Tuesday, March 04, 2008 Espina: Awards and more By Mila C. Espina in my diary
CCCI AT 95. It was a dramatic way of saying goodbye, at least for now, when Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) outgoing president Francis Monera delivered his valedictory address during the CCCI general membership and elections held at the Casino Español. Applauded many times in-between his speech, Monera gave us an overview of what CCCI accomplished for the past two years, foremost of which were the initial drafting of making Cebu an ecozone; and sustaining advocacy projects in environment, entrepreneurship, education and governance. He announced proudly how tourism and ict gained an international mileage through last year’s Cebu Business Month (CBM) chaired by Consul Samuel Chioson. Furthermore, he took pride of the sustaining support given by the Province and City of Cebu, and the hands-on involvement of some government agencies, specifically, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry. Although he said he was "fading out like the sunset" in some CCCI projects, he sees his new position as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry regional officer as the channel to help follow–up some projects needing regional and national assistance.
As a leader, Monera was focused and determined. He believed in collective management. His time-essence proved useful in combining his tough job as president of the Cebu Holdings and CCCI president, not to mention his other chairmanship of huge projects with the Ayalas. Well, I can name the other CCCI presidents who really made a lasting mark in the business world.The values and legal mind of Jun Muntuerto, the ability to understand the sensibilities of his peers by Joe Ng, the indefatigability of Gerry Sta. Ana, Raul del Mar, Francisco Benedicto,Carlos Co, Robert Go and Philip Tionko; the brilliant minds of Danny Deen, Hernan Streegan, Dr. Efren Valiente and Ben Dapat influenced my perspectives on how to manage some projects I chaired in CCCI. Among the new breed of leaders, we see the potentials of Tess Chan, Ted Locson, Melanie Ng, Edward Gaisano and Jay Aldeguer as the stewards of CCCI. The CBM chairmanship was at its best with the chairmanship of Sam Chioson, Boni Sia and Lito Fruelda. The rest of the past officers did their tasks well and CCCI wouldn’t be a hall of famer without them and the entire membership.
Soon, CCCI will celebrate its 100 years of existence, exploration, experience and expertise which it shared with its immediate community and snowballed into bigger and more meaningful dimensions. Five more years, and so many good things will prosper. CCCI at 95! So much fun and learning.
CELEBRATIONS
Delfin and Marilou Ordoñez, son Delfin III and other relatives, selected family friends and clients as well as partners in the travel industry celebrated Delmar Travel’s 30th anniversary with a mass celebrated by Father Dan de los Angeles, followed by dinner, then an informal program at the Casino Espanol. I enjoyed the program because my friend Marilou spoke from her soul as she recognized her loyal and efficient staff and stockholders. She engaged her faithful passengers in a very hearty sharing of travel experiences dating back to the 80’s to the present. Wow! They really traveled via Delmar con mucho gusto. After all, Marilou or Delfin saw to it that the religious pilgrimages Delmar was famous for were really inspiring and fun at the same time.
MODEL TEACHERS
The awarding rites of the Model Teachers, sponsored by the Victor Uy Foundation, was very successful because the principals, supervisors and relatives of the awardees came to applaud all the achievers. Nonie Uy happily announced that the next big project of the foundation is to identify a community which will be the focus of assistance where the teachers could still share their time and skills. We look forward to this new venture and will keep you posted when data are already available.
REMEMBERING DON VICENTE RAMA
The Don Vicente Rama Lecture brought so many teachers and students together to recall the virtues and achievements of the Father of Cebu’s Charter Day, the government and writer who served his constituents faithfully, and situate him in the present scenario where honest and committed public servants are badly needed. Councilor Edu Rama and Mikel Rama stood proudly as they extolled the endearing traits of Nyor Inting.
