Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to strengthen the capabilities of members through advocacy, linkages and synergy for the global competitiveness. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry is gearing continuously to a speed that spurs growth in the business environment amid the impending economic and financial crisis that challenges our country and the whole world. CCCI firmly bel
ieves that together with its partners in government, the private sector and the academe – tough times can be opportunities in disguise which shall propel Cebu business towards global competitiveness. Established in 1903 by a group of seven traders, CCCI had its humble beginnings until it metamorphosed into a non-stock, non-profit corporation on June 13, 1921. And up until today its membership has grown to 900 solid business entities and sectoral organizations. The members are categorized into Trade, Industry, Services, Agri-Aqua and Affiliate Organizations and are classified into Large, Medium and Small businesses. Over the years, the Chamber has significantly touched the lives of the Cebuano by expanding its services not merely among its members but almost around the geographical area of Cebu. Facts on its achievements are found in the various publications that it has released since 1921, such as, A “Directory of Cebu, Philippine Islands”, published in 1921; a “Handbook and Directory of Cebu, Philippine Island” in 1928; “ Cebu, Queen City of the South” which was jointly published with the Cebu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1956. Although the 30s until the 60s were quiescent years for the Chamber, the light of its vision did not falter because the leaders spun the organization by its modest undertakings until it shifted gears to a higher motion and rebuilt its strength and image in the 70s despite of the military take-over in the Philippine Government. Hence, a third Business and Membership Directory came off the press, and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry resumed its services until eventually in the 70s it soared to another level of development until in the 80s and 90s. The 80s and the 90s were the flourishing years of CCCI. The implementation of the Philippine-German Chamber Cooperation Program (P-GCCP) sparked many development efforts in re-engineering the organizational system of CCCI. Through assistance from the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) handed down to the Handwerkskammer Kassel (HWK), the management staff were empowered through institution building and chamber management trainings and seminars. The Board of Trustees and Officers’ leadership and managerial potentials were honed through conferences, business sessions, organizational meetings, linkages and networking, policy advocacy, trade missions, among others. Because of frequent exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences and expertise, the project, Cebu Business Week evolved. The Cebu Business Week dramatically graduated into a Cebu Business Month after it impressed a number of traders, manufacturers, and the market through the various activities of the Chamber. This event up until now is a conglomeration of not only local but also national and international SMEs and large businesses to showcase and trade their products and services to the different markets beyond their boundaries. Effects of the CBM are overwhelming as it led to putting the Chamber in the limelight as the “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Visayas” awarded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). The Cebu Business Month, up until now, has become the leading business celebration in Cebu espousing the development and promotion of Tourism, ICT and SMEs.
