IN BLACK tie and evening gowns, Davao’s leading businessmen, traders, industrialists and agriculturists, local government officials, and foreign dignitaries had a good reason to dress up and celebrate. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) was celebrating a milestone. It’s the chamber’s 50th year anniversary this year and Art Millan, the current president, welcomed everyone to the grand affair.

Back in the 60’s when Davao was turning into a progressive city, a group of young businessmen came up with the idea of organizing an active and dynamic business organization. In 1968, the vision materialized and a Security and Exchange Commission-registered DCCCII was founded. It was the birth of “the sole and the strongest voice of the business community in Davao City.”

The chamber’s pioneering group was composed of 61 all-Filipino businessmen and installed its first officers: Ramon A. Tirol, president; Leon M. Garcia, Jr., vice president; Honesto A. Cabarroguis, secretary; Jose C. Sevilla, treasurer; Jose B. Custodio, PRO; and directors Juan Bosquit, Honorio S. Hilario, Edmundo N. Madrazo and Rodolfo P. del Rosario. It was during the same night’s induction that DCCCII’s Charter of Affiliation was presented to the CCP.

Today, the chamber’s membership has grown to about 300 businessmen and firms, and its role in shaping the city’s economic landscape is more crucial now than ever.

Present at the 50th anniversary gala were Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Davao City government officials, the presidents of the country’s various chambers of commerce, consular officers, DCCCII’s council of past presidents, current officers and members.

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