Capiz Halaran wons a National Award!

Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce & Industry, one of the youngest local chamber of commerce & industry in Region VI won a National Award during the 35th Phil. Business Conference as the Most Outstanding Young chamber.

Capiz Halaran CCI was ably headed by its president, Mr. Jose Nery Ong. During its early years of conception, Capiz Halaran Chamber has worked closely with the local government and other private and non government agencies to promote the interest of the business sector in the province such as the Provincial Governors office and the Capiz Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Proof to that, today Capiz Halaran heads the Capiz Convention Bureau which is organizing a Tourism Conference early in 2010.

The award was confirmed by no less than Her excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the awarding ceremony last October 21, 2009 during the 35th Philippine Business Conference at the Manila Hotel.

Congratulations to Capiz Halaran CCI!

35th Phil. Business Conference, a Success!

The 35th Philippine Business Conference & Expo was held last October 20-22, 2009 at the Manila Hotel with the theme, One. Global. Filipino, “Regional Economic Development: Frontline of Sustainability"

International and National Businessmen convened to talk on recent programs on infrastructure, technology, education and climate change.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Region VI - Western Visayas had a booth during the trade exhibition. which showcased local business investment and real estate opportunities in the region. Officers and members of the local chamber of commerce & industry in Region VI actively participated in the conference headed by the Regional Governor, Mr. Guidon I. Dela Cruz.Attendees during the conference are as follows Mr. Charles Y. UY - PCCI Boracay President, Mr. Jose Larry L. Barbasa - PCCI Aklan President, Mr. Jose Mari Aldecoa - PCCI Aklan VP for Business Development and incoming President, Mr. Jose Nery Ong, Capiz Halaran CCI President, Mr. Roberto Montelibano, Metro bacolod CCI President together with 9 of his officers and members of the rpess from Bacolod City.

PCCI Election of RG & Area VP

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be holding its election of Regional Governor and Nomination of Area Directors will be held on October 19 and 22, 2009 respectively, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Champagne Salon, Manila Hotel.

All nominations should be submitted to the PCCI COMELEC on or before September 14, 2009.

All Local Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Region VI is encourage to pay their dues to qualify to nominate and vote for the new set of officers.

PCCI Wetern Visayas hosts Investour Forum

The tourism committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), sealed a partnership with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) to promote a tourism advocacy project called InvesTour through a nationwide roadshow that will start in Region VI. The objective of the said project is to disseminate information about the various opportunities and incentives that tourism investors should look into. The project also intends to encourage people in the countryside to start tourism-related MSMEs under the tourism business template formulated by BizTour.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Regional Office, headed by its Regional Governor, Guidon I. Dela Cruz together with PCCI Aklan and Boracay Presidents, Jose Larry L. Barbasa and Mr. Charles Y. Uy respectively, organized the Region VI InvesTour Forum that was held at Patio Pacific Resort, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan last August 29, 2009, Saturday, 10:00 in the morning .

The forum mainly discussed detail of the recently signed Republic Act 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009. It also served as a venue for tourism stakeholders to share their insights on the salient points of the law which will be consolidated by the PCCI and submitted to the Department of Tourism for consideration as they draft the Implementing Rules and Regulation.

The Speakers for the forum includes Mr. Samie Lim (PCCI Vice Chairman) who tackled on the Tourism Investment and Business Opportunities and the BizTour Project of PCCI, Mr. Ameil Azurin (PLDT SME head) who presented on the products that will help business owners manage their business more effectively and the Ms. Vicki Antonio, representative from German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) who presented on the salient points of the recently signed tourism law, highlighting the investment incentives.

More than a hundred tourism stakeholders attended the forum and enabled them to share inputs for the preparation of a bigger and more developed tourism industry.

The forum was a resounding success, as commented by PCCI Vice Chairman, Mr. Samie Lim.

Resolutions adopted during the 18th Visayas Area Business Conference

18th Visayas Area Business Conference
One Visayas: Regional Economic Development, Key to Progress
July 17-18, 2009, Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center


The adoption of resolutions was headed by the Regional Governors of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Region VI & VIII, Mr. Guidon I. Dela Cruz & Mr. Francis Monera respectively.

A resolution was passed by the Area Vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry for Visayas Area, Mr. Jose T. Ng for the adoption of said resolutions. It was duly seconded and approved.

The adoption of the resolutions signals the end of the 2 days conference hosted by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Iloilo through the leadership of Mr. Joe Marie Agriam, President.

Adopted Resolutions
COMPETITIVENESS
1. Resolution urging the National Government to further enhance and intensify infrastructure development to improve the country’s competitiveness ranking;

2. Resolution urging the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure timely approval and release of budget for priority infrastructure projects in the country;

3. Resolution urging the National Government to come up with serious and sustainable campaign that will penalize oil smuggling in the country as it causes distortion of fuel prices in the country;

4. Resolution urging the national office of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), through the PCCI Western Visayas Regional Governor’s Office, for the endorsement and implementation of the Kalibo Circumferential Road Projects;

5. Resolution urging the Local Government of Guimaras to explore other sources of funding, through Executive Order 809 which allow LGUs to access multilateral financial institutions, to further develop an efficient water system for Sibunag, San Lorenzo, and New Valencia;

6. Resolution urging the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to prioritize the review of the new ruling declaring Caticlan Airport as “one entry, one exit” as it greatly affects tourism flow in the Visayas region;

7. Resolution urging the National Government to prioritize the construction of ferry boat terminals in Iloilo City, and in the Municipality of Buenavista and Jordan, Guimaras under a public- private partnership arrangement (Build- Operate- Transfer Scheme);

ENERGY

8. Resolution urging the Department of Energy to issue a Department Order requiring oil companies to sign supply and purchase agreement with the local bio- ethanol investors and producers qualified under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Bio- Fuels Act of 2006

9. Resolution urging the Department of Energy to review and come up with a more transparent system of monitoring of oil companies’ competitive pricing of fuel;

10. Resolution urging the National Government, through the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to put a moratorium on any proposed National Power Corporation (NPC) electricity rate hike in Visayas;

HEALTH

11. Resolution urging the National Government to immediately implement the provisions of the Cheaper Medicines Law to require medical practitioners to recognize the urgent need to prescribe and inform the patient or his family of the generic medicines;

LOCAL GOVERNANCE

12. Resolution requesting the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for additional PNP personnel to be detailed/ assigned at the Ati- Atihan Town of Kalibo, Province of Aklan and San Jose, Antique;

13. Resolution urging the National Government to provide the much needed funds for the establishment and creation of the
support facilities/ structures to fully implement the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Law to help prevent offenses committed by minors;
MINING

14. Resolution urging the national office of PCCI to intervene in preventing major mining activities from taking place in Guimaras;

TOURISM

15. Resolution urging the National Government to come with an integrated tourism plan that will cater to traffic demand and supply, benefiting both the Caticlan and Aklan airport terminals and spur tourism activities in Boracay.

16. Resolution urging the Department of Tourism (DOT) to ensure private sector participation in the finalization of the IRR of the Tourism Act;

17. Resolution urging the PCCI through the regional offices to organize a Tourism Summit for Visayas stakeholders;

TRADE POLICY

18. Resolution requesting the President to appoint a permanent trade negotiator and create an Industry and Services Advisory Council (ISAC) to institutionalize private sector participation and consultation process in trade negotiations.

OTOP Highlights of Accomplishments for 1st Quarter of 2009

Key Result Areas

1. New Jobs generated from 2005 - 1st Quarter of 2009 in Aklan from the OTOP Program
totaled 17,698(community-based & home-based). Direct Jobs - 9,902; Indirect jobs
-7,796
2. New OTOP investments for the period amounted to Php18.3567M.
3. One hundred forty (140) new OTOP MSMEs developed.
4. Domestic and export sales for the same period reached Php319.7M and USD469,000
respectively. Only two(2) LGUs (Kalibo& Ibajay) have OTOP-MSME exporters
> LGU Kalibo (loomwovers) - USD394,036.70 (US, Japan & Other Asian Countries
> LGU Ibajay (coco based) - UD75,563.30 (China)

TRaining/Seminars & Product Development
> Ninety-five (95) OTOP trainings reported since 2005 by the 17 LGUs benefiting
approximately 2,500 beneficiaries
> Three (3) Product Development Clinics conducted, twenty (20) OTOP-MSMEs benefited.
Result: 198 prototypes executed
Domestic sales: Php2.706M
Export Sales: USD9,050

Memoranda of Understanding/Resolutions Passed
> Twenty-nine (29) MOUs (17 with DTI & 12 with other partners
> Fifteen (15) resolutions passed in support of OTOP

Trade & Pasalubong Centers/market Outlets
> Four (4) Trade Centers (assisted by DTI) carrying OTOP products
- Hugod Home Lifestyle Trade Center Boracay
- Kabuhi-an Livelihood Skills Training & Exhibition Center (LGU-Balete OTOP)
opened October 21, 2005
- Aklan OTOTP Corner & Pasalubong Center (Kalibo Airport) opened August 30, 2007
- Hugod Regional Trade Center (Boracay) opened in MArch 2008
> Forty-six (46) market outlets (spread out in the 17 municipalities) established
where OTOP products are showcased

Regional Model OTOP (Kalibo's loomwoven products)

> Total Industry workforce as of December 2008 totaled 9,893
> Domestic Sales(2005-1st Sem of 2009) - Php184.7125M
Export Sales (2005-1st Sem of 2009) - USD75,563.30

> Development of province-wide industry standards for loomwoven piña/piña seda
cloths and single-ply abaca cloths

>Annual conduct of Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival cum Agro-Industrial Fair every
April (Aklan Anniversary) highlighting the indigenous fiber loomwoven
fabrics/products and the OTOPs of the 17 municipalities

> Aninag Indigenous Fibers Fashion Show showcasing loomwoven apparels and fashion
accessories of OTOP and non-OTOP MSMEs

> Annual conduct of Kalibo Ati-atihan product Showcase every January in Kalibo and
and Aklan product Showcase in October or November at SM City Iloilo. OTOP Products
showcased together with other top-of-the-line products of Aklan

LGU Numancia (vermicast organic fetilizer
> Lakbay Aral/study mission destination for vermicast organic fertilizer production
> Gawad sa Pangulo sa Kapaligiran (GPK) program: provincial, Regional and national
Awardee

MILESTONE
Registration of Aklan Quality Seal with the Intellectual property Office on May 13, 2006 as trademark for indigenous fiber-based loomwoven products of Kalibo (Aklan)

Highlights of Accomplishments

Municipal OTOPs in the Province of Aklan!

1. Altavas - Swine/Livestock
2. Balete - Kabuhian Livelihood Skills Training & Exhibition Center
3. Banga - Organic Vegetables, Citrus-Calamansi & Rambutan
4. Batan - Grouper Culture
5. Buruanga- Eco-Tourism
6. Ibajay - Coco-based
7. Kalibo - Indigeous Fiber-based Loom woven products
8. Lezo - Potteries
9. Libacao - Abaca Fibers
10. Madalag- Abaca Fibers
11. Makato - Seafoods (Prawns, Shrimps, Crabs)
12. Malay - Tourism
13. Malinao- Abaca Slippers
14. Nabas - Bariwcraft
15. New Washington - Deboned Bangus
16. Numnacia - Vermicast Organic Fertilizer
17. Tangalan - Bugna it Tangalan

A Successfull 18th Visayas Area Business Conference!

This year's Visayas Area Business Conference was held at the Sarabia Manor Hotel at the City of Iloilo hosted by the Chamber fo Commerce & Industry of Iloilo headed by thier able and aggressive President, Mr. Joe Marie Agriam. The rooster of speakers were ehaded by no les than the Honorable Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Hon. Bayani Fernando, ASEC. Raul Banias, Asian Institute of Management representative and a lot more!

The area conference was attended by a hundred businessmen from all over the Visayas area as well as from PCCI Manila.

A Fellowship night was held on July 17, 2009 in which a Fashion SHow of the locally woven cloth "Hablon" displayed showcasing the works of renown coutourier, Poli Abastillos.

The 2nd day topics were more on Tourism that was discussed by the Vcie Chairman of PCCI, Mr. Samie Lim and the GTZ representative, Ms. Victoria Antonio.

VABC 2009 is one of the most successful area conferences hosted by the region.

ILOILO CCI GALING ILONGGO BUSINESSMEN AWARD

Eight exemplary Ilonggo businessmen will receive the GALING ILONGGO Award by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Inc. (CCIII) during the18th Visayas Area Business Conference to be held in Iloilo City from July 17-18, 2009. The awardees include Dr. Rogelio M. Florete, Sr. of Radyo Bombo, Phils., Edgar J. Sia of Mang Inasal, Rodolfo C. Tiu of Imperial Appliance Corporation, Marcelino M. Florete, Jr. of F&C Jewelry, Dr. Alfonso A. Uy of La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp., Arch. Johnny O. Que of Waffle Time, Angel De Leon of Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc. and Alejandro O. Que of Iloilo Supermart. The award will be given during the conference’s Fellowship Night on July 17 at the Kalantiao Hall of Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center.

Joe Marie Agriam, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo and publisher of CREAM Magazine, said that the eight businessmen are honored by the Iloilo Chamber for having exemplified Ilonggo ingenuity, tenacity, strength and power in business and industry. They have successfully established investments in several parts of Iloilo City and in other key cities of the country, employing skilled Ilonggo manpower. These men embody the indomitable Ilonggo entrepreneurial spirit vis-à-vis the bigger players in the industry.

The awarding ceremony will take place during the conference’s fellowship night on July 17 at the Kalantiao Hall of Sarabia Manor Hotel.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Inc. is an organization of local businessmen, established to promote trade and investments in Iloilo for the attainment of sustainable and equitable development. It is an affiliate of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the biggest business organization in the country and considered the voice of Philippine business.

The Visayas Area Business Conference is one of the five business conferences organized by PCCI in the country where regional business concerns are discussed and relevant area policy recommendations, strategies and plans of actions are formulated. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Iloilo Provincial Government are jointly hosting this year’s two-day conference.

VABC @ Iloilo City!

This year's Visayas Area Business Conference will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Iloilo City on July 17-18, 2009 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center.

VABC is a gathering of businessmen from the Visayas Area exchanging ideas on how to improve and facilitate concerns for the business sector and to be able to help sustain the economy of the region!

for further information, please call Iloilo Chamber and book your trip to Iloilo now!

PCCI Boracay Report for May 2009

Prepared by: Mr. David Goldberg
VP - Internal
Boracay Chamber/VI /Malay, Aklan
Covering the period May 1 to 31 2009

CHAMBER / REGION / AREA ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED
Boracay / VI / Malay, Aklan
May 5 - 7, 2009,
Participated and donated Sandcastles for the 20th Meier’s Weltreisen Far East Live Seminar (FELS), Shangri-la Boracay, Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Solid Waste Management Meeting with JICA and the LGU Malay,
9:00 am
Office of the Mayor, Malay, Aklan

Courtesy Call Meeting with Manila Water
11:30 am, Aria Restaurant, D’Mall Balabag, Malay, Aklan

Crisis Management and Contingency Planning for Boracay Island on May 19 – 21, 2009 at Boracay Regency Conference Hall, Balabag, Malay, Aklan

Meeting with the new GM of Fridays for introducing the Chamber and how it works, 3:00 pm, Fridays Resort, Balabag, Malay, Aklan

Executive Committee Meeting
May 22, 2009, 4:00 pm at Fridays Resort, Balabag, Malay, Aklan

CLUP Public Hearing
1:00 pm, Boracay Regency Function Room
Balabag, Malay, Aklan

CHAMBER / REGION / AREA
Boracay / VI / Malay, Aklan
PLAN ACTIVITIES

- War on Waste (WOW) Awards 2009
- Taxation Seminar
- Housekeeping Seminar
- Self Confidence and Costumer Service Workshop
- WWF ICEC Program

CHAMBER / REGION/ AREA
Boracay / VI / Malay, Aklan
CURRENT CONCERNS& PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

- Plastic Bag Reduction
* Coordinate with Mr. Restie Male for the proposal of the project

- Akelco Billing Price High
* Wait for the next bill and will discuss to the Board Meeting what to do for
sudden price high

- Result of Water Sampling for the whole island of Boracay
* Will set an appointment of meeting with the DENR Environment Management
Bureau 6 with regards to their findings

- Land Titling Issue
* Will get the Implementing Rules and Regulations at DENR Manila

- Manila Water Company Inc. will take over the management of Boracay Water and Sewerage System (BWSS)
* Will invite Manila Water for the General Membership Meeting for the members
to be aware of the plans, management and system to be offered by the same

- Website Scam
* Will inform the members that there is on going website scam using the name
of their respective resorts for reservation without any contract and their
knowledge

Metro Bacolod CCI Report for May 2009

METRO BACOLOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
REGION VI - WESTERN VISAYAS
Period Covering May 1-31, 2009

MBCCI meets with SPA Association of Negros Occidental

After the successful event organized by MBCCI “The 1st Negrense Beauty Health and Wellness Show held last April 23-26, 2009, the group of SPA operators and other health sectors met again with MBCCI to plan the second Wellness Show. The SPA Association is gratified to all the support and assistance extended by MBCCI.

Batch 4 of MBCCI Skills Training Program…Commence

MBCCI Vice-President and Training Director Frank Carbon gives lectures and orientation to more than 60, 4th Batch of Applicants to the MBCCI Free Skills Training Program

MBCCI and DOST Biodigester Project Turnover Ceremony with DOST Sec. Alabastro

MBCCI president Roberto Montelibano personally submitted to DOST Sec. Estrella Alabastro the portable biogas digester terminal report detailing its fabrication costs and proper use. This portable facility can help Bacolod City and Negros Occ. in its implementation of the solid waste management program. The portable biogas digester is an invention of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) characterized by airtight, oxygen free vessel, fed with organic material where the microbial digestion takes place to produce biogas.

May 23, 2009
Partnership of MBCCI and Negros Japan Human Resource Exchange Program (NJHREA) Last 23 May 2009, Nineteen Japanese arrived in Bacolod City, representing various large construction corporations in Japan. They are in Bacolod to supervise the selection of 30 trainees from Negros Occidental who will be brought to Japan to study Japanese state-of-the-art construction technology for three years. Through the partnership of MBCCI and NJHREA, hundreds of semiskilled workers from Negros Occidental had already been sent to Japan since the training program’s inception in Bacolod last 2002.

May 23, 2009
DBP Investment Forum
L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City
VP Frank Carbon attended the Investment Forum organized by Development Bank of the Phils. DBP presented various Projects and Financing Programs pertinent to different areas such as: Social Services, Environment, Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise and Infrastructure/Logistics as well.

Antique CCI Report for May 2009

Prepared by: FE M. OSORIO
SECRETARY
ANTIQUE CCI
Covering the period May 1-31, 2009


CHAMBER/REGION/AREA
ACTIVITES CONDUCTED

Antique CCI/VI/
Western Visayas
- Dinner Dialogue with Mayor Jejomar Binay
on Local Concerns and Development
(San Jose being the sister city of Makati) May 27, 2009
Kanyugan Restaurant


- Networking Skill Development Program
for Local Business Partners
ASHI Regional Training Center
May 28, 2009

CHAMBER/REGION/AREA
CURRENT CONCERNS

- Heavy Traffic on National Highway due
to the opening of Gaisano Mall.
Both sides of Highway was utilized as
Parking area of those that cant be
accommodated at designated parking areas.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
- Talk to Local officials for possible solutions

Capiz CCi report for May 2009

Prepared by: JONITH A. BLANCAVER
Exec. Director
CHCCI/PCCI Region VI
Covering the period May 1 to 30, 2009

CHAMBER / REGION / AREA
Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CHCCI)/
PCCI – Region VI /
Visayas Area

ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED


1.CHCCI with other business organizations in Roxas City, Capiz, welcomed the first ever, historic and the only flight from/to Cebu-Roxas-Cebu of Cebu Pacific Air’s ATR –72-500 on May 2, 2009. CHCCI President, Jose Nery Ong, was one of the prime movers for the business sector in Roxas City and Capiz province to pass a resolution requesting Cebu Pacific Airline to run a direct flight from/to Cebu-Roxas in order for airline passengers in this city/province no longer take 2-3 hour land travel to Iloilo to take a flight to Cebu. This resolution was favorably endorsed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Roxas City and the Sangguning Panlalawigan of Capiz. The flight is the first flight from Cebu to Panau Island (6:10 AM) flying 3 times a week (TThS).

2. CHCCI assisted the Capiz provincial Tourism Office in organizing the Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants association in the Province of Capiz in a meeting called last May 8, 2009 at the Hall of Governors, Provincial Capitol, Roxas City. Four (4) of the 7 elected officers of the Association of Resorts, Restaurants and Hotels of Capiz (ARRHC) are members of the joint chamber of commerce, while majority of the incorporators are also chamber members.

3. Recognizing the strong partnership of CHCCI with the City Government through its partnership undertaking in organizing and managing the Capiz Visitors and Convention Bureau, Inc., CHCCI Executive Director was tapped as a resource person during the Orientation-Seminar of Tricycle Drivers on May 8, 2009 at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, Roxas City. Mr. Blancaver discussed the topic Tourist-Friendly Transport System for one (1) hour to around 500 tricycle operators and drivers. CHCCI received another invitation as a regular resource person./ speaker on the same topic on the next batches. Roxas City has 3,500 tricycles more or less.

4. Last May 12, 2009, Roxas City celebrated is 58th Charter Anniversary. The Chamber with the CVCB was tasked by the City to welcome its guests at the Roxas Airport and assisted in their transfer from the airport to the hotel. CHCCI with the Roxas City Filipino-Chamber of Commerce joined the Job Fair assisting 5 of its member-companies in accepting and pre-screening applicants. Those who passed were then referred to the companies who participated. The joint Chamber was able to accept 15 pre-screened applicants whereby 4 were already hired. The participating companies are the Red Sun Restaurant, Facial Plus, San Antonio Resort and the Capiz Times. CVCB also searched for a Marketing Assistant through the joint Chamber table receiving 4 pre-screened applicants whereby one (1) is being considered for the position desired.

5. From May 15 – 30, CHCCI staff conducted a research on Local Revenue/Tax Code in Roxas City and its neighboring city/capital town (Kalibo, Aklan and Passi City, Iloilo). These materials will be used by the business organizations led by the joint Chambers of Commerce, to propose for the revision of the Roxas City Revenue Code. Local businessmen here are raising concerns that the 1997 local tax code of Roxas City is obsolete and that it needs to be updated. Earlier this year, the 2 chambers initiated a move to look into the provisions of the tax code especially the business tax rates, much more that the City will be implementing the new policy on computing business tax based on the businessman’s ITR computed by BIR. The City Executive welcomed the initiative of the Chambers and expressed support to the win-win proposal of the business sector to revise/update the Local Revenue Code of Roxas City.

CHAMBER/REGION/AREA
Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (CHCCI) /
PCCI- Region VI /
Visayas Area

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

1.Call for a joint Chamber meeting to present the research on Local Tax/Revenue Code from Kalibo, Aklan and from Passi City, Iloilo compared with the Roxas City Local Revenue Code of 1997, and consolidate inputs/comments from the members for inclusion to the proposal of the business sector for the revision/updating of the Local Revenue Code of the City of Roxas that is win-win to both the businessmen and the City.

2.Participate in the reorganization of the Peace and Order Council of the City of Roxas. CHCCI President was invited by the City Mayor, Hon. Vicente B. Bermejo, as one of the members of the Council, for a reorganization meeting next month.

3.Call for a general membership meeting as soon as CHCCI president arrives from his US Rotary International-sponsored exchange visit, to discuss revision of the name of CHCCI to PCCI-Capiz, and to hear the a privilege speech of the CHCCI president.

4.Participate in partnership projects/programs/ activities with the City and the Province on its forthcoming big events i.e. National Indigenous People’s Month to be held in Roxas City in October 2009.

CHAMBER/REGION/ AREA
CHCCI/Region VI/Visayas

CURRENT CONCERNS PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

1. Obsolete City Local Revenue Code of 1997

- Propose revision/ updating though research and consultative meetings with the members and the City Government,and lobby for the revisions/ updating of the Local Revenue Code of the City of Roxas that is win-win to the City and the business sector.
2.Amendment of the name of Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Capiz.

- Call for a board meeting to discuss the amendment and when approved,process/submit necessary documents to PCCI National thru PCCI Region

PCCI Aklan Report for May 2009

Prepared by: NIÑA JOY DE JUAN
AKLAN CCI/ VI/WV Secretariat
Covering the period May 1-31, 2009

CHAMBER/REGION/AREA
PCCI Aklan/ Region 6/

ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED
National Competitiveness Council Workshop
Western Visayas, May 19, 2009
Aklan Sampaguita Gardens

CHAMBER/REGION/AREA
PCCI Aklan/Region 6/
Western Visayas

PLANNED ACTIVITIES
PCCI Aklan/Region 6/
Western Visayas

General Assembly Meeting
June 9, 2009

Customer Service Seminar Workshop
June 29—30, 2009

Forum With Local Businessmen on the
Continuous increase in Power Rates
June 15, 2009

CHAMBER/REGION/AREA
CCI Aklan/Region 6/
Western Visayas

CURRENT CONCERNS PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
1. Problems on terminated Employees

- Prepare a database for Employees distribution to all chamber members

PCCI Aklan/Region 6/
Western Visayas

2. Problems on Bouncing check Issuances

- Prepare a database for distribution to all members

1st Negrense, Beauty, Health and Wellness Show a Success

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) and the SPA Association of Negros Occidental (SPAN) in coordination with the Office of Council Jocelle Batapa-Sigue had successfully organized the 1st Negrense, Beauty, Health and Wellness Show held last April 23 to 26, 2009 at Robinsons Place Bacolod. This was officially recognized as a part of activities during the Panaad Festival 2009, the event was participated by 25 exhibitors from various SPA clinics and Beauty / Health shops.

Moreover, the show involved Educational Conferences, actual Health and Beauty Demonstrations and series of presentations and talks. Inspiring messages was delivered by our Health and Beauty experts, Hon. Cynthia Lazo- Director of Sports and Wellness Tourism, Department of Tourism and Ms. Marjorie Lopinco President of Spa Association of the Philippines. The event served the public as a venue for awareness and information.

The event contributed a great deal to Health and Beauty business, wherein it boosted up their clientele and they started to hire additional workforce and develop new strategies to be more competitive.

Iloilo Chamber hosts VABC '09

The Visayas Area Business Conference is an annual activity bringing together more than 200 hundred businessmen from all over the Visayas area!

This years VABC with the theme One Visayas: Regional Economic Development the Key to Progress.
will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Iloilo on 17-18 July 2009 at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City!

The Regional Governor's office of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Region VI encourages participation and attendance from its local chamber officers and members to be able to establish camaraderie and business networks with other chambers in the area.

For your inquires, you may contact the following:

Mr. Joemarie Agriam
President
CCCI of Iloilo
Tel (033) 329 4532
Mobile 09088632887

PCCI Regional Governor's Office
Kalibo, Aklan
Telephone (036) 268 5425/500 8567
Look for Rhoda

Attend this annual conference and be part of the economic development of Visayas!

Iloilo Chamber signs MOA with Iloilo Provincial Government

The Iloilo Provincial Government headed by Governor Niel Tupas and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Inc. led by President Joe Marie Agriam signed a Memo of Agreement to host the 18th Visayas Area Business Conference on July 17-18, 2009 to be held in Iloilo City . Some 200 businessmen from seventeen (17) PCCI chapters in the Visayas are expected to attend the two-day conference with a theme, One Visayas: Regional Economic Development the Key to Progress.

PCCI Aklan once again hosts Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo!

One of the highlights during the Anniversary of the Province of Aklan is the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo. The activity is a week Festival of foods and delicacies produced by local food producers and establishments.

Watch out for live bands and programs nightly!

Iloilo Chamber meets with South African Ambassador

South Africa Ambassador, His Excellency Peter Vermeulen and Mrs. Chrisna Vermeulen together with Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Iloilo officers headed by the active President, Mr. Joe Marie Agriam

Boracay is not Bora!

Bora Bora island is located northwest of Tahiti — and it’s not the same as our very own Boracay.

"What’s one more syllable to pronounce?" says island business group, Boracay Chamber of Commerce (BCCI), on the use of most Filipinos in referring to the renowned Boracay island as "Bora".

The Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay to pass an ordinance banning the use of the word "Bora" in all promotional and advertisement materials.

"It is, indeed, a common mistake that has to be quickly rectified, before it is too late," they emphatically pointed out.

The Chamber said the corruption of the name of Boracay for promotional and advertising is bad for businesses.

"Boracay is also part of the Aklanons’ cultural heritage and it has always been the name of the island. Changing it to ‘Bora’ is like replacing ‘Filipino’ with ‘flip’ which is a derogatory term for Filipinos in the US," the group said.

BCCI noted that tourism industry is facing tremendous challenges with the word "Bora" in programs, events, shows, and other activities in the island.

It stressed that the government spent millions of dollars promoting Boracay as an international tourist hub through years of steady promotion and advertising campaign.

"Boracay will never be Bora. Bora Bora is an island in the French Polynesia, and if travelers will use ‘Bora’ to search they will likely find websites promoting Bora-bora and not Boracay," the group said.

About 65 percent of the visitors who enjoyed the powdery white sand of Boracay last year were Koreans.

The chamber was a recipient of the "Most Outstanding Young Chamber Award" by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its active involvement in ecological solid waste management and environmental protection.

Boracay VS. Bora

Bora Bora island is located northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands. The warm shallow water of Bora Bora’s lagoon is world famous for its unspoilt beauty. And much like our very own Boracay, it also boasts of an unbroken expanse of warm, white sand surrounding the island.

Bora Bora has top luxury hotels and waterfront bungalows. For budget vacations, Bora Bora has pensions and camping on the island. The island’s other attractions include World War II cannons and bunkers, The Lagoonarium and Aquasafari.

Meanwhile, Boracay was recently listed by The Wall Street Journal, one of the world’s leading business publications, as one of the "hit" destinations in the world. In the article "The Search for the Next Hot Spot", it highlighted Boracay as a "regional vacation reinvented for luxury seekers."

The Wall Street Journal cited international travel scouts and people in the tourism industry, hailing Boracay for its exotic sights and famed white sand beaches.

The list was selected by a group of travel industry experts referred to in the WSJ article as "cool hunters" who spend their time "crisscrossing the globe in search of unspoiled beaches, great food and natural, historic, or cultural sites few tourists ever see."

Boracay is located in Aklan province 345 kms. South of Manila. The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan airport or Kalibo airport.

Antique, Iloilo & Guimaras CCI Meets

To discuss the new policies and guidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, local chamber chapters from Antique, Iloilo and Guimaras meet last March 14, 2009 at the Roca Encantada Hall, Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City.

Mr. Guidon I. Dela Cruz, Regional Governor of PCCI Western Visayas discussed the following:

- Membership database
- New Policies Defining Membership Status
- Aligning of By-Laws
- Terms of reference for regional Governors
- VABC - Jul 24-26, 2009 (Host: Iloilo Chamber)

Attendees were the following:

- Mr. Joe Marie Agriam - President, Iloilo Chamber
- Mr. Jaime Sequio - President, Guimaras Chamber
- Mrs. Rebecca Pe - President, Antique Chamber
- Ms. Valerie Maravilla - VP Internal, Iloilo Chamber
- Mr. Wilson Jesena - VP External, Iloilo Chamber
- Ms. Ana Marie Gomez - secretary, Iloilo Chamber
- Mr. Vicente Lagunday, VP Antique Chamber
- Cherry Roberislo - Secretariat, Iloilo Chamber

All Attendees had a good grasp of this new guidelines and has given their full support to the regional office.

A sumptuous lunch ended the activity at the Roca Engkantada Hall, Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City

PCCI Capiz, Aklan & Boracay meets

Last March 11, 2009, Officers and staff of the Local Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Aklan, Capiz and Boracay had a meeting at Bread & Butter Bakery Cafe to discuss the following:

1. Aligning of By-Laws
2. Guidelines for Membership Status
3. Terms of Reference for regional Governors
5. Duties and Functions of Chamber members and board of directors
6. VABC 2009

The attendees were the following:
Guidon I. dela Cruz - Regional Governor, PCCI Western Visayas
Jose Larry Barbasa - President, PCCI Aklan
Jose Nery Ong - Presidet, Capiz Halaran Chamber
Jose Mari Aldecoa - VP for Bus. Dev't., PCCI Aklan
Alberto Aborka Jr.- Board member, PCCI Aklan
Leonardo Agopitac - secretary, PCCI Aklan
Jonith Blancaver - Executive Director, Capiz Halaran Chamber
Niña Joy De Juan - Staff, PCCI Aklan
Gemma Ratay - Staff, Boracay

Earth Hour 2009

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will once again join the nations around the world in a symbolic event to create awareness of climate change and global warming. Earth Hour will take place on Saturday, 28 March 2009 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM throughout the Philippines.

In this regard, may we enjoin you to take part in this global hour of action by turning-off or reducing the lights and appliances in your offices and products billboards and requesting your employees to do the same in their homes.

By participating in this simple act, for just one hour, a strong message is delivered to the world about the urgent need to address climate change, and shows that it is possible for everyone to make a difference.

MR Edgardo Lacson
PCCI President

PCCI Regional Planning Workshop

PCCI conduct the annual regional planning workhop for the Regional Governor last February 16, 2009 at Makati, Metro Manila. Conducted by the PCCI Secretary General, various advocacy, issues and concern were discuss including PCCI election system, amended By-Laws and Terms of Reference of the Regional Governor, etc. The meeting was attended by PCCI President Ed Lacson, Ambassador Donald Dee and PCCI Regional Governor from all over the country.

Visayas Chamber Management Program

PCCI and AOTS of Japan conducted a Chamber Management Program for Local Chamber of Commerce in the Visayas last February 2-3, 2009 at Cebu City, Philippines. The representative from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce presented the various chamber management experience and best practices in Japan. Together with other chamber officials and staff from Visayas, Iloilo Chamber, Metro Bacolod Chamber and Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber were present during this program.

VABC '09 Hosting

Another year has once again pass and were off to face 2009 with courage and determination of making our local chambers in the region a much better one!

The bidding for the hosting of the Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC)is now open for any chamber in the Visayas region. The conference should be held within the month of June to September this year.

The criteria are as follows:
- Adequate Hotel Accommodation
- Spacious Convention Center or Hall that can accommodate at least 300-350 delegates. - The convention center/hall must have 2-3 small function rooms for break-up
sessions.
- Accessible by air, sea and land transportation to all delegates coming from
different region, provinces and cities.
- Adequate transport facilities such as Tourist Buses, Computers, Vans, etc.

Submit your formal letter of Intent to Phil. Chamber of Commerce & Industry through our Area Vice president, Mr. Jose T. Ng for proper approval not later than the 1st week of February 2009.

Should you need further information, feel free to call the PCCI Western Visayas Regional Governor's office at (036) 500 8567/268 5425 or send an e-mail to jie_jra@yahoo.com or log on to www.pcciwesternvisayas.blogspot.com.

PCCI-Aklan joins Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2009

The Officers, member and employees of member companies of the PCCI-Aklan join the street dancing on the occasion of the annual Kalibo Ati-Atihan in honor of the Sto. Nino. Together with the DTI-Aklan employee, and other organization, PCCI-Aklan shows its presence during this annual festival. Product Showcase Trade Show was also held in Pastrana Park, Kalibo, Aklan.

DTI Aklan holds Kalibo Ato. Niño Ati-Atihan Product Showcase 2009

the Municipality of Kalibo will be celebrating once again the world renown Sto Niño Ati-Atihan Festival on January 12-18, 2009.

One of the festival's highlight is an exhibit showcasing Aklan's unique indigenous abaca, piña, rafia cloths and crafts, gifts, houewares and furnishings and the newly developed products and labeling deigns on processed food that will be opened on January 12, 2:00 pm at the Kalibo Pastrana Park.

Several local producers ad food processors took this as an opportunity to promote and market their own products since Kalibo Ati-Atihan is one event that will eventually be attended by devotees and balikbayans.