Monday, August 04, 2008 Capitol to hold One Cebu expo yearly
CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia announced Friday that the Provincial Government will create an office that will oversee the Mandaue City-based trade exposition “One Cebu” or the Obra-Negosyo Expo-Cebu Economic Enterprise Uplifting program.
The governor said she wants to make One Cebu an annual international trade exposition.
This year’s trade exposition, designed to showcase the best of Cebu and its neighboring provinces in the Visayas, is slated on Aug. 8 to 15.
It will also feature training sessions and demos designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills and market linkages, especially for the province’s constituents.
The governor met yesterday with business leaders for the launching of One Cebu, which is part of the Mandaue Business Month 2008 celebration in August.
“One Cebu is all about a public-private sector partnership to promote Cebu Province,” said Garcia.
Showcase products
Enrison Benedicto, One Cebu overall chairperson, said the trade expo is a rare occasion where both private and public sectors will showcase the best of Cebu.
“We are very overwhelmed that there is a partnership between private and public sectors. For the first time, Cebu chambers are one. This is the first time that everyone is working towards the same vision to showcase their products,” said Benedicto.
Cebu Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale has suggested that a parallel organization be created to take charge of the publicity and marketing of One Cebu.
Dawnie Roa, director of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas, urged business owners to push promo rates in hotels and resorts so that local and foreign tourists would be encouraged to visit Mandaue City during its Business Month.
At least P10 million has been allotted for the celebration, with the Province pledging P2 million for the event.
The Mandaue City Government also pledged P1 million for the activity.
The celebration will coincide with the Capitol’s 439th founding anniversary celebration on Aug. 6. (GMD)
