THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is expanding its footprint in the Visayas with the formation of PCCI Lapu-Lapu City.
More than 20 companies signed up as founding members, while a core group of industry leaders was appointed to serve as the chamber’s interim board. The meeting held last July 30, 2025, was hosted by Aboitiz InfraCapital and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, with Aboitiz InfraCapital chief executive officer Cosette Canilao and executive Anthony Noel leading the initiative.
Melanie Ng, PCCI area vice president for the Visayas, stressed the significance of establishing a formal chamber in Lapu-Lapu City, which has long lacked an active PCCI presence.
“Lapu-Lapu City has a vibrant economy and deeply committed stakeholders. PCCI Lapu-Lapu City can now bring them together as one voice of business, working hand in hand with the local government and national agencies to unlock more opportunities and development,” Ng said.
Ng also thanked Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan for her strong support in organizing the chamber, noting that her administration’s openness to collaboration bodes well for future partnerships.
“The power of partnership and collaboration will most certainly help businesses thrive and prosper, especially as the city gears up to co-host the Asean Summit in 2026,” Ng added.
Participants expressed enthusiasm over the chamber’s formation, citing the need for a unified platform to address business concerns, strengthen networks and advance advocacy and services in the area. The previous chamber in Lapu-Lapu ceased operations more than 15 years ago.
Under PCCI guidelines, new chambers are encouraged to carry the “PCCI” prefix before the city or province name upon affiliation. PCCI Lapu-Lapu City is the first in Cebu to adopt this.
According to Ng, several new chambers are also being organized across the Visayas, in line with PCCI’s push to bring business representation closer to local communities. / KOC