Businesses in Toledo City, Cebu, are poised for a significant uplift as a new local chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) enters its formative stage. This initiative aims to strengthen coordination between the private sector and local government, attract more investors, and create a more robust environment for enterprise growth.
A Unified Platform for Toledo's Business Community
The foundational step was marked by an orientation meeting held recently, which gathered more than 20 industry players and business locators. The assembly focused on defining the new chapter's structure, setting its initial priorities, and establishing an interim leadership team. The chapter is designed to serve as a unified voice for local enterprises, assisting them with regulatory compliance, fostering innovation, and creating formal channels for dialogue with government bodies and potential investors.
The meeting saw participation from key city and regional figures, including Toledo City Mayor Marjorie “Joie” Perales and Councilor Jeffrey Borja. From the PCCI, notable attendees were Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Visayas and incoming director Melanie Ng, Regional Governor for Western Visayas and incoming AVP Jobert Peñaflorida, and incoming PCCI regional governor for Region 7 Felix Taguiam. CCCI Executive Director Joy Lorena Segismar was also present.
Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Interim officers will oversee the chapter's initial development, which includes expanding membership, building partnerships among local firms, and establishing those crucial links with government agencies. The PCCI has stated that the Toledo City Chapter will concentrate on policies that promote sustainable growth and enhance the city's investment readiness.
Mayor Perales emphasized that the chamber will reinforce the city's drive to be more business-friendly, providing a stronger platform for collaboration within the local commercial community. Councilor Borja highlighted the importance of this formative period, noting it is critical for building a solid foundation that will support a resilient and sustainable business ecosystem in Toledo.
Positioning Toledo as a Central Visayas Investment Hub
With its strategic port access, expanding industrial base, and proactive local government, Toledo City is strategically leveraging the new PCCI chapter as a key driver for economic expansion and innovation in the area. The move is expected to significantly improve the city's investment climate, positioning it as a more competitive destination within Central Visayas.
The creation of the PCCI Toledo City Chapter marks a pivotal moment for local economic development, signaling a coordinated push to harness the city's full potential through enhanced private-public partnership and focused investor engagement.
