SPANNING six months, from July to December of this year, Cebu Business Months (CBM) 2023 will feature a series of activities aimed at promoting regional development, introducing new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and highlighting entrepreneurship in Cebu.
Business leaders and members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) gathered at SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties, Cebu City on Wednesday night, July 5, for the opening salvo of CBM’s 27th edition.
The months-long business activity, which carries the theme “Cebu 'ta Bai! Moving forward and Shaping the Future,” has four sectors, namely tourism, entrepreneurship, technology, and creative entertainment.
The sectors will hold events and discussions on tourism, regenerative tourism, product development, artificial intelligence, startups, leadership, and corporate innovation. It also aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and improve the livelihoods of local artists.
CCCI president Charles Kenneth Co said CMB 2023 “aims to highlight regional development by inspiring and motivating through impactful stories while introducing new tourism programs and interventions.
"Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of every Cebuano,” he said.
The overall chairman of CBM 2023 is John Paul “JP” Chiongbian, who said that their goal is to maintain Cebu’s entrepreneurial spirit and position Cebu in the global arena by embracing AI.
“To position Cebu in the global arena in this digital age of technology, start-ups, and A.I. while promoting authentic destinations and stamping our local food culture and elevating creative artists, anime, film, animation, gaming, and content creators while maintaining a purposeful and conscientious approach in doing business while supporting our MSME's which is the cornerstone of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry the voice of Cebu's business industries now on its 120th year," said Chongbian.
"The CBM on its 27th year with the theme "Cebu 'ta Bai" reaffirms the Cebuanos' resilience and bayanihan spirit in paving the way to a new and progressive tomorrow for our home, Cebu!” he added.
Tourism
On the tourism sector, Chiongbian said it is one of the key drivers in Cebu’s economy.
“We want to promote authentic destinations and food stamping our local cuisines,” he said.
In the coming months, CBM participants will attend various tourism-based events, including the Tourism Congress, Safari Adventure Race, Golf Tournament and Cebu Food Congress.
These events will be led by tourism chairperson Cathleen “Kate” Anzani.
Technology
Explaining why businesses must adopt technology, Chiongban’s avatar or the digital representation of himself appeared on screen and told the audience: “Technology will support and promote startups.
We’ll be showcasing smart homes, offices, and personal spaces.” Chiongban’s avatar was just made in five minutes. Artificial intelligence refers to computer programs or algorithms that can imitate cognitive processes such as problem-solving and simulate human intelligence.
Under the leadership of Information and Communication Technology and Business Process Management chairman Ryan Tan Yu, CBM’s Innovation and Technology for All 2023 will be providing immersive experiences, learning opportunities, and networking platforms.
The collaboration with technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators will enable participants to explore, learn, and connect through various activities such as panel discussions, programs, pitching sessions, and demos.
Entrepreneurship
Leading the entrepreneurship committee is Anne Gretchen Choa, vice president of the Camden Trading Corp.
The theme for the entrepreneurship sector is “creating conscious and purposeful collaborations,” focusing on establishing connections and collaborations, driving and celebrating innovations, and fostering community and mentorship.
The aim is to make business decisions that not only lead to profits but also prioritize sustainability.
The committee will concentrate on MSMEs, which are the fundamental pillar of Cebu’s economy. It strives to create business decisions that not only generate profits but also promote sustainability.
According to the CBM leadership, it is crucial to protect the players in the food ecosystem, including SMEs, startups, and proprietors of home-based businesses.
Creative entertainment
The creative entertainment sector, led by Lawrence Po Panganiban, aims to showcase prominent artists and writers who will share their wisdom and insights on how to enhance the local artists of Cebu.
Before the opening salvo ended, CCCI officials went on stage and touched the screen to signal the start of CBM 2023. (UP CEBU INTERN CHRYS CHELSEA BERNALES & CNU INTERN CLAUDINE FLORES)