The
Chamber
Volume I Issue 2 • 2018 APR-JUN
The Official Newsletter of Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, expresses a situation in which firms or businesses not only strive for economic gains, but also take responsibility for their impact on society. Impact on society captures the total influence which includes the economic, environmental and social dimension, and be able to maximize positive over negative impact. In short, CSR simply means: steering the company’s 3P’s: People, Planet and Profit. MAKING A DIFFERENCE è pg3
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Making a difference
According to the latest study by Reputation Institute (RI), a Boston-based reputation-management consulting firm, the company LEGO has the best CSR today. LEGO maintains that as a provider of play experiences, they must ensure that the company’s behaviour and actions are responsible towards all children and towards all its stakeholders, the society and the environment. They are committed to continue earning the trust of their stakeholders, and be constantly inspired by children all over the world to be the best that they can be. LEGO upholds these three (3) goals in their CSR program: Innovate for children: Aiming to inspire children through unique playful learning experiences and play an active role in making a global difference on product safety, while being dedicated promoters of responsibility towards children. Environmental leadership: As much as they want to be creative, LEGO also aspires to reduce negative environmental impact. LEGO addresses climate change issues by reducing emissions through improving energy efficiency and implementing the use of responsible resources and improving waste management. In a nutshell, LEGO tries not to use resources and materials at a faster rate than they are regenerated, ensuring that future generations can still benefit the same variety of resources this present generation has access to. Caring, Ethical and Transparent. Respect for human labor and rights. LEGO upholds the highest ethical business standards and business practices by protecting and promoting employees’ well-being and safety. The company never sacrifices their values or purpose for the sake of short-term profit. In RI’s analysis, LEGO beat all other companies in the perception that the company behaves ethically, conducts business fairly, operates transparently, protects the environment, and supports worthy causes. Although most corporate managers and business advisors agree that engaging in socially responsible behavior is the correct thing for businesses to do, only a few can clearly show a strong analytical foundation for this belief.The fact that engaging in this type of behavior may help to make corporations more profitable offers a limited reason for undertaking such behavior. However, profit-seeking fails to explain if or why corporations
should engage in socially responsible behavior in circumstances in which no definite financial benefit to the corporation exists, or the financial consequences are uncertain. In developing countries today where poverty, hunger, and diseases are prevalent, and where these issues and more of the like haven’t been addressed in a satisfactory manner, we may ask: What is the role of a business in tackling these critical issues of human development and environmental sustainability in developing countries? In the Philippines, the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), a network of corporate foundations and corporations that promote best practices on social responsibility towards sustained national development, pushes for companies to revisit community relations and grassroots development, and how companies can foster closer collaboration and synergy with their local stakeholders. It cannot be argued that corporate social responsibility is a win-win program for a company. Not only will the company be improving its stakeholders’ community, but it has been proven time and again that CSR programs can also enhance teambuilding efforts. If that isn’t enough, CSR programs can also impact the business’ bottom line. Several studies have indicated that most consumers not only want to do business with a socially responsible brand or establishment, but are also willing to pay more for their products and services, thus ultimately making CSR programs be an essential part of the company’s communications and marketing strategy. The aim of every private business is profit. Normally, not all businesses take CSR seriously because not all CSR activities are profitable. Surely, engaging in CSR brings more intangible than monetary benefits. However for most companies, these intangibles have proven to be profitable in the long run. On this second issue of the Chamber Post, we highlight some of Ormoc City’s local businesses who have practiced CSR by heart. And as they try to make a difference in our humble city, let us bear witness on how these admirable companies pushed the boundaries of holding themselves accountable for their impact on society and the environment. - EPM
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The Chamber Post
“ORCHAM on the GO”
Last May 31, 2018 ORCHAM President Maricel R. Ngo, MBA, together with VP for Internal Affairs Arch. Ingrid Cecilia T. Cimafranca, Corporate Treasurer Juanita Y. Armea and Corporate Secretary Maria Vita T. Rodriguez attended the Graduation Ceremony of the Kapatid Mentor Me Micro Enterprise Program in Tacloban City. To make the most of the occasion, the team visited Region VIII TESDA and DOST Provincial and Regional agencies to display their courtesy and discuss possible partnership for the upcoming Ormoc City Business Week in October 2018.
TESDA Provincial Director LOR the team their programs and ETA BANARIO explained to help boost the skills of the activities that would greatly workforce in the service sect or.
The ORCHAM Team and some “Kapatid Mentor Me” ORMOC mentees with DTI Regional Director Dir. Cynthia R. Nierras.
A pose with DTI Regional Dire ctor Dir. Cynthia R. Nierras and Provincial Dir. Desiderio P. Bela s, Jr after the graduation cere DTI mony.
Dir. ANDREW A. BIDO,TES DA Regional Director (Dir Ms. Elizabeth C. Canales , ector IV) and Sr.TESD Specialist warmly welcomed the ORCHAM Tea m.
Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaňa, II, DOST Regional Director and Engr. Edgardo M. Esperancilla, CESO the ORCHAM Team at the Office of the Regional Director with Provincial Director of DOST, met Science and Technology in Tacloban City. of the Dept. of
Nosotros Ventures Entertainment Corporation
Nosotros Ventures Entertainment Corporation is 12 years old this year. Owned and managed by an enterprising trio composed of brothers Iñigo “Igoy” and Iñaki “Kito” Larrazabal II, and their cousin Monica Rizarri-Veloso, with their friend Edwin Chotangco from Manila, Nosotros has helped keep the vibrancy of the city alive, providing locals and visitors spaces to strengthen relationships and create new ones, to celebrate milestones and smile through setbacks, and to momentarily escape from the daily grind. These spaces exude community feels in a progressing city. They are the team behind Dustria Dance Bar, barbecue joint Pardis Grill, and the Chinese restaurant Fat Choi Tea House and Dimsum.These establishments have since closed down, but not before imprinting themselves on many happy memories and clearing the way for the team to pursue new exciting projects. It is not only in materializing business concepts that they have proven to be venturesome. In 2012, Igoy met Ms. Maria Joanna Rollo, the former department head of the School for the Deaf at the Ormoc City National High School. Igoy was visiting the School for the Deaf with fellow members of the Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay, to check the newly-built classroom that their club helped fund. During that encounter, Ms. Joanna made mention of her graduates who were looking for job opportunities, and asked the Rotarians if they were willing to hire them. “She was quite enthusiastic and very convincing that her wards were capable. Since I was the only one at that time there who had a business, I felt like I was placed on the spot. So I just said yes!” Igoy recalls that encounter. He invited Ms. Joanna to a meeting at his office to explore further the idea that she had just proposed. Not long after, job interviews were arranged and 4 young men who are deaf-mute were welcomed to the Nosotros family. One was assigned to inventory
while the other three were tasked to bus tables and wash dishes. “There is no business strategy here. We were just lucky to have been offered the opportunity to hire from the deaf-mute community. In business, I would say that hiring the best people for the job is key. The four of them certainly were very good at the jobs they were given. They even went beyond what we all thought was their comfort zones. ” An opportunity came a few months after they were hired. There was personnel shortage in the dining area, urging them to step up and out of their comfort zones. “They just started taking orders and interacting with the customers. I certainly did not ask them to be handling customers’ orders but there they were, very active in the dining floor. We instantly saw how effective they were and how the customers responded positively to their deaf-mute attendants.” They devised a simple system for them and their hearing staff to communicate easily in the dining area and kitchen, which entailed learning basic sign language. They also have a sign for each of the owners. Asked what the challenges are, “Nothing major, really. Deaf-mute individuals are capable of any job or task. As long as you are able to articulate and translate how you need them to perform, then there shouldn’t be a problem.” The four of them stayed with the company from their hiring in 2012 until Fat Choi closed at the end of July. In closing the doors to this well-liked Chinese restaurant along San Pedro Street, Nosotros Ventures is opening a new one: a franchise of Dimsum Break, the go to place in Cebu City for quick, hot, delicious, and affordable Chinese food. They will open in November 2018 at the SM Centre Mall Ormoc along Real Street. And the four will be there, ready to accept your orders. - MVTR
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Energy Development Corporation-Tongonan Geothermal Project: CSR Journey with the Community Despite the multi-billion peso damages caused by the crippling and disastrous calamities in the previous year (2017) , which happened barely six months away from each other: Intensity 6.5 Earthquake on July 6, 2017 and Typhoon Urduja in December 2017, Energy Development Corporation Tongonan Geothermal Project (EDCTGP) still continues to journey with the its primary partner, the local government units (LGU), through a collaborative implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Projects. However, starting 2018, EDC-TGP slowly introduced a shift of priority: from purely CSR, to creating shared values. This change in strategic corporate intervention in collaboration with stakeholders is anchored on “Education”. As EDC-TGP journeys with its partners, the following are the things that the company continues to undertake for the first three quarters of 2018. Health For 2018, EDC-TGP continues to distribute medicines and medical supplies to its primary partner barangays (PPB). EDC is also starting to explore other health-related options by introducing health programs through education information campaigns (IEC) on disease prevention. Education EDC-TGP distributes to its partner elementary schools, eight thousand (8,000) school bags loaded with school supplies for School Year 2018-2019. These schools are located within the company’s LGUs in the Leyte province. For this project, and following EDC’s tradition of getting the requirements from its network of stakeholders, the company purchased these bags from PARTNERS Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC), a cooperative whose members are the EDC-assisted associations that operate within the 16 LGU’s of TGP. Erwin B. Magallanes, Head of EDC-TGP Community Partnerships Department, said that this is one of the
EDC-TGP distributes to its partner elementary schools 8,000 school bags and school supplies for School Year 2018-2019.These schools are located within the company’s partner LGUs in Leyte province.
sustainable projects of EDC. He said the collaborative dynamics in the fabrication of these bags involve the stakeholders of education. This is also in partnership with the Department of Education, as the main anchor of the public education system of the government. Magallanes also said that the project makes concrete the company’s policy statement that highlights “...improvement of quality of life of all partner communities”. For 2018, the distribution of miscellaneous fees and high school scholarships will also continue. The company also gave EDC Excellence Awards to 22 (Top 1) Grade 6 & 1 completers/graduates (medals & certificates) last school year. Like in previous years, EDC-TGP also joined DepEd’s “Brigada Eskwela” on May 28-June 1, 2018, in all its partner schools which are located in 16 partner LGUs. EDC-TGP also accommodated two batches of On-The-Job Training (OJT) from partner tertiary schools, and supported the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in partnership with DOLE and PESO of the Municipality of Kananga. On June 1, 2018, KEITECH, EDC’s flagship was able to produce 128 graduates (left). A new set of 155 trainee-scholars comprise the 10th Batch for School Year 2018-2019 (right). Livelihood EDC-TGP also initiated the following community-based trainings: 1. Small Engine Servicing starting March 1, 2018 (15 Days). Partnership efforts among TESDAKEITECH- LGU- Ormoc-EDC; 2. Scaffolding Erection Training for NCII with 26 trainees on June 26-30, 2018; 3. Organic Vegetable Production at Brgy. Aguiting, Kananga (Jan. 8-22, 2018), EDC & TESDA; 4. Organic Native Chicken Production at Brgy. Montebello, Kananga (Jan. 8-22, 2018), EDC & TESDA Environment Two Solid Waste Management Orientations were conducted at Limao, Kananga on March 9, 2018 and at Tongonan, Kananga on April 13, 2018. Socio-Cultural An impressive number of millennial Leyteños joined EDC’s 24/7 sportsfest held at the Ormoc City stage and quadrangle on May 24-26, 2018. The community sportsfest is EDC's annual youth development program that started in 2005 as a part of EDC's corporate social responsibility program for its primary partner communities in Ormoc City and Kananga, Leyte. This year, the activity shifted to a new format - from more than half a month activity that focused
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The Chamber Post
On June 1, 2018, KEITECH was able to produce 128 graduates (left). A new set of 153 trainee-scholars comprise the 10th Batch for School Year 2018-2019 (right).
only on one game, which was volleyball - this year EDC completed the activity in 3 days but with several games, including the “Laro ng Lahi.” Mr. Magallanes said that since 2017, the company has included the Philippine National Police in this partnership to help sustain the antiillegal drugs campaign of both the local and national government. “We are also introducing our advocacy on renewable energy (RE), particularly geothermal energy, our pride here in Region VIII as the home of the world's largest wet steamfield and the country's biggest geothermal facility." Geothermal is the only source of renewable energy that can provide clean, reliable power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine, all year round. Thus EDC's campaign is called “Geo 24/7". Magallanes added that, “through this sports tournament, EDC hopes to foster camaraderie and unity among the participating teams and individuals in its partner communities." The company is also on the lookout for new talents and sports heroes who can represent EDC's host LGU’s in athletic competitions like the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) and become¬¬ varsity scholars in local colleges and universities. Social Developmemnt Projects EDC-TGP endorsed to the Department of Energy (DOE) the following ER 1-94 projects: For Ormoc City Slaughterhouse: 1. Procurement of One (1) Unit Backhoe for Waste Management Equipment of Ormoc City Slaughterhouse - P3,542,153.53; 2. Establishment/Constructin of Open Sided Buildings With Monitor Type Roofing and Bricks Oven (Pogon) With Charcoal Storage Room And Comfort Rooms Intended For Lichoneros of Ormoc City - P5,278,000.00; 3. Construction of Waste Water Treatment With Perimeter Fencing - P6,862,000.00 For Kananga, Leyte: 1. Procurement of Garbage Heavy Equipment Dumptruck/Garbage Compactor - P3,500,000.00; 2. Road Concreting With Box Culvert At Sitio Napagasan, Brgy. Poblacion - P3,500,000.00 For Limao, Kananga, Leyte 1. Proposed Repair And Improvement of Water System At Relocation Site - P1,999,874.14 (on going); 2. Rehabilitation of Salabat Building - P1,999,956.77 (on going); 3. Construction of Health & Socio-Economic Activity Concrete
Pavement With Center Stage (2 Units) - P4,399,996.27; 4. Construction of Multi-Purpose Building (For Evacuation In Case of Disaster) - P3,999,993.60 In addition, the company also continues to provide P10,000.00 per barangay for all partner LGU’s during their respective fiesta celebrations, that is usually used for sound system rental. Emergency Preparedness As lead proponents of safety and preparedness, EDC recently completed the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT) Water Rescue Training, with a total of 33 participants from Lake Danao, Ormoc City, Brgy. Tongonan , Lim-ao, and Kananga, who seamlessly completed the said program. The training aims to educate and emphasize the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in times of water-related disasters and emergencies. - Contributed by Erwin Magallanes
NEW ST. JUDE.... from pg. 7 Does the program engage and inspire employees and customers? In what way(s)? The program has inspired our employees to work harder. They have also inspired their relatives and friends to apply in St. Jude to avail of this great opportunity. What would you advise other businesses that are willing to adopt the same program but have doubts? I don’t advise others to follow if they don’t know what they are doing. What other activities do you have planned to add to your CSR program? When we were starting out as a couple, we didn’t have a house and a lot of our own. We were just privileged that my wife Inday’s family was willing to assist us. From that experience, we understand how hard it really is to have a jouse we can call our own. So St. Jude acquired a lot at Brgy. Patag and developed it into St. Jude Ville. The lots will be sold at cost to our employees who have been with us for a long time, through a staggered payment system. As of the moment, there are 5 employees who have already availed of this program. From the answers of Mr. Climaco Evangelista, it is quite clear that the real reason their business lasted this long and has stood the challenges of time is because of their trusted employees. Employees who not only share St. Jude Agri’s vision, but who also realize that they owe it to their employers to do their jobs well and invest their loyalty to them because their employers sincerely care for their well-being and personal success. Time and again, the humble and religious Evangelista couple has proven to us that truly, there will be an outpouring of blessings to those who just simply give back, not counting the cost, but just sincerely and genuinely help. -MVTR & CPG
The Chamber Post
New St. Jude Agricultural Supply One of the many noted stores in Ormoc city that is already considered an “institution” is St. Jude Agricultural Supply. Just last April of this year, St. Jude Agricultural Supply celebrated its 50th anniversary. What is most admirable about this family-owned company is not only its longevity, notwithstanding and amidst its numerous competitors, but also its notably inspiring programs in terms of scholarship and housing for its loyal employees. Owned and operated by the dynamic couple Mr. Climaco Evangeslista and Mrs. Carmela Fran-Evangelista, let us look into this company’s success story, and how they have changed the lives of countless individuals. Our ORCHAM Executive Director, Chery P. Gallo, was given the opportunity to interview one of the two pillars of St. Jude Agri, Mr. Climaco Evangelista. Below is the excerpt of the said interview, which would give us a glimpse of the humble beginnings of this worthy-to-be-emulated company, and how the owners are doing its part to give back to others the success it has been reaping for the past half century. Tell us a bit about St. Jude’s Agricultural Supply: its history and the products that you offer. We started this company on January 2, 1968. We celebrated our 50th anniversary just last April of this year. I am a graduate of Agriculture from VIsayas State University. I worked as a faculty member of VSU for four and a half years before I accepted the responsibility of managing family-owned farms. I did that for six years. This experience helped me in forming the concept for the business. I knew which products to sell, and that’s a major factor in succeeding in business: knowledge. Our only problem was, being newlyweds at that time, my wife and I didn’t have enough capital to start the business. So we used the savings of Inday, my wife, of P4,000. Because of my background and the good name of my in-laws, the Frans, people within Ormoc City and the neighboring towns accepted our products. More suppliers came to offer me stocks on a consignment basis. And the rest is history. We offer all kinds of agricultural supplies: chemicals and fertilizers, spraying equipment, agricultural accessories like plastic pots, plastic molds, and seeds for palay, vegetables, and corn. It is like a supermarket for agricultural supplies. Apart from knowledge, what are other ingredients for success in business? Knowledge – if you want to succeed in life, you should know what you are doing. But it should be matched with ambition, a sound plan, and the right working attitude, and of course, capital. What are the values enshrined in your company profile? It is summarized in four basic values: Integrity – because a good name is a very good capital in business; Trustworthiness – develop a good relationship with the people in your surroundings. Our suppliers deliver large quantity of stocks on consignment basis and they trust us enough that they place unsold supplies under our care. For our part, we make sure that sales are remitted back
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to the supplier. No diversion of funds. Loyalty – Our longest-serving employee has been with us for forty five years already. Hard Work I understand that you have a scholarship program for college students. Can you please share more about this project? I was a working student myself. While in college at VSU taking up Agriculture, I was asked to stop schooling to give way to my elder brother who was also in college at that time. But I did not stop. Instead, I applied as a working student in the school. Because I was the basketball team captain and student government president, I was hired easily. When I was able to, I felt it was right to help my family. I sent my three brothers to college. It’s a good thing because my wife, Inday, was supportive of this endeavor. I also sent distant relatives to school. And later on, we extended this scholarship to our employees. When an employee expresses interest in attending school, we give them cash advances to pay for their tuition fees, uniforms, school projects, and other related expenses. They continue to work part-time in the business, to make them accountable. We also assess their report cards. The applicants should have good grades and good character. We rely on the recommendations of our employees. But later on, we sometimes just “close our eyes” on the grades especially if they are the children or relatives of our loyal employees. What are your family’s personal convictions that align with these programs? Honesty and faith in God. We always ask the Lord for guidance in everything we do. Can you share individual stories of lives changed because of your program? One successful scholar is Jomar R. Bating. His Tita was the nanny of all our children. He finished BS in Business Administration, Major in Human Resource Development, and has been working with us for nine years now. It was not easy for him to be a working student. He had to work at 8am4pm then attend his classes from 4pm to 9pm. But he always saw it as an opportunity rather than a burden. He is now the assistant bookkeeper of the company. Another striver who was helped fulfill her young dream is Ms Paz Avergonzado-Snyder. She finished BS in Education as a working student. We did not keep her from applying for greater job opportunities. After a few years in the company, she applied as a teacher in Cebu. Ms. Paz then continued her masters in English, Major in Teaching English as Secondary Language, in UP Cebu. She migrated to the USA when she married an American. Is your CSR program bolstering your company’s reputation? What advantages have you gained from this program? The program is not publicized. If people talk about it, it’s okay, but we are not talking about it.
NEW ST. JUDE.... è pg. 6
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The Chamber Post
Local businessmen join LGU-ORCHAM’s KAPIHAN: Getting Ready for Urbanization ORMOC CITY – The Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORCHAM) recently facilitated a forum entitled, “KAPIHAN: Preparing Ormoc towards urbanization”, last May 18, 2018 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the New Ormoc City Hall. The seminar was attended by local businessmen, mainly ORCHAM members and a few non-ORCHAM members who, during the seminar, were eventually convinced to become members of ORCHAM. Also present during the event were LGU members and ORCHAM’s Board of Trustees headed by Ms. Maricel R. Ngo, MBA ORCHAM President. Meanwhile, invited guests and speakers were Engr. Henry Cua (Eastern Visayas Regional Governor - PCCI Region 8), Mr. Franklin A. Carbon (Chairman, Metro Bacolod CCI Bacolod City), and Ms. Joy Polloso (Professor, Ateneo Graduate School of Business and Senior Vice President of Filinvest Land, Inc.). The seminar was held to discuss how local businesses can adapt to the entry of large national players, so that local businessmen or entrepreneurs would learn the advantages and strengths of a local homegrown business amidst a growing competitive market. The KAPIHAN, accordingly, was a first in Ormoc. According to Ms. Ngo, she got a lot of inputs from the past presidents of ORCHAM and she then realized, in the meetings among the current ORCHAM Board of Trustees, that local businessmen have still a lot of things to learn and a lot of things to do especially now that big players such as Robinsons Place Ormoc, SM Center Mall Ormoc, and many more malls are starting to make their mark the city. That was how, Ms. Ngo added, the KAPIHAN came into fruition, with the help of LGU-Ormoc who funded the said seminar. “The takeaway you need today is to address your concern about this anxiety / apprehension of what will happen to the local businesses now that the big players are starting to come into your city,” said Engr. Cua, sharing his experiences with his own business in Tacloban. He further said that he had gone through ups and downs with his businesses but he stayed positive. “My principle is when I work, I should be happy otherwise, masakit lang ko. I just want to enjoy my life. And in everything I do, the principle of my life is I just want to enjoy. Money is nothing. Remember that,” he said positively. “Let us not look at these big investors coming in as our competitors. Rather, we look at them as motivators. We join with them. We cannot stop businessmen in coming here. Just look at
ORCHAM President Maricel E. Ngo, MBA, SP Member Atty. Bennet Pongos and Mayor Richard I. Gomez, MBA awarded the plaques of appreciation to the speakers: (left to right) Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Frank Carbon, CPA, Prof. Joy Polloso and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Regional Governor for Region 8 Engr. Henry Cua
Metro Bacolod Chamber Chairman Franklin Carbon gave a talk on “Bacolod Story” to the receptive audience
urbanization as our motivator. We can’t go against them because we are not prepared for that,” he concluded. On the other hand, Mr. Franklin A. Carbon shared some insights on how to prepare Ormoc City for urbanization, based on their experience in Bacolod City, comparing urbanization to an elephant where “you do not know what to do and where to start”. “But we have to find a solution. We may feel na hindi natin kaya pero kaya natin, by taking one small bite at a time,” said Mr. Carbon. Accordingly, Bacolod City was really a beautiful, peaceful, and organized city back in the 90’s. When rapid urbanization came, he said, they were not yet prepared for it so they did not know what to do at first. Major traffic happened because all the local businesses were concentrated in one area, added Mr. Carbon. He said they also experienced problems with power and water sources; areas would become flooded whenever there is heavy rain; sidewalk vendors became street vendors; the city became overloaded and overcrowded, shared Mr. Carbon. Then, they realized, he said, that big players will not come to an area as overloaded as theirs so what they did, he further said, was they made use of the underdeveloped areas and did relocation of some buildings, built flyovers, created diversion roads, constructed housing for the illegal settlers to relocate, cleaned the streets and found areas for the vendors, constructed more bus terminals, and created residential areas. Most importantly, he said, they did not take the local businesses for granted. “If the locals will not grow, your business will slow down. So if you cannot beat them, join them,” ended Mr. Carbon. Finally, Ms. Joy Polloso discussed the ASEAN Integration for Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SME’s) readiness to complement the big retail players. “Once the businessmen in the Philippines are trained,
Kapihan.... è pg.18
The esteemed Panelists during the open forum
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Tana, Maglipay Ta! - Ormoc City Fiesta 2018 The solid partnership between the Ormoc City Local Government Unit (LGU) and Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORCHAM) proved its strong ties during the recent celebration of the 2018 Ormoc City Fiesta, wherein no less than our very own ORCHAM Chairman Jude P. Abenoja, CPA, was assigned as this year’s Chairman for the 2018 Ormoc City Fiesta Executive Committee. The Ormoc City Fiesta 2018 was celebrated with a series of exciting grand events as early as June 12 until June 30, all aimed to give back to the Ormocanons what they truly deserve – a peaceful yet meaningful, and most importantly a joyous fiesta celebration. The series of events for the fiesta kicked off last June 16, 2018 with the grand contest of floats dubbed as ”Parade of Lights” - wherein quite a number of fully-decorated and themed floats, which were made more stunning by having it lit with hundreds of LED lights, graced the streets of Ormoc on the night of June 16. Ormocanons lined up the streets anticipating the passing of the flashy floats. It created a festive vibe in the city, which was deemed the perfect way to kick-off the almost month-long fiesta celebration. ORCHAM of course did not let the opportunity to join pass by. Thanks to ORCHAM’s creative and hard-working Trustees, Corporate Secretary Ivi T. Rodriguez, Executive Director Cheryl P. Gallo, VP for Internal Affairs Arch. Ingrid T. Cimafranca, VP for Disaster Management Engr. Manolo T. Fragata, ORCHAM LGU Liason Emma F. Fragata, ORCHAM Member Arnel Ugdamin and Albert Rojas, ORCHAM staff, and various ORCHAM member
ORCHAM President Maricel R. Ngo, MBA and VP-Internal Affairs Gigi Chu received the plaque of participation given by the 2018 Parade of Lights Committee
suppliers, ORCHAM was able to participate by having a float entry, inspired by the popular Disney movie “Frozen”. ORCHAM bagged the 6th place award for the said float contest. ORCHAM was tapped as well by Sts. Peter and Paul Parish to sponsor the parish’s “Lamesa ni Martha” activity - a feeding program for our less fortunate brethren. (see related story on page 11) ORCHAM’s participation in the fiesta activities did not end there. The most challenging task ORCHAM was tapped to was in assisting Kiwanis Club of Geo-Ormoc in their overwhelming role of organizing the Ms. Ormoc 2018 Pageant. ORCHAM was personally-requested by Fiesta ExeCom Chairman Jude Abenoja to assist Kiwanis in the selling of tickets, organizing seats assignments, for VIP’s & Sponsors, briefing of the usherettes on the entrance of guests and VIP’s, safekeeping and accounting of awards and tokens, budgeting and other Ms. Ormoc-related priorities. The event was truly daunting, as it entailed a lot of attention to detail. In the end, the result was a heart-stopping and exciting pageant. It was dubbed the most glamorous Ms. Ormoc pageant yet, coated with all the prestige the event deserves. It was truly a night of beauty and glitz.
Kids and adults alike were fascinated by magical Frozen-themed float of ORCHAM which was sponsored by MacBuilders, Ormoc MacMercury,Vicenta’s Cafe, John Carlo Eng’g and Construction and RL Molina’s Iron Works
Dynamic ORCHAM Trustees Kathy Abuel, Ivi Rodriguez and Ethel Matres together with the ORCHAM Executive Director Cheryl P. Gallo, Miss Ormoc Committee Chairman Gigi Chu and Fiesta EXECOM Chairman Jude P. Abenoja,CPA took a groufie after the meeting in preparation for the Miss Ormoc 2018
ORCHAM Chairman and Ormoc City Fiesta 2018 Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Jude P. Abenoja, CPA received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Office of the Representative of the 4th District of Leyte and the Ormoc City Mayor’s Office during the Miss Ormoc 2018 pageant.
Through the collaborative efforts of the LGU, the 2018 Ormoc City Fiesta Executive Committee, ORCHAM, and the various social and civic groups in Ormoc, the celebration of the 2018 Ormoc City Fiesta was truly a successful one. It just proved that with the collective desire to reach a common goal, and setting aside political and personal gains, so much can be done and accomplished. During the festivities, the Ormocanons genuinely felt and experienced the fiesta’s tagline: “Tana, Maglipay Ta!” -EPM
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STRENGTHENING TIES WITH B.I.R.
Ormoc City – Just more than a month apart from each other, two separate dialogues transpired between the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORCHAM), together with PICPA, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The first one was last May 22, 2018, followed by another one last July 11, 2018. Both dialogues were held at the BIR RDO 089 office, at Brgy. Bantigue, Ormoc City. Both occasions were duly represented by ORCHAM Trustees, PICPA officers and members, representatives from the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BIR Regional Director Ma. Gracia B. Javier contractors, sand and gravel operators, and various local businesses discussed some BIR Updates to the participants of the forum. in Ormoc. On the part of the BIR, Regional Director Ma. Gracia B. Javier, RDO Ma. Teresa Noemi A. Pizon and some Officers of the 5. PROGRESS of TRAIN LAW IMPLEMENTATION: Revenue Region 14, were also in attendance. The Regional Director discussed the features and impact of TRAIN Law and how the BIR on the other hand managed such Some of the concerns raised by the attendees were as follows: impacts. Per RD Javier, the Bureau plans to subsequently implement 1. BIR’s COLLECTION GOAL: the Package 1-B of the TRAIN Law in April of 2019 which includes How was the goal crafted? Was the over-all goal for this year the Amnesty Program. crafted considering the effects of TRAIN Law? 6. CONCERNS ON ERRORS DUE TO THE TRAIN LAW BIR: The goal was being set by a council with the Department of TRANSITION: Finance. The common practice of setting the goal is a percentage Concerns regarding the errors made by practitioners and increase of the previous year's collection goal or actual collection taxpayers in filing the various taxes which were brought by the considering various factors. The goal for 2018 was already set prior implementation of TRAIN Law, the BIR is open to consider such to the implementation of the TRAIN Law. errors as long as it is supported with the documents and done The practitioners and businessmen suggested that in crafting the in good faith. As highlighted during the dialogue, it is a matter of goal, the council should consider the various factors affecting the coordinating with BIR regarding such errors. The BIR is willing to locality of the revenue districts and regions. Example factor is the help the taxpayers in correcting this issue. occurrence of fortuitous events which may decrease the tax due of 7. OPLAN KANDADO IN ORMOC CITY: the taxpayers due to the losses and costs in recovering. BIR is trying The “Oplan Kandado” is one of the enforcement activities done its best to forward the concerns in the goal and wishes to represent by BIR, together with the Run Against Tax Evaders (RATE) Program, to the Bureau and the taxpayers in the process of determining the go after businesses with possible huge amount of under declaration collection goal for each region and district. of their revenues and taxes. 2. UPDATE ON EFPS FORMS: The surveillance begins with the analysis of the taxpayer's The BIR Forms 0619E and 1701Q to be used in remitting the compliance to the various taxes needed to be filed with and paid Expanded Withholding Tax every month and Quarterly Income Tax, to the BIR. Initial covert surveillance is then conducted to check respectively, are not yet available for the EFPS Facility. the activity of the taxpayers. Depending on the results of the covert The committee-in-charge of the said concern is trying their surveillance, the RD may issue order to conduct sit-in surveillance best to make the forms available and be in its best condition, where in the taxpayer's business establishment(s) which may take 10-30 several features are now being worked on. BIR further suggested to days. A report will then be generated from the facts gathered during the EFPS Filers to use the e-BIR Forms and to file and pay manually the surveillance and the taxpayer will be informed of how much his/ through the AAB’s. her deficiency is. The failure of the taxpayer to settle such deficiency 3. UPDATE on ZONAL VALUES for RD89: will cause the Bureau to "Kandado", or close-shop the business It was stipulated that if there are no complaints or suggestions establishment and only be allowed to resume operations once the raised at the office of the RDO within the 10-day period after the taxpayer settles the obligation, which may be arranged in installments. public hearings that were conducted in the month of June in various If the taxpayer fails to coordinate with the BIR on such deficiency, a sites, the draft will be subjected to final deliberation. Letter of Authority may then be issued to further investigate or audit 4. INQUIRY on the FAIR MARKET VALUE OF SAND AND the taxpayer. GRAVEL: Together with the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Is the proposed market value already in full implementation? Industry, ORCHAM and PICPA, these business organizations fully BIR: Yes, and the P1,000.00-P1,200.00 per cubic meter FMV was support the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in its tax collection computed based on various sources. efforts. The BIR through the RDO is open to accept any position BIR likewise wishes that WE, the businessmen, the professionals, paper supported by valid documents to raise such concern to the the Bureau and the government, will continue to be strong partners appropriate committee. For now, affected taxpayers shall pay the in our collective efforts towards a fruitful nation building. implemented rates. - AMPL
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Lamesa ni Martha
One of the activities actively-participated by ORCHAM during the celebration of the 2018 Ormoc City Fiesta was the parishinitiated program called, “Lamesa ni Martha”. The Archdiocese of Palo, through Palo Archbishop John Du, started this program by drawing inspiration from Martha, the patron saint of servants and cooks, who was of less significance in Biblical accounts of Jesus’ public ministry, but was perceived to prefer serving others first before looking out for herself. The activity is a feeding program for our underprivileged & poor brethren, and aims to be a venue to preach about Christ by showing kindness and generosity, at the same time open an opportunity for those who are blessed to extend a little help to the poor. ORCHAM, together with other major organizations, was tapped by Rev. Fr. Isagani Petilos to spearhead this project in Ormoc, in conjunction with the city’s fiesta-related activities. So Last June 20, 2018, after the 12noon Holy Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church, Fr. Isagani Petilos announced to the massgoers that ORCHAM, through the generosity of an anonymous donor, was able to prepare seventy (70) packed meals with drinks. The packed meals were then served to the vendors outside the church, workers at the children’s park, beggars, a few construction workers and park attendants.
2018 Business Night
Ormoc Superdome, June 20, 2018 - The local businesses and entrepreneurs of Ormoc jovially celebrated the city’s 2018 fiesta by actively participating in this year’s “Business Night”, one of the sectoral nights arranged by the Local Government Unit and the Executive Committee of the 2018 Ormoc City Fiesta. It was an enjoyable night which was excitedly attended by owners and employees of companies from the following business groups and industries: power and energy, telecommunications, banking and financial institutions, hotels and restaurants, business and commerce organizations, transport groups, private practitioners, printing shops, retail establishments and malls, and a lot more. A total of 502 guests attended the fun-filled night. The Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORCHAM) was tasked to organize the whole event, which was made successful with the efforts of the following committees: Registration: National Grid Corp. of the Phils. Ormoc Hotels and Restaurants Association Raffle Prizes: Food and Entertainment: Ormoc Bankers’ Club Logistics and venue: Energy Development Corporation Decorations: Robinsons Place Ormoc and Leyeco V Ushers: The One Tickets and Contribution: ORCHAM Raffle items were up for grabs, which made the whole night worth staying for. Quite a number of guests went home loaded with valuable prizes in their arms, like washing machine, gas stove, refrigerator, and many more. The guests were entertained by a local band and performances by the Tongonan Elementary School (Rondalya presentation), and the Richard and Lucy Ormoc City Dance Sport Team. The excitement was heightened when a duo of comediennes from Tacloban entertained the guests with their comedy antics
Vendors, atras boys and beggars among others enjoyed a hearty meal sponsored by ORCHAM at SPP’s Lamesa ni Martha
Present during the activity were ORCHAM Trustees Katherina Abuel and Ethel Matres, with ORCHAM Executive Director Cheryl Gallo, and the ORCHAM office staff. It was indeed a fulfilling activity. That amidst all the jubilation and elation brought about by the festive mood of the Ormoc City Fiesta, it is rewarding to have been able to share such joyousness to the needy and the hungry. In the words of Palo Archbishop John Du, who launched the program on Nov. 29, 2014 at the opening of the Year of the Poor. “Less and less people will really suffer from want, if only more and more people would consider the needy as true friends. By addressing human hunger in a concrete manner, we hope to lead the people towards the greater need for God.” - EPM and stint. The duo even facilitated an impromptu search for “Mr. & Ms. Business Night”, which was gamely participated by representatives from randomly picked companies, wherein their A well-attended Ormoc City Business Night male and female candidates were selected on-the-spot. There was endless laughter and cheer when the on-the-spot search was going on. No less than Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez attended the event, with Ormoc City Councilors Atty. Bennett Pongos and Mr.Vincent Rama. It was not just a gathering of Ormoc’s business prime movers, it was a night for a good cause as well. A portion of the night’s registration fee was allocated as donation to Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church, to help in the rehabilitation of the Children’s Paradise. All in all, it was a celebration that was both fun and rewarding. It was the perfect event to be one with the city of Ormoc in its monthlong fiesta celebration, and it was also an opportunity to get to know and share good times with fellow entrepreneurs in the locality. Everyone went home with smiles on their faces, and good (Left to right) Ormoc Hotels and Restaurants Association (OHRA) President Ms. Amparo Tan, times etched in EDC CSR Head Erwin Magallanes, ORCHAM President Maricel R. Ngo, MBA, Saints Peter and Paul Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Isagani Petilos, Ormoc City Fiesta 2018 EXECOM Chairman Jude their memories. Abenoja and Local Economic Investment Promotions Officer Joel Mendoza -EPM
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BIR Taxes and Deadlines 2018 Registration Renewal of manual books of accounts for the following year
BIR FORM 1905
Annual Registration Fee ( for the current year) Documentary Stamp Tax Declaration VAT & Other Percentage Taxes Withheld Taxes Withheld on Compensation
0605 2000 1600 1601C
TAX TYPE
Quarterly Expanded Withholding Tax & Quarterly Alphalist of Payees Final Income Taxes Withheld (ex. Tax on Dividends Issued) Annual Information Return of Income Tax Withheld on Compensation and Final Withholding Taxes Annual Information Return of Creditable Taxes Withheld (Expanded) / Income Payments Exempt from Withholding Tax Improperly Accumulated Earnings Tax For Corporations Annual Income Tax Return for Corporations and Partnerships in General Account Information Form for Corporations and Partnerships in General Quarterly Income Tax Return for Corporations & Partnerships Monthly Value-Added Tax Return (non-EFPS filers) Monthly Value-Added Tax Return (EFPS filers) Quarterly Value-Added Tax Return Quarterly Percentage Tax Return Annual Income Tax Return for Individuals Earning Purely Compensation Income Annual Income Tax Return for Individuals, Estates and Trusts Account Information Form for Individual Quarterly Income Tax Return for Individual Distribution to All Income Recipients of Payment not subject to Withholding Tax excluding Compensation Income (PY)
DEADLINE Dec. 29 (PY)
Jan 31 5th of the following month 10th of the following month 10th of the following month End of the following month after the 1601EQ end of the taxable quarter 1601F 10th of the following month 1604CF Jan 31 1604E
Mar 1
1704
Jan 15 15th day of the fourth month following the close of the taxpayer's taxable year 15th day of the fourth month 1702-AIF following the close of the taxpayer's taxable year 60 days after the end of the quarter 1702Q (May 30, Aug 29, Nov 29) 2550M 20th of the following month 21st - 25th of the following month 2550M depending on group (see annex) 25th day after the end of each 2550Q taxable quarter (Jan 25, Apr 25, Jul 25, Oct 25) 25th day after the end of each 2551Q taxable quarter (Jan 25, Apr 25, Jul 25, Oct 25) 1702
1700
Apr 15
1701 Apr 15 1701-AIF Apr 15 May 15 and 15th of the 2nd month 1701Q following the end of the quarter (Aug 15, Nov 15) 2304
Jan 31
Distribution to All Income Recipients of Payment subjected to Final Tax (PY)
2306
Jan 31
Distribution of Certificate of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source
2307
10th of the following month, 20th of the following month after the end of the quarter or together with income payment
Distribution to All Compensation Income Earners by their employers
2316
Jan 31
Submission to BIR of the duplicate copies of Form 2316 of Employees who qualified for substituted filing Annual Inventory List of Finished Goods, Work-in Process, Raw Materials, Supplies and Stock-In Trade of Taxpayers Quarterly Summary List of Sales/Purchases
Feb 28 30th of the following month after the end of the year (Jan 30) 30th of the following month after the end of the quarter (Jan 30,Apr 30, Jul 30, Oct 30)
List of Regular Suppliers of Goods and Services by the Top 5,000/20,000
end of the following month after the end of the semester (Jan 31, Jul 31)
Engagement Letters & Renewals or Subsequent Agreements for Financial Audit by Independent CPAs
1st day of the following month after the end of the 3rd quarter of the taxable year (Sep 1)
Sworn Declaration of Gross Receipts by Professionals, Commissions, Talents, etc. Sworn Declaration of Withholding Agents Affidavit of Self-Employed Professionals (pertaining to rates, manner of billings and factors on detecting service fee for the current year Annual Information of All Accredited Tax Agents/Practitioners to be submitted to RNAB/RRAB
Jan 15 Jan 31 or 15 days after the month when the new income recepient has submitted the payee's sworn declaration Jan 31 Jan 31
Registration of Official Appointment Book for Self-Employed Professionals
Jan 31
Tenants Profile of Commercial Establishments/Leased Building/Spaces together with the required documents
Jan 31 (for July 1 - Dec 31) Jul 31 (Jan 1- Jun 30)
VAT Groups Business Industry Group A Insurance and Pension Funding Activities Auxiliary to Financial Intermediation Construction Water Transport Hotels and Restaurants Land Transport Group B Manufacture and Repair of Furniture Manufacture of Basic Metals Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical Products Manufacture of Coke, Refined Petroleum & Fuel Products Manufacture of Electrical Machinery & Apparatus N.E.C. Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products Manufacture of Food, Products & Beverages Manufacture of Machinery & Equipment NEC Manufacture of Medical, Precision, Optical Instruments Manufacture of Motor Vehicles, Trailer & SemiTrailers Manufacture of Office, Accounting & Computing Machinery Manufacture of Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products
Period for filing Monthly VAT Declarations 25 days following the end of the month
24 days following the end of the month
Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment Manufacture of Other Wearing Apparel Manufacture of Paper and Paper Products Manufacture of Radio, TV & Communication Equipment/ Apparatus Manufacture of Rubber & Plastic Products Manufacture of Textiles Manufacture of Tobacco Products Manufacture of Wood & Wood Products Manufacturing N.E.C. Metallic Ore Mining Non-Metallic Mining & Quarrying Group C Retail Sale Wholesale Trade and Commission Trade Sale, Maintenance, Repair of Motor Vehicle, Sale of Automotive Fuel Collection, Purification and Distribution of Water Computer and Related Activities Real Estate Activities Group D Air Transport Electricity, Gas, Steam & Hot Water Supply Postal & Telecommunications Publishing, Printing & Reproduction of Recorded Media Recreational, Cultural & Sporting Activities Recycling Renting of Goods & Equipment Supporting & Auxiliary Transport Services Group E Activities of Membership Organizations, Inc. Health and Social Work Public Admin & Defense Compulsory Social Security Research and Development Agricultural, Hunting, and Forestry Farming of Animals Fishing Other Service Activities Miscellaneous Business Activities Unclassified
23 days following the end of the month
22 days following the end of the month
21 days following the end of the month
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Kapihan.... from pg. 8 the businesses here need not order anymore or import products. You can already source it out from the local suppliers. That’s the value of ASEAN Integration. On one hand, you might think it will impact you negatively because you are faced with more competition, but on the other hand, it will also make your businesses grow,” explained Ms. Polloso. “So, why Ormoc became one of the top choices for big players?”, asked Joy. This is because, she answered, Ormoc is in a strategic location with lots of natural resources and offers great, undiscovered tourism spots. Companies no longer want to locate in diversified cities, she said. “They are already starting to step their foot in the smaller cities outside Metro Manila and Cebu,” added Joy. Accordingly, for Ormoc to adapt urbanization, it has to be ready to embrace change, thus, requiring a lot of work and collaboration, participation, interaction, and support from all stakeholders. “So Ormoc needs to be ready and it has to be ready to adapt. Whether you like it or not, big players will soon come here. In fact there are already big companies setting their foot here such as Robinsons Place Ormoc and SM Center Mall, and many are coming and will be coming. Eastern Visayas is yet to shine. So brace yourselves for more opportunities to come,” concluded Ms. Polloso. The Kapihan was also attended by Mayor Richard Gomez who took the opportunity to give an inspirational message and updated the businessmen attendees on the plans and projects of the Local Government Unit. Mayor Richard’s updates further promoted investments for the city with high hopes to all players, and presented what are the opportunities in store. After which, the induction of the New ORCHAM members followed. The hardworking mayor of Ormoc inducted seven new members who initiated their Oath of Membership in front of the ORCHAM and the Non-ORCHAM member Kapihan participants. After the induction came one of the most awaited part, the panel discussion. Leading the list of distinguished speakers was Mayor Richard Gomez together with the above mentioned esteemed speakers, ORCHAM President Ms. Maricel Ngo, BPLO Head Mr. Emilio G.Tingson, SP Chairman of Trade and Commerce Atty. Bennet Pongos, and CPDO Coordinator Engr. Raoul Cam. The discussion was facilitated by ORCHAM Vice President Ms. Twinkle Chu. All
queries were efficiently answered by the panellists who heightened the awareness and knowledge of the attendees on how local entrepreneurs can adapt to the entry of big time national players and keep up with the entry of the lucrative businesses. The forum finally concluded with the presentation of plaques and certificates to the invited speakers and panellists, respectively. The phenomenon on the continuing growth of cities, known as urbanization is inevitable. However, it is important to address that no one should be left behind. The topics tackled during the Kapihan were truly relevant as to the needs of time, especially since national companies are on their way to invest in Ormoc. And with this taking place, Ormoc local businesses are left perplexed on how, or whether they can keep up to thrive, more so sustain. Nevertheless, local businesses need to embrace change. Instead of wondering, they should cultivate a sense of positivity, be innovative to advance their products and services, and be open-minded for more strategic and long term planning and decision-making. Together, ORCHAM, the local business sector and the LGU headed by the City Mayor, Richard I. Gomez, along with the Sanguniang Panglungsod Members and Department Heads from different agencies, Ormoc will rise as a highly urbanized city in the whole of Region VIII. The beginning part of this article was written by Dailyn Cabarse of Eastern Visayas Mail, appearing in the latter’s May 14-20, 2018 issue, incorporated with the write-up contributed by Ms. Maricar S. Lago, and edited by Chamber Post Director Ethel P. Matres.
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Join us, be an ORCHAM member... Innovation Summit Conference and Expo By becoming a member of ORCHAM, you will be joining a professional association that is dedicated to serving its members as the voice of business sector and an instrument for positive change in Ormoc City and the Western part of Leyte. In addition to gaining access to a professional network of established business owners, local entrepreneurs, and non-profit volunteers through informative general membership meetings and exciting chamber conferences, your establishment can also take advantage of our valuable training seminars and workshops that are held throughout the year in the field of Accounting, Taxation, compliance reviews, budgeting, business strategies, customer service, to name a few. ORCHAM is also developing a business directory that will allow ORCHAM members to advertise their retail and service businesses, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other businesses to the online community. Because all of our members must be in good standing as required by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, being listed in the ORCHAM directory will further promote the good business reputation of
your establishment. Additional benefits of joining ORCHAM include the following: (1) Opportunity to make a difference in the local community by serving in one of our committees; (2) Ability to influence the formulation and implementation of government policies in the local community; (3) Access to primary and secondary source data on tourism arrivals and trends in Ormoc City; (4) Receive regular updates on important issues that might affect your business and the environment; and, (5) Chance to meet new people who share your commitment to positive change. Being an ORCHAM member will open doors of opportunities for your company to the business sector and to our dear city in general. Make doing business worthwhile, join ORCHAM now.
If interested, please contact: Cheryl P. Gallo Executive Director 832-3296 / 0917-956-2337 or visit us at: 2nd Floor No 201, West Wing Ormoc City Superdome, Ormoc City
Cebu City – Last June 19-20, 2018, stakeholders from different industries gathered together to reinforce the ecosystem that supports enterprise development and increase innovation capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises. The attendees shared their knowledge through the Innovation Summit Conference and Expo at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, providing process opportunities and strategies for inclusive growth and sustainability of Cebu’s businesses.Those in attendance were noted policy makers, industry business sector representatives, members of the academe, inventors or innovators, and professionals from innovation centers and other business support institutions in Cebu and other parts of the country. The Expo was one of the highlights of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2018, which is the annual flagship project of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), with Mr. Benedict Que, President of Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, heading the organizing committee as CBM 2018 overall chairman. The Conference also featured a compendium of high-powered speakers who readily shared their inspiring stories, experiences, best practices, and strategies on various topics, such as government support to science, technology and innovation, innovative solutions to social challenges and community development, creative innovation, and adopting technology to accelerate change and move businesses forward.The speakers include Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, DOST-Research and Development Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara, AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes, Microsoft Regional Director for Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez, Department of Information, Communication and Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Director Raymond Estioko. On the said event, ORCHAM was actively represented by no less than current ORCHAM President, Ms. Maricel R. Ngo, MBA,Vice President for Business Development Stephanie Diane “Twinkle” U. Chu,Vice President for Membership Aileen S. Aviles, and ORCHAMLGU Liason Emma F. Fragata. For the ORCHAM Trustees who attended, they all agreed that the event provided them with unique and timely opportunities to foster a culture of entrepreneurship through technology and innovation, which they all hope to be adapted by the local businesses here in Ormoc. - EPM
Left to right: VP-Business Development Twinkle Chu,VP-Membership Aileen S. Aviles, ORCHAM-LGU Liason Emma F. Fragata, CBM Chairman Benny Que, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Antonio Chu, President Maricel R. Ngo, MBA and CCCI Past President Melanie Ng
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