LOOK: Chamber leaders and business stakeholders from across the Visayas convened today 14 May 2026 at the La Proa Main of L'Fisher Hotel for the Visayas Chamber Development Workshop, a supporting activity of the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) aimed at strengthening chamber leadership, sustainability, and regional collaboration.
The workshop formally opened with welcome remarks from Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, Chairperson of the 35th VABC and Area Vice President for Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, followed by the opening statement of Consul Enunina V. Mangio, Chair of Philippine Chamber Development Institute (PhilCDI). Both emphasized the critical role of local chambers in driving inclusive economic growth, innovation, and business resilience across the Visayas.
One of the highlights of the workshop was Session 1 titled “Trail of the Outliers: What Makes a Chamber Successful and Progressive,” which focused on diversifying chamber funding sources with fiscal discipline, inter-chamber collaboration, and succession planning. Serving as panelists were Mr. Regan Rex King, President of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Atty. Juliana A. Carbon, President of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Mr. Jerduen “Noi” Dongor, President of PCCI Iloilo. The session was moderated by Ms. Maricel Ngo, Past Regional Governor for Region 8 of PCCI.
The activity also featured the signing of the Big Brotherhood Agreement with MBCCI and the Memorandum of Understanding for the Visayas Island-Chambers Tourism Alliance (VITA), further reinforcing cooperation among Visayas chambers in promoting tourism development and regional economic integration.
In Session 2, Mangio discussed the PCCI Policy on LCCI Membership, providing chamber leaders with updates and guidance on organizational governance and membership development.
Another major segment of the workshop was Session 3 titled “Strengthening Regional Voices: Meet PCCI’s Five Area Vice Presidents,” moderated by Mr. Ruben J. Pascual, PCCI Secretary General. The panel featured Ms. Yolanda Dela Cruz, Area Vice President for NCR; Atty. Maria Amalia T. Cayanan, Area Vice President for North Luzon; Mr. Hoover Picar, Area Vice President for South Luzon; Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, Area Vice President for Visayas; and Ms. Nenita R. Malbas, Area Vice President for Mindanao. Discussions centered on regional priorities, chamber development initiatives, and strengthening collaboration among chambers nationwide.
The Special Session on “Using Technology to Combat Corruption in Government Projects” was delivered by Hon. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, Governor of the Province of Leyte, who shared insights on transparency, innovation, and digital governance in public service.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Edward C. Du, President of NOCCI and Vice Chairman for Visayas of PhilCDI, who encouraged chambers across the Visayas to continue building stronger partnerships and unified regional action towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The program was hosted by Ms. Stephanie Diane “Twinkle” U. Chu, Past Regional Governor for Region 8 of PCCI.