THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is set to forge new alliances this year to address critical gaps and challenges in Cebu’s key sectors.
This initiative follows the creation of a dedicated group to promote Cebu’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) sector, which has been identified as a priority for the region’s economic growth.
Under the LEAD 2.0 (Lift off the Cebu brand for business and investments, Engage the whole business community, Activate partnership and Develop ecosystem for innovation and creativity) agenda, CCCI president Jay Yuvallos outlined plans to establish alliances in the academe, utilities, sustainability and trade and logistics sectors.
“We have a LEAD 2.0 for this year. The acronym expanded and we added A-MUST, an acronym and call to action… These are the alliances that we are going to lead because these are the important sectors for growth in our economy,” Yuvallos said on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.
A key priority is creating an academe-industry alliance to align Cebu’s educational output with the current demands of the workforce. “We graduate roughly 40,000 students annually. We need to ensure that their courses are aligned with the needs of the industry,” said Yuvallos.
The chamber also aims to create a utilities alliance to address pressing issues related to power, water and internet connectivity. Yuvallos said that initial meetings with power stakeholders have already taken place, with discussions with water and internet providers to follow soon.
“This alliance will broaden the stakeholder base and pave the way for forward-looking solutions,” he added.
Another focus area is the formation of an alliance dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Yuvallos said this alliance will help ensure the protection of Cebu’s natural resources amid ongoing economic growth.
Given Cebu’s role as a trade hub and gateway, CCCI also plans to create a trade and logistics alliance to address supply chain issues and improve the efficiency of goods movement in the island.
“It is essential that we continue to engage in open and collaborative dialogues because ideas and partnerships will shape not only the next phase of our economic development but also help us to better address the evolving challenges of the global economy,” he said.
Strategic planning
Earlier this year, CCCI conducted a strategic planning session with major stakeholders in the Mice sector, attended by the hospitality, airlines and tour operators players. “We cast a new vision for the Mice industry in Cebu to elevate and sustain the city as a world-class Mice destination,” Yuvallos said.
The Mice initiative serves as a model for the broader alliance-building strategy the chamber is pursuing. “This is just one example of the alliances we are creating to ensure Cebu’s competitiveness and growth,” Yuvallos added.
Through these alliances, the CCCI said it aims to build stronger collaboration among stakeholders, develop innovative solutions and position Cebu as a sustainable and world-class destination for business and trade. / KOC