CCCI prexy pushes biz sector to make Cebu an investment gateway in Asia-Pacific

CEBU CITY—Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president, Jay Yuvallos pushed the business sector here to charge ahead and make Cebu an investment hub in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that fosters growth and innovation in various industries, including eSports, creative entertainment, and BPM to attract investors that create job opportunities in Cebu.

Yuvallos, in his opening message during the kick off opening salvo of the Cebu Business Month 2024 at the Ayala Terraces on May 25 with the theme “Padayon Cebu” also stressed the need to serve with passion and purpose, highlighting the importance of investing time and energy in serving others, particularly smaller entities and expanding their businesses.

“Padayon means to continue which embodies the resilience and forward momentum that defines the unique “can-do” attitude of every Cebuano business leader which sets the tone for CBM 2024. “Padayon Cebu” deeply resonates with us, signifying our deep-rooted commitment to continue pushing forward, no matter the challenges. This spirit of resilience and determination is what drives our community and fuels our progress,” Yuvallos added.

He also expressed his gratitude to the dedicated CBM 2024 team noting the importance of synergy between the private sector and government agencies in driving Cebu’s progress and highlighted the enduring legacy of CBM, which has been a cornerstone of Cebu’s socio-economic prosperity since its inception in 1996.

Yuvallos underscored the achievements of CBM as a flagship project over the past 28 years and reaffirmed the Chamber’s mission to inspire, promote, and foster sustainable growth through strategic entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.

CBM 2024 Overall Chairman Regan Rex King echoed these sentiments, outlining the goals and aspirations for this year’s celebration as he introduced the CBM 2024 Working Team whose collective efforts have been instrumental in bringing the event to life.

“Our theme for this year, Padayon Cebu, captures the spirit of resilience and forward momentum that defines our community.  We have crafted a series of events designed to inspire, promote, and grow Cebu businesses, propelling them toward a future of sustainable growth and innovation,” King bred.

Events, happenings and activities for CBM 2024

Throughout June, CBM 2024 will host various activities strengthening entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and driving digital transformation with the brand message-- "Invest in Cebu, Prosper in Paradise"

The GOOD DESIGN.GOOD BUSINESS Summit on June 14, is
a multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral approach that will discuss how good design will improve business and customer experience. Design is a driver in various approaches not only creating foundations or structures but also crucial in business operations and brand awareness.

The summit will discuss city making in the hospitality and food and beverage sectors where invited speakers come from diverse backgrounds from architecture, interior design, infrastructure, brand and digital strategy as well as business owners providing a holistic mode for businesses.

“PADAYON CEBU: Enabling Cebu’s competitiveness through Digital Transformation and Innovation Forum” on June 20 delves into the transformative potential of digitalization in streamlining business operations and building future-proof infrastructure.

“Captains of Industry: A CEO Networking Night” on June 26 gathers Cebu's top CEOs for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in a dynamic setting.

“PADAYON CEBU: A SUMMIT TO INSPIRE, PROMOTE & GROW MSMEs” on June 25-26, is designed to inspire, promote, and grow MSMEs by addressing their unique challenges through insights, success stories and innovative solutions coming from industry leaders, startups and experts and policy makers.

July shines a spotlight on Cebu's prowess in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sector with its MICE Forum. It is designed for industry leaders to converge and explore opportunities that set the stage for enhanced economic growth and development. CBM continues to champion Cebu and position it as an investment gateway in Asia Pacific.

The solutions expo for growth set on August 16-17, “Empowering Cebu’s MSMEs”, will provide MSMEs with access to essential resources and solutions tailored to their needs, ensuring inclusive growth and prosperity for all.

Yuvallos and the CBM 2024 team are united to pursue and develop an ecosystem for creativity and innovation in Cebu through partnerships and engagements with different business sectors to create programs that meaningfully engage and impact the small business community and other sectors beyond the Chamber's membership walls.

According to Yuvallos, this year’s goal is to meet with more of the different business segments in Cebu like the eSports, creative entertainment industries and the BPM. 

“Investing in Cebu, Philippines with the focus on developing an ecosystem for creativity and innovation. Investors described this ecosystem as a fast-moving train, requiring preparation and positioning for success in Cebu,” Yuvallos concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)