ILOILO City – The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII) vowed to continue helping not only the local government unit of Iloilo City but the whole Western Visayas to achieve long-term socio-economic development.
This was stressed by Engr. Terence Uygongco, the newly-elected president of FCCCII, during the chamber’s 112th Founding Anniversary and Induction of Officers on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao district.
Uygongco said the FCCCII and Iloilo City Government can work together to promote economic growth, social development and sustainability.
He said they can provide resources and support local businesses through training programs, access to capital and networking opportunities.
He believes that by helping local businesses thrive, the FCCCII can contribute to the economic growth and job creation of the city and province of Iloilo as well as the whole region.
Uygongco added the chamber can also advocate for policy change. As a prominent representative of the Filipino-Chinese business community, FCCCII can actively advocate policies that promote economic growth and social development to include tax incentives, infrastructure development and education initiatives.
“By working closely with the city and other important stakeholders, the chamber can help shape policies that will significantly benefit the community,” he said.
The FCCCII can also support community development that promotes sustainability, resilience, social responsibility, and environmental conservation.
It can partner with the city government to develop renewable energy projects, create green spaces, or support education initiatives that will improve local work forces and talents.
Uygongco added they can also facilitate public-private partnerships that will bring together businesses, civil society organizations and local government units to achieve a shared vision.
“Through strategic collaboration, we can leverage our resources and expertise to create positive impact,” Uygongco emphasized.
As FCCCII president, Uygongco vowed to be profoundly motivated to serve as the leader of the organization.
“I will do everything in my power to represent your interest and help our organization thrive. I am confident that together we will be able to increase our membership, work on meaningful projects and unite the Philippine-Chinese businesses in the city,” he added.
FCCCII’s contributions
Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda, who served as keynote speaker, cited the immeasurable contributions of the chamber to the economic prosperity of this southern city.
Aside from being an economic frontliner, Baronda also cited the immense socio-civic contributions of the organization through its various projects. These include the numerous school-building and classroom donations which have not only provided structures for the learners and teachers but also inspired the mentors to do well and encouraged the students to do better and reach for their dreams.
“This investment in education that you have started way back has set the trend for other organizations to follow,” the lady solon stressed.
She added generosity of the Filipino-Chinese community is commendable.
“I am a witness to how kind you are. Manawag ako kay (Uswag Party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr.) para mangayo pamahaw para sa SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) activities sadto, ara dayon. Wala gid nagabalibad. Gani wala man kita nagakalipat. That is why I made sure I am with you today,” Baronda recalled.
She also took the opportunity to urge the chamber to continue helping the city government under the leadership Mayor Jerry P. Treñas reclaim the robust economy it had before the coronavirus disease pandemic.
“With all of us helping each other the way we did things during the pandemic, we can bring Iloilo City to the next level,” she added.
Baronda administered the oath of office of the new set of officers of FCCCII. They are the following:
* Honorary President – Dr. Felipe A. Uygongco
* Past President – Mr. Robert U. Po
* Immediate Past President – Mr. Vicente Tang
* President – Engr. Terence S. Uygongco
* Executive Vice President – Mr. Ian Eric S. Pama
* Vice President – Mr. Antonio H. Lim
* Corporate Secretary – Mr. Louis K. Uy
* Treasurer – Mr. Jobert John L. Posadas
* Auditor – Engr. Roswell T. Limsui
* Assistant Auditor – Mr. Julian Felipe S. Uygongco
* P.R.O. – Uswag Party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr.
* Assistant P. R. O – Mr. Romeo S. Go
* Business Manager – Mr. Vicente Danilo E. Tan Chan
* Assistant Business Manager – Mr. Robert L. Uy/PN
