PCCI President George Barcelon led the oath-taking and induction ceremonies of the seven (7) regional governors from Mindanao in a virtual event held recently.

 

The inductees were Pocholo Soliven for Western Mindanao, Ruben Vegafria for Northern Mindanao, Nenita Malbas for Southeastern Mindanao, Loreta Sy for Southwestern Mindanao, Julie Senense for Eastern Mindanao, Dan Zambrano for Central Mindanao and Elian Macala for BARMM.  Past Area Vice President for Mindanao and Chair for BIMP-EAGA Joji Ilagan Bian charged the aforementioned officers prior to their induction

 

With the theme "One Mindanao. Bigger, Better and Bolder," PCCI Mindanao Area Vice President Art Milan assured that the local chambers in Mindanao will remain steadfast to PCCI's vision and mission moving forward.

 

"As a testament to this, all 32 local chambers in Mindanao signed the One Mindanao Manifesto to be the strong voice of business in this part of the country recognizing the gains that the island has achieved in the past years in terms of infrastructure, peace and security and investments consistently hitting a GDP of 7% higher than the national GDP." AVP Milan said.

 

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, who was the Keynote Speaker, shared an inspiring message focusing on his advocacy -- the "Malasakit centers." He assured the Mindanaoan businessmen of his continued support particularly for MSMEs, to fast-track the region's economic recovery due to the adverse effects of the pandemic.

PCCI Vice President for Regional Affairs Nina Mangio stressed that moving forward, PCCI will continue to put in place policies and programs that will accelerate the development of local chambers in all parts of the country to pursue our dream of a progressive, inclusive and sustainable Philippine economy.

 

Congratulatory greetings and messages of support were also received from TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña, MinDA Chairperson Mabel Acosta, and A Brown Company, Inc. Chair Walter W. Brown. – Russel Ponce

​

​