THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will strengthen its role in the country's economic recovery through its advocacies and impact investments.

PCCI President George Barcelon said PCCI continues to build its advocacies as the Philippines' voice of business and strengthen its direction, as it engages with contemporary issues amid the pandemic. PCCI will implement specific programs and reach out through public and private collaborations on various concerns.

"We will utilize our influence to ensure that laws, policies and public and private partners alike take into proper account the concerns and values of the business sector, the economy and its rebuilding," he said.

Barcelon is leading the country's largest business organization in pushing for the economic agenda that is conducive to immediate business recovery. Under his leadership, PCCI is refocusing on the ease of doing business, financing the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agri-aqua, agrarian, education, utilities, climate, connectivity, health, and human skills advancement among other matters of equal importance.

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"After almost two years of grappling with the pandemic in its different phases and variants, the recovery of the Philippine economy is still well underway. Above all, let us not forget to heed the call for unity and solidarity, united by our vision for this country and its people," he said.

Barcelon was elected by the 20-member board of directors of the PCCI during the PCCI annual meeting on Dec. 3, 2021. He is a returning president who served PCCI in 2015.

Barcelon inducts PCCI-Quezon City officers
"It is truly an honor to be elected once more as the president of the PCCI," he said.
Also inducted into office are the following ex-officio officers: Sergio Ortiz Luis, treasurer; Ivan Uy, corporate secretary; and Ruben Pascual, secretary-general. Administering the oaths of office was former PCCI President and Chairman Alegria Sibal-Limjoco.

The newly elected directors are Dr. William Co, chairman, William and Company Philippines Inc.; Engr. Enunina Mangio, president, Mawell Chemical Corp.; Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr., principal architect, Palafox and Associates Inc.; Ferdinand Ferrer, chairman/chief executive officer, EMS Group of Companies; Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.; Dr. Francis Chua, president, CLMC Group/BA Securities; Jeffrey Ng, president, Cathay Land Inc.; Alfredo Yao, chairman, Zesto Corp.; Apolinar Aure, president, AEA International Inc.; Samie Lim, president, Blims Lifestyle Group, Inc.; Michael Tan, president/CEO, LT Group, Inc.; Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, founding partner, Du Baladad and Associates; Roberto Amores, president, Hilas Marketing Corporation; Philip Romualdez, president, Benguet Corp.; Tess Ngan Tian, co-founder and president, Lot's a Pizza; Gregoria Simbulan, executive vice president and chief finance officer, R.G. Simbulan and Partners Group; Sallie Lacson, president, SC Lacson Enterprises Inc.; Frank Carbon, CEO, Weesam Express; and Arturo Milan, adviser, Mindanao, Aboitiz Power Corp."We have a new year, a new board, and we await a new government. We shall move forward," Barcelon said.

He acknowledged the achievements of the outgoing executive committee, as well as those before them that have brought them to where they are now. He thanked them for their hard work and dedication.

As the country faces a 'not so auspicious 2022', he called for unity in the organization. "Philippine businesses, especially the MSMEs, again face the crucible of the pandemic. PCCI has extended help and provided funds and necessities to its chapters," Barcelon said.

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He added that many parts of the country particularly in the southern regions are still reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Odette, plus the surge of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus at the start of 2022.

Time is of the essence knowing the country braces to elect a new set of national leaders this May. "We look forward to a new administration and PCCI stands ready to help collaborate on an economic agenda that will be conducive to immediate business recovery," Barcelon said.

PCCI supports the government in formulating policies that will spur businesses and grow the economy. Its members, especially the MSMEs, have also relied on the PCCI leadership to take on the cudgels for them, represent them in all fronts, and speak as a solid voice of business.

Barcelon represents the private sector in the Industry Development Council and National Competitive Council. He is also one of three Philippine representatives to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and the private sector representative to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Barcelon is the president of the Integrated Computer Systems, a pioneer in computer systems and peripherals. ICS's affiliate ICS-ICT Corp. is an IT-logistics company that operates out of Clark Special Zone and Cebu.

He is also the president of Paramount Vinyl Products and Interpolymer Corp., involved in the manufacturing of plastic sheeting and rubber matting. He has involvement in realty development companies that provides office space, commercial outlets, warehouse offices for ecozone locators and business process outsourcing (BPO).

Currently, he is the chairman of the Philippines Exporters Confederation, board member of Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), director of Cardinal Santos Hospital Foundation, member of Rotary Club of Makati and president of Manila Golden Lions Club Foundation.

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