FOR 23-year-old Janice Paglinawan, marketing director of Agriko Multi-Trade and Enterprise Corp., joining the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will help her get ahead.
“We really see the potential in the network of CCCI. And they’re really welcoming to the small businesses because we have a say in what goes on in the business industry,” she told SunStar Cebu.
Agriko Multi-Trade and Enterprise Corp. was one of 42 new businesses that joined the CCCI.
Paglinawan said that the mentorship between big businesses and the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was what pushed them to join the chamber.
“This is a great platform and the atmosphere of people where we can say what we’re interested in and we can just link with who the suppliers are. CCCI is very inclusive and they really welcome creators, small business...that’s why we’re really interested,” she said.
Paglinawan’s business consists of organic products like 5-in-1 tea powder made from organic ingredients grown on a 10-hectare farm in Zamboanga del Sur.
Alfred Reyes, vice president of operations and general manager of Bai Hotel, said that the diverse businesses under CCCI would help their hotel.
“Normally, when you’re working in the hospitality industry, we have to work closely with other industries also,” he said.
Reyes said that they saw the accomplishments of CCCI throughout the years and praised the leaders of the association, especially in helping tragedy-stricken communities like the City of Naga, where more than 70 residents were killed in a massive landslide.
“CCCI has a very good program in trainings, in socials and some other things they normally do, they’re good at. They’re composed of leaders who are also experienced. They know what they’re doing,” he said.
Felix Taguiam, CCCI vice president for membership development, said CCCI has almost 750 members.
Taguiam said that they continue to grow despite the escalating prices of goods and services. He believes the connections gained from being a member will help businesses overcome challenges.
“Even now, I would say that being a member of the Cebu Chamber is a must. More so because of the networking from suppliers, food chains, logistics, supply chain and everything. By being a member, you can correlate with everybody,” he said.
He said that even if members come and go, CCCI sees to it that those that remain are active members.
“We don’t like members that just keep on paying dues and that’s it. No. We want good and really involved members,” he said.
The CCCI held its general membership meeting and induction of new members last Wednesday at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. (JOB)