The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has announced the success of the Adopt-A-Chamber Program during the opening of the two-day North Luzon Area Business Conference in Balanga City, Bataan on Thursday, June 19.
The Adopt-A-Chamber Program, a concept program piloted in 2024, was implemented by select chambers in Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, Tarlac, Metro Olongapo, Bataan, and Western Pangasinan which are under PCCI North Luzon.
Under the program, well-established mentor chambers were matched with smaller chambers that needed support in governance, advocacy development, membership growth, and operations.
“When we launched the initiative in Isabela last year, we had a clear goal to strengthen the network of local chambers by building meaningful partnerships between more experienced chambers and those that are still finding their footing. And we believed then as we do now, that the most effective way to build strong institutions is through collaboration and shared learning,” Philippine Chamber Development Institute Vice President Rene Romero said.
Romero was joined by PCCI NL Area President Maria Amalia T. Cayanan and Bulacan CCOI Corina Tengco-Bautista in his testimonial.
Romero cited the 2024 proof of concept that when chambers help each other, they build a stronger and more resilient business community.
“Moving forward, this program will be one of the pillars of chamber development. Let us continue to grow together and learn from one another. Let us build a chamber movement that is deeply rooted in mentorship, partnership, and service,” Romero added during his speech at the conference opening ceremonies.
Romero, one of the founders and pioneer directors of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), has a longtime history in chamber movement. Since his early days at the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCII) until he co-founded PamCham with the late Levy P. Laus in 2003, Romero has been in the middle of chamber advocacies. He later served as officer in the PCCI regional and national roster.
Other PamCham officers who attended the NL Area Business Conference were led by President Paul Yusi and Vice Chair Terry David-Carlos.
Meanwhile, the MACCII delegation was led by Chairman Arni N. Valdez President Liza Carlos-Timbol. Others who joined the group were Vice President for Internal Affairs Mario Lazatin, Director Violeta M. Gonzales, Angela Lazatin, and Jenny Arceo.
Timbol said the Adopt-a-Chamber program strengthens smaller chambers.
" It promotes inclusive growth, builds capacity, and expands business networks. This initiative fosters unity and resilience across the chamber movement, contributing to broader economic and community development," she said.
The PCCI NL Area Business Conference was held at the Bataan Tourism Pavilion in Balanga City. PCCI President Consul Enunina V. Mangio graced the opening rites.