THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will highlight and push for a “Digital Cebu” during the Cebu Business Month (CBM) in June 2016. The theme was announced during the turnover of the CBM chairmanship from Francis Dy to Christian Paro-an in December.
Digital Cebu, Paro-an said in his speech, “is both a statement of fact and a rallying call.”
“Cebu is at the forefront of using technology to boost business. We are among the top locations for ICT and BPM companies. But we should not be complacent. Digital Cebu is also a rallying call: we need to harness digital technologies to boost our businesses and keep our edge,” Paro-an said.
“Investing in programs on digital technology is no longer just an option. It is the only option. It is time to rethink business processes…in order to survive and thrive,” said Paro-an of RC Goldline. He speaks from experience. RC Goldline has recorded strong growth and started expanding in areas outside of Cebu.
Paro-an stressed the importance of encouraging small and medium enterprises, which comprise the biggest share of businesses in Cebu and the rest of the country, to tap digital and mobile technologies. He said it was important that they go digital in order to be globally competitive.
CCCI is also tapping mobile to help spread word about CBM. The chamber and InnoPub Media (disclosure: my wife and I own the company and we are helping CBM organizers) have updated the Cebu Business Month app to serve as conference guide and information resource about Cebu business. The Android version of the app is already available for download. The version for iOS is still awaiting review for listing on the app store.
Paro-an said CBM organizers will be holding regular raffles with prizes that include phones and other gadgets through the app. During his turnover, CBM used app notifications to raffle off phones.
The CBM app, Paro-an said, will feature updates on CBM and stories about Cebu businesses and entrepreneurs, even in the months leading to the event.
In discussions on the event, Paro-an said he wants to bridge traditional businesses with digital technology in order for Cebu to maintain its business competitiveness. He also said he wants to create a loud buzz on CBM by holding regular events even in the months leading to June.
(max@limpag.com)