PCCI Iloilo hosts 33rd VABC, 50 MSMEs from Cebu to join the conference/trade expo

CEBU CITY— The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo gears up to host the 33rd Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) on July 25-26 at the Iloilo Convention Center expecting more than 400 delegates from regions 6, 7 and 8 including the 50 MSMEs/business from Cebu Province to join the conference and in the One Visayas Trade Expo 2024 at the Iloilo Business Expo (ILOBEX) from July 25-28.

“This year’s VABC carries the theme, Empowering Business Innovations for an Enriched One Visayas, showing our support to the call for a unified Visayas for sustainable growth especially in the development of the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and the newly-established Negros Island Region (NIR) as part of the One Visayas movement,” Melanie Ng, PCCI-Area Vice President for the Visayas said.

In an interview with Jay Yuvallos, president Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Ng noted that the goal of the 33^rd VABC is to empower MSMEs and other businesses to propel positive changes in the communities with the adaption of digital technology and trends, sustainable development and multi-sector collaborations.

Yuvallos on the hand said that the Cebu Chamber brings to the conference its best practices specifically the Cebu Business Month and its LEAD agenda.  “Conferences such as these present an opportunity for the various chambers in the Visayas to promote their respective business agenda, collaboration and networking.”

                                What to expect at the 33^rd VABC

According to Ng, the conference features notable speakers, including Jose Rene Almendras, Senior Manager at Ayala Corp and 2024 MAP President; Karen Batungbacal, Partner at CEO Adviser, Inc, known as the Mother of the BPO Industry in the Philippines; and Candice Iyog, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Cebu Pacific.

 Breakout sessions cover various topics and will be led by Paolo Campos on Strategic Growth, Lee Carlo Abadia on Digital Transformation, Dr. Lance Tan on Innovation, and Neil Arnold Montesclaros on Family Enterprise.

In addition to the main conference, several pocket events are planned. A Golf Tournament will take place on July 24 at Iloilo Golf and Country Club, featuring business leaders from local chambers in the Visayas.

There is also the Iloilo Business Expo (ILOBEX) from July 25-28 will include brand activations, Taste Iloilo, a gastronomy festival by the Iloilo Hotel, Restaurant, and Resort Association (IHRRA) and the Iloilo Coffee Festival by the Iloilo Coffee Board.

"PCCI Iloilo is humbled to be the host of this premier conference in the Visayas. We want our guests to experience the best of Iloilo, from business to entertainment and food, all staged at the Iloilo Convention Center. This is all for Iloilo and for One Visayas," PCCI Iloilo President Fulbert Woo said.

Registration for the conference is open to all, and PCCI Iloilo invites government officials, sectoral representatives, and youth leaders to join.

Visit [vabc.pcciiloilo.com](http://vabc.pcciiloilo.com) to register. This year’s conference promises to be a significant event for the Visayas region, promoting innovation and collaboration across various sectors. (Photos: MBCNewman/VABC Facebook)