MCCI honors core leaders, ex-presidents

FROM just 16 members that hoped to revitalize the group in 2004, the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has now grown to 200 members.

To celebrate its 45th anniversary, the MCCI honored a core group of business leaders who supported the organization and its past presidents last Wednesday night.

First founded by Norberto Quisumbing in 1965, the MCCI has seen nine presidents and was recently awarded most outstanding chamber in the Visayas by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the third straight year.

Awarded were Quisumbing, represented by his grandson Jon Erik Quisumbing, Ambassador Frank Benedicto, represented by Benedicto College vice president Kenneth Huan, Benjamin Yapjoco, Juan Sala, Hilario Ramirez, Elberto Emphasis, Jeruel Roa and Emmanuel Calalang.

Also recognized for their support of the chamber were Albino Gothong of AD Gothong Manufacturing Corp., Jack Gaisano of Vicsal Development Corp., Benson Dakay of Shemberg Corp., Daniel Ong of Treasure Island Industrial Corp., Justin Uy of Profood International, Mastercraft Philippines, Dr. Avelino de Manuel of Universal Feed Mill, Eduard Ngo of Dynamic Castings, Ramon Dakay of Green Coil Industries Inc., Quisumbing of Norkis Group of Companies and Richard Uy of First Consolidated Bank.

MCCI President Eric Ng Mendoza thanked their benefactors and hoped the group will continue to be active to celebrate its golden year.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes recognized the group’s efforts, saying they have worked together to get more investors to pour their investments in the city.

He also said that Mandaue City’s economy would not have reached the level that is in today if not for the MCCI.

“The business sector is a very important pillar of our economy,” he said during the celebration.

For her part, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that long before public-private partnership (PPP) became a national policy, that kind of partnership was “alive and well” between the MCCI, Cebu Provincial Government and the Mandaue City Government.

“We can show that here in Cebu, it can be done,” the governor said.

MCCI also honored Stanley Go, who chaired the Mandaue Business Movement 2010, despite his initial hesitation. The Mandaue Business Movement was highlighted by the My Business Idol contest for business students and the Business and Sustainability Summit.