Cebu City, Philippines – The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), alongside prominent business leaders from Cebu and Mandaue, called for sustained socio-economic reforms, national stability, tourism development, and enhanced global competitiveness during a press conference held at Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu.
FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, Cebu Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Justin Uy, and incoming President Johnson Ng emphasized the need for stronger public-private partnerships to drive economic growth, boost tourism, modernize industries, and attract foreign investments.
Dr. Pedro, who described Cebu as his “second hometown in the Philippines,” praised the province’s world-class tourism attractions and its potential to further boost the country’s tourism sector. He highlighted the importance of aligning government policies with private sector initiatives to strengthen local industries, boost tourism, modernize agriculture, and improve the ease of doing business.
In light of the recent government decision to end all POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) operations, Dr. Pedro expressed hope for relaxed visa approvals for Chinese tourists. He noted that ASEAN competitors like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia already offer visa-free entry while other countries offer visa-upon-arrival for Chinese tourists, giving them a competitive edge in attracting visitors and investors.
Dr. Pedro also announced that this year will be the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations, initiated by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Para sa Kinabukasan, Pagkakaibigan ang Kailangan” (For a Better Future, Friendship is Needed), which he reiterated in Cebuano: “Alang sa Kaugmaon, Panaghigalaay ang Gikinahanglan!”
Cebu’s Business Leaders Echo Call for Unity and Reforms
Justin Uy, known as Cebu’s “Mango King” and a resort tycoon, thanked the FFCCCII delegation led by Dr. Pedro for attending the anniversary celebration of the Cebu Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its . The event also included a regional conference with the Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its President and former Ambassador Francisco Benedicto.
Uy emphasized the need for the Philippines to enhance its global competitiveness in tourism, services, exports, and various industries. He pointed out that ASEAN neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia are rapidly advancing, urging the country to focus on national unity and dynamic socio-economic reforms to keep pace.
Both Dr. Pedro and Uy stressed the importance of national harmony and stability for sustained economic growth. They also addressed the proposed P200 minimum wage hike by some politicians, with Dr. Pedro advocating for a consultative approach through the tripartite wage council involving government, labor, and management. Uy highlighted the challenges faced by exporters, urging government support to ensure their competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Reforms for a Brighter Future
Dr. Pedro called for reforms in modern and mechanized farming to uplift farmers, as well as lower electricity rates and streamlined bureaucratic processes to improve business efficiency. Dr. Pedro said the FFCCCII and Filipino Chinese community shall continue donating rural public schools to help Philippine progress. Uy echoed these sentiments, recalling how excessive holidays in the Philippines previously led to supply delays and 4,000 job losses in Cebu’s garment industry when some factories closed operations.
The business leaders’ unified message underscored the need for collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to achieve inclusive growth, strengthen industries, and position the Philippines as a globally competitive economy.#
