CLARK FREEPORT – “A strong collaboration between the chambers and the government will allow us to survive, recover and grow at the soonest possible time. It’s jobs, jobs, jobs!”
Thus said Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon during the 1st general membership meeting of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MACCII) held at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley here on Thursday, March 31.
According to Barcelon, the main focus of the business chambers is to have partnerships with government agencies and collaborations with different organizations to help move the economy forward. He also pointed out the imbalance in business and realign job opportunities for the business industry to thrive.
Barcelon said it is time to “reinvigorate resource-based sectors to enhance education quality, energy sufficiency, and environment sustainability; accelerate agri-aqua programs and agrarian reforms; continue connectivity programs in the digital infrastructures and commitment to climate resiliency; and harmonize healthcare programs.”
“As chambers we play an important role in moving our economy forward. We need to form strategic partnerships with economic stakeholders not just the national and local agencies, also NGOs for an inclusive and resilient economy. As the voice of businesses, we urge collaboration with the national office to push reforms and policies that will enable the business sectors to regain momentum,” said Barcelon.
“Kailangan maitugma, kaya itong DOLE and DTI, I have been telling Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, yung mga training sa TESDA kailangan in tandem sa industry sector. Eh sayang pera natin eh pina-train mo ng mga skills pero hindi naman kailangan ng industriya,” he added.
Newly inducted MACCII president Elizabeth Carlos Timbol said their chamber plans to encourage these collaborations and partnerships as a way to help uplift and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Timbol said they will also focus on the agricultural and service sectors to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
“There will be a lot of training for the MSMEs so they can start. I have been an advocate of MSMEs ever since kaya we’re about to start training for free from the agriculture (sector) and they will also get funds for the start up by the DOST. We will guide them,” said Timbol.
Timbol also said in order for MACCII to thrive as an organization, she will help foster relationships and encourage its members to build connections and enhance their network.
MACCII’s 1st general membership meeting also inducted its new set of officers and welcomed 57 new members in its chamber.
*All photos by Joann Manabat
