote padding and prevent other electoral fraud
- On Food Security:
- To urge government to direct its efforts and resources in solving the exiting rice problem both with immediate measures andthose that would lead to the long-term, sustainable solutions.
- Support the campaign for massive public ad private sector investments in food production.
- On SME Development
- Endorsing the proposition that a certain percentage of the ent revenues of PCSO and PAGCOR be channeled to local CCI’s to fund their SME Development & Program.
- On Legislative Matter
- A resolution vehemently opposing the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
- Review the Juvenile Delinquency Act (offenses committed by minors aged 14 years and below are not penalized)
- Review the Bouncing Check Law (BP22) to review the current inclination of the Supreme Court instructing courts, to impose fine as a penalty in lieu of imprisonment
- On Internal/Institutional
- Resolution requesting the
MMDA spearheads clean-up of Kalibo!
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Aklan and the people of Kalibo wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the men behind Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headed by no less than Mr. Bayani Fernando. MMDA brought the
MMDA people has done miracles to the hopeless town of
And to every individual, companies and NGO’s who has come out of their way to help rehabilitate our beloved town, thank you and more power to you!
PCCI – Aklan holds Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo!
One of the highlights of the celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the
The Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo was held at the
This year’s Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Aklan and the
Friday, August 29, 2008
PCCI-Aklan Pres. Larry Barbaza distributes in Brgy. Bakhaw, Kalibo, Aklan
PCCI-Aklan President Larry Barbasa distributes water container in Brgy. Bakhaw, Kalibo, Aklan, one of the areas severely affected by Typhoon Frank. Water containers came from assistance of Officers of the PCCI-National Office. Assisting Pres. Larry are member of the PCCI-Aklan, August 24, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
PCCI - Aklan Relief Operations
PCCI Aklan conducted Relief Operations for Victims of Typhoon frank in the Municipality of Kalibo!
A week after the catastrophic Typhoon Frank and the Mud Flood that followed, PCCI Aklan together with the PCCI - Region VI Western, distributed relief goods for victims of the disaster. Most of the recipients were employees of member companies of the local chamber especially those who lost almost everything after the typhoon.
More than 100 sets of the relief assistance were distributed during the operation.
A week after the catastrophic Typhoon Frank and the Mud Flood that followed, PCCI Aklan together with the PCCI - Region VI Western, distributed relief goods for victims of the disaster. Most of the recipients were employees of member companies of the local chamber especially those who lost almost everything after the typhoon.
More than 100 sets of the relief assistance were distributed during the operation.
Metro Bacolod Chamber organizes forum on Construction and Sorghum Industry
By: Alf Rino
Panay News
August 20, 2008
BACOLOD CITY - The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (MBCCI) and the Province of Negros Occidental will hold two forums on Japanese construction technology and human development this coming August 23 and sweet sorghum technology investment on August 29, 2008.
MBCCI partners with the Negros Japan Human Resource Exchange Association Inc. (NJHREAI) in inviting Japanese industry leaders in the construction business. They are Takenori Nakahata, president of the Multi Builders Corp. and Takeshi Nakamura, project executive of Obbayashi Construction. To be held at the Grand Regal Hotel this August 23, 2008. Nakahata and Nakamura will be speaking about the latest Japanese construction technology, Japanese work ethics and expanding the MBCCI-NJHREAI "Train and earn Livelihood Program" by sending more construction trainees to Japan. Nakahata and Nakamura are both members of the MARUCON, a contractors cooperative in Japan which were among the first Japanese construction companies that accepted Filipino trainees.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri will also be here in another forum this August 27 where they will be resource speakers in the First Sweet Sorghum Techno Investment Forum organized by the Province of Negros Occidental, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Agriculture Development and Commercial Corp., Biofuels Philippines and MBCCI.
In a statement issued by MBCCI-Biofuels Philippines to its members, "sweet sorghum already grows in some of the poorest areas in the world". This biofuel feedstock could offer resource-poor nation a shot at energy independence and increased development, without the massive destructive environmental impacts which modernization brought through unhampered expansion of the industrialized world."
Panay News
August 20, 2008
BACOLOD CITY - The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (MBCCI) and the Province of Negros Occidental will hold two forums on Japanese construction technology and human development this coming August 23 and sweet sorghum technology investment on August 29, 2008.
MBCCI partners with the Negros Japan Human Resource Exchange Association Inc. (NJHREAI) in inviting Japanese industry leaders in the construction business. They are Takenori Nakahata, president of the Multi Builders Corp. and Takeshi Nakamura, project executive of Obbayashi Construction. To be held at the Grand Regal Hotel this August 23, 2008. Nakahata and Nakamura will be speaking about the latest Japanese construction technology, Japanese work ethics and expanding the MBCCI-NJHREAI "Train and earn Livelihood Program" by sending more construction trainees to Japan. Nakahata and Nakamura are both members of the MARUCON, a contractors cooperative in Japan which were among the first Japanese construction companies that accepted Filipino trainees.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri will also be here in another forum this August 27 where they will be resource speakers in the First Sweet Sorghum Techno Investment Forum organized by the Province of Negros Occidental, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Agriculture Development and Commercial Corp., Biofuels Philippines and MBCCI.
In a statement issued by MBCCI-Biofuels Philippines to its members, "sweet sorghum already grows in some of the poorest areas in the world". This biofuel feedstock could offer resource-poor nation a shot at energy independence and increased development, without the massive destructive environmental impacts which modernization brought through unhampered expansion of the industrialized world."
Visayas Chambers seek Power Crisis Solution, Food Security
By: Malou M. Mozo
Manila Bulletin
August 17, 2008, Sunday
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu - Business Chambers in the Visayas called on government through the Department of Energy (DoE) to seek timely solutions to solve the looming power crisis int he region. During the 17th Visayas Area Business Conference last Friday, the a6 active chambers in Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas proposed that President Gloria Arroyo grant the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) a permit to start its commercial operations here.
WESM, run by the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. that works like a stock market for buyers and sellers to trade electricity as a commodity, has been scheduled for commercial operations in the in the Visayas early this year but was deferred by the energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, citing "inadequate power resources, both in transmission and in the generation aspects".
"There are many economic activities happening in the Visayas and we believe that government must lay down the necessary infrastructure projects and provide a venue for competitive power rates, to make us also competitive to investors" , said Jose T. Ng, PCCI Vice President for Visayas. Part of the joint resolution also urged the DoE to require all electric cooperatives to provide for free transformers and meters to their clients and reimburse those who were made to pay for them.
The group also called on president Arroyo to order the DoE to fast track the implementation of the National biofuels Program, where the blending of bio-ethanol with gasoline will be observed.
Zeroing in on the issue of food security, the chambers' joint resolutions also advocated for government to direct direct its resources and efforts in resolving the existing rice problem and to support the campaign for massive public and private investments in food production.
For infrastructure projects covering the regi0n, the Visayas chambers likewise sought for the rehabilitation and the expansion of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City and the installation and maintenance of lighting and navigational aids along San Juanico Strait.
The business group also tackled on the computerization of election returns, a review of the Juvenile Delinquency Act and Bouncing Check Law and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. These resolutions were drafted and consolidated during the Chamber Management Meeting last Thursday to be approved and passed on to the PCCI for review and approval before it will be submitted to the National Government for consideration in policy making.
Manila Bulletin
August 17, 2008, Sunday
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu - Business Chambers in the Visayas called on government through the Department of Energy (DoE) to seek timely solutions to solve the looming power crisis int he region. During the 17th Visayas Area Business Conference last Friday, the a6 active chambers in Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas proposed that President Gloria Arroyo grant the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) a permit to start its commercial operations here.
WESM, run by the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. that works like a stock market for buyers and sellers to trade electricity as a commodity, has been scheduled for commercial operations in the in the Visayas early this year but was deferred by the energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, citing "inadequate power resources, both in transmission and in the generation aspects".
"There are many economic activities happening in the Visayas and we believe that government must lay down the necessary infrastructure projects and provide a venue for competitive power rates, to make us also competitive to investors" , said Jose T. Ng, PCCI Vice President for Visayas. Part of the joint resolution also urged the DoE to require all electric cooperatives to provide for free transformers and meters to their clients and reimburse those who were made to pay for them.
The group also called on president Arroyo to order the DoE to fast track the implementation of the National biofuels Program, where the blending of bio-ethanol with gasoline will be observed.
Zeroing in on the issue of food security, the chambers' joint resolutions also advocated for government to direct direct its resources and efforts in resolving the existing rice problem and to support the campaign for massive public and private investments in food production.
For infrastructure projects covering the regi0n, the Visayas chambers likewise sought for the rehabilitation and the expansion of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City and the installation and maintenance of lighting and navigational aids along San Juanico Strait.
The business group also tackled on the computerization of election returns, a review of the Juvenile Delinquency Act and Bouncing Check Law and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. These resolutions were drafted and consolidated during the Chamber Management Meeting last Thursday to be approved and passed on to the PCCI for review and approval before it will be submitted to the National Government for consideration in policy making.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
WESM Key to averting Visayas power shortage
MARITES S. VILLAMOR, Visayas Bureau Chief, BusinessWorld08/19/2008 03:18 AM
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The chambers of commerce in the Visayas are pushing for the commercial operations of the electricity spot market here to prevent a power shortage starting late this year.Representatives of the 16 Visayas chambers, who gathered here on Friday last week for the 17th Visayas Area Business Conference, passed a resolution asking President Gloria M. Arroyo to order the start of operation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in the Visayas.The businessmen also pushed for the approval of the time-of-use (ToU) rates for the Visayan Electric Co., Inc. and the promotion of private and public sector investments in renewable energy development. The ToU scheme involves varying electricity rates according to peak and off-peak hours of demand and supply. Hence, a company that is flexible enough could move part of its operations to the off-peak evening-to-dawn hours to avail of cheaper rates.Related resolutions that were passed during the conference urged:the Energy department to require all electric cooperatives to provide the transformers and meters for free to their clients and reimburse those who were made to pay the costs; andthe President to order the Department of Energy (DoE) to fast-track the implementation of the National Biofuels Program.The Energy department has deferred WESM operations in the Visayas due to inadequate capacity in both power generation and transmission facilities, as revealed in a study conducted by consultancy firm Intelligent Energy Systems (IES).Visayas businessmen said they were aware that the lack of capacity could lead to higher power rates. But they wouldn’t mind paying for more expensive power rather than having none at all, said Carlos P. Co, chairman of the Cebu power core group, a multi-sectoral group led by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.National Power Corp. and National Transmission Corp. officials earlier warned that the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid will run short of power starting in the last quarter of this year until the early part of 2010, when the first of five coal-fired power plants that are being constructed in Cebu will be completed."We are aware that power cost will go up if we operate the WESM now. But on the other hand, we will run out of power if we don’t operate the WESM," Mr. Co said."It’s better to have more expensive power than none at all. We need the WESM," he stressed.He believed that any rate increase will be minimal, considering that demand will rise only during peak hours. Existing demand is already covered by bilateral contracts between the distribution utilities and end-users. Hence, only the rate for the contested demand during peak hours will go up. If WESM is allowed to operate, Mr. Co said some hidden excess power supply could be traded over the spot market.WESM operator Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) has said it was ready to operate the market. WESM Visayas has been on trial operations since 2005.PEMC had targeted to go live in the Visayas last January. Commercial operations was postponed to February, then to March and further to April 26, until the DoE deferred market operations due to findings of the IES study.The power supply situation in Cebu, Negros and Panay is projected to stabilize in early 2010 with the completion of the first of the three 82-megawatt coal-fired plants that are being built by the consortium of Global Business Power Corp., Formosa Heavy Industries and Abovant Holdings (a joint venture of Aboitiz Power Corp. and Vivant Corp.)The second and third units are scheduled to go on stream in June and September 2010.KEPCO-SPC Power Corp. also targets to complete its two 100-megawatt coal-fired plants in Naga in 2011.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The chambers of commerce in the Visayas are pushing for the commercial operations of the electricity spot market here to prevent a power shortage starting late this year.Representatives of the 16 Visayas chambers, who gathered here on Friday last week for the 17th Visayas Area Business Conference, passed a resolution asking President Gloria M. Arroyo to order the start of operation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in the Visayas.The businessmen also pushed for the approval of the time-of-use (ToU) rates for the Visayan Electric Co., Inc. and the promotion of private and public sector investments in renewable energy development. The ToU scheme involves varying electricity rates according to peak and off-peak hours of demand and supply. Hence, a company that is flexible enough could move part of its operations to the off-peak evening-to-dawn hours to avail of cheaper rates.Related resolutions that were passed during the conference urged:the Energy department to require all electric cooperatives to provide the transformers and meters for free to their clients and reimburse those who were made to pay the costs; andthe President to order the Department of Energy (DoE) to fast-track the implementation of the National Biofuels Program.The Energy department has deferred WESM operations in the Visayas due to inadequate capacity in both power generation and transmission facilities, as revealed in a study conducted by consultancy firm Intelligent Energy Systems (IES).Visayas businessmen said they were aware that the lack of capacity could lead to higher power rates. But they wouldn’t mind paying for more expensive power rather than having none at all, said Carlos P. Co, chairman of the Cebu power core group, a multi-sectoral group led by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.National Power Corp. and National Transmission Corp. officials earlier warned that the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid will run short of power starting in the last quarter of this year until the early part of 2010, when the first of five coal-fired power plants that are being constructed in Cebu will be completed."We are aware that power cost will go up if we operate the WESM now. But on the other hand, we will run out of power if we don’t operate the WESM," Mr. Co said."It’s better to have more expensive power than none at all. We need the WESM," he stressed.He believed that any rate increase will be minimal, considering that demand will rise only during peak hours. Existing demand is already covered by bilateral contracts between the distribution utilities and end-users. Hence, only the rate for the contested demand during peak hours will go up. If WESM is allowed to operate, Mr. Co said some hidden excess power supply could be traded over the spot market.WESM operator Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) has said it was ready to operate the market. WESM Visayas has been on trial operations since 2005.PEMC had targeted to go live in the Visayas last January. Commercial operations was postponed to February, then to March and further to April 26, until the DoE deferred market operations due to findings of the IES study.The power supply situation in Cebu, Negros and Panay is projected to stabilize in early 2010 with the completion of the first of the three 82-megawatt coal-fired plants that are being built by the consortium of Global Business Power Corp., Formosa Heavy Industries and Abovant Holdings (a joint venture of Aboitiz Power Corp. and Vivant Corp.)The second and third units are scheduled to go on stream in June and September 2010.KEPCO-SPC Power Corp. also targets to complete its two 100-megawatt coal-fired plants in Naga in 2011.
Welcome
Welcome to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Western Visayas Region 6, Philippine Islands. The organization of chamber of commerce and industry in Visayas Island promoting business and investement, protecting interest and acting as the voice of the business sector in the region. PCCI Western Visayas comprise of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Boracay, and Bacolod.
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