Wednesday, March 07, 2007 Trade official airs concern about DCCCI's severance from PCCI By Carlo P. Mallo
TRADE and Industry Secretary Peter Favila expressed his concern over the possible effects that the disaffiliation of the local Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) with the national Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) might have on the local economic growth.
Favila said the continuous dispute between the two parties is not healthy for the local businesses.
The Davao City chamber disaffiliated from PCCI after the latter reorganized the regions in Mindanao allegedly without consulting the local chamber.
According to Favila, he would be willing to bridge the gap between the warring parties. "Open dialogue between the two sides would be substantial for the reconciliation of the two parties," Favila said.
"I can mediate on the problems confronting the relationship of the two chambers," Favila said last Friday. The trade secretary was in the city for the economic briefing.
Favila added that he encourages both parties to reach out to one another.
He also said the parties involved should not let their emotions get in the way.
"I would like to appeal to the leaders of the two chambers to return to the negotiating table," Favila said.
Favila was surprised to learn that the Davao City chamber had disaffiliated from PCCI late last year.
He admitted that he has heard of problems plaguing the relationship of the two but has not thought that the local chambers would actually severe ties.
