The Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its annual general assembly on March 11, 2016 at the Metrocentre Hotel in Tagbilaran City. The chamber elected its board of trustees for the year 2016 during the assembly. The trustees for the year 2016 will call a special board meeting to elect the officers.
This year’s theme is “Empowering the Boholano Entrepreneur: From Bohol to the World” in line with the ASEAN integration that will impact the business environment not only the Bohol but throughout the ASEAN member countries.
The officers and members of the BCCI at the General Assembly held on March 11, 2016.
Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto, addressed the chamber and lauded it for its active participation in the various programs of the provincial government. Chatto highlighted the Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investments for Development (CR+ID) projects which is spearheaded by the BCCI and has become a model for planning of roads development in the country.
Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 Director Asteria Caberte delivered the good news to the chamber that the country has made a lot of economic gains in the past years. The Philippines has been consistently growing at a rate of about 6% per year even with the uncertainty affecting the region. The country also has gained several upgrades in investment ratings by various rating agencies.
At present, DTI is at the forefront of developing Negosyo Centers throughout the country. At present, there are 2 Negosyo Centers in Bohol, one at DTI provincial office and the other at the Capitol building at the Bohol Investment Promotions Center.
In the open forum, Director Caberte was asked about the impact of the ASEAN integration in terms of our agriculture industry. Caberte said that certain sectors, especially in agriculture, are still protected by tariff in the ASEAN integration. She acknowledged that we need to be more competitive as a country to be successful and take advantage of the larger marketplace in the ASEAN region.
The casting of ballots for the 2016 board of trustees was followed by a fellowship dinner and a raffle.
The 2016 BCCI Board of Trustees are as follows: Engr. Albert Uy, Mr. Argeo Melisimo, Mr. John Yap, Atty. Lucas Nunag, Ms. Helena Antonieta Veloso, Mr. Reginald Ong, Mayor Ma. Pureza Chatto, Mr. Steven Lim, Mr. Warren Yap, Mr. Norris Oculam, Mr. Jesus Quipit, Atty. Antonio Amora Jr., Mr. Peter Dejaresco, Ms. Marietta Gasatan, Mr. Dominic Butalid, Engr. Victor Bantol and Mr. Jerome Auza.
