The PostNewsletter TheChamber Official
of Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
The
Chamber Volume I Issue I
2018 Jan-MAR
Orcham through the years... The Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORCHAM) was formally organized in April 24, 1999, with the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the City Government of Ormoc, Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and Leyte Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), and with the full support of the local business community. It humbly started with only six (6) but dedicated Officers, seven (7) Board of Directors and sixty-nine (69) members. ORCHAM has significantly grown over the years, with two hundred fifty two members to date and still growing up to this writing. ORCHAM is an affiliate of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) and is registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission with SEC Reg. No. C199900771, dated August 3, 1999. During the recent 25th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) in Ormoc City on September 14-16, 2016, ORCHAM was highlighted by PCCI as the first local chamber in the Eastern Visayas Region to have hosted the grandest VABC with the theme “CHANGE is HERE”. It was an activity-filled event which featured panel discussions on relevant business issues and concerns. The event recorded the highest number of registered attendees (510 persons) in the event’s 25-year history. It was during the 25th VABC when ORCHAM sealed a sisterhood agreement with Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CCCI), to boost trade relations between both cities. One benefit of the sister agreement with CCCI is the opportunity for ORCHAM to participate in CCCI’s various trade missions. In October 2017, ORCHAM was awarded as the MOST OUTSTANDING CHAMBER IN THE VISAYAS.
ORCHAM’S SERVICES In order to fulfill its objective of attaining business growth in Ormoc City and its neighboring towns in the Western part of Leyte, ORCHAM provides its members and constituents, services aimed to address various business needs including, but not limited to the following: 1.) MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Primarily responsible for the recruitment of new members, creating awareness on new business trends and developments, fostering camaraderie among its members, and conducting all other undertakings that cater to members’ needs to ensure a more active member participation and involvement. 2.) EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND RELATIONS ORCHAM serves as a bridge, by establishing linkages with various local and national organizations in both the public and private sectors, to promote and develop programs for business growth, including the ultimate goal of interacting in the international arena. It helps foster strong partnerships with the Ormoc City Local Government Unit (LGU), national government units and agencies, and non-government organizations for the creation and implementation of viable programs and strategies for economic development. Ormoc City LGU and ORCHAM conducts continuous dialogues, regular consultations, and constant discussions of issues and policies, and pushing programs and
projects geared towards the development and enhancement of business. ORCHAM regularly publishes and disseminates social media updates, among others, in order to help the members and the business community stay updated with the latest news within the ORCHAM community and new developments in business. Ormoc City, currently branded as the “City of Beautiful People,” has been consistently recognized as a city with very resilient and warm people for valiantly hurdling various calamities in the past which include the flashflood in November 1991, the “Super Typhoon Yolanda” in November 2013, and the recent 6.5 magnitude earthquake last July 6, 2017. In line with ORCHAM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program which aims to contribute in hastening and assisting victims of natural and/or man-made calamities, ORCHAM refocuses on prioritizing collaboration with the Ormoc City Local Government, National Government and Non-Government Agencies, and attend briefings on Disaster Management with the City Disaster Coordinating Council, to be able to extend help where actual help and assistance is really needed. One of the highlights in recent history includes the Ormoc City LGU’s tapping of ORCHAM to spearhead in the cash donation drives for the
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Messages
The Chamber Post My warmest greetings and congratulations to the Officers and Members of Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (ORCHAM) on its pilot issue of bulletin/ newsletter covering the first quarter of this year. This publication will certainly keep the members updated of the activities and programs of ORCHAM and shall be an effective tool to connect with
business executives, traders, entrepreneurs from over Ormoc and its neighboring communities. This initiative is timely and relevant. Considering the present scenario in the country today, the industry’s future is filled with uncertainty but is replete with abounding promise. On this note, I encourage you to contemplate the unfolding of a new socioeconomic order. As captains of the industry, the task of steering
the ship of commerce into the new frontiers lay upon your hands. May your publication, then, take the lead in ushering in the new economic order with your sincere commitment and concerted efforts in addressing current economic and business issues through this bulletin/ newsletter.
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LUCY MARIE TORRES-GOMEZ
Representative of the 4th District of Leyte
Congratulations to the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. for its pilot issue of the chamber’s in-house publication. I was told this is a new endeavor of the Chamber, as a value-added service to members. I am honored to note that during my term, the Ormoc Chamber has become a vibrant business leader in the community. Now, you
have a newsletter.What else is up the sleeves of its new leaders? I look forward to your innovations, as you steer the business community of this City of Beautiful People to pursue each member’s potentials. This is your solemn pledge. We hope the newsletter will foster a sense of community and camaraderie between members, taking into consideration that everyone is treated equitably and fairly, and
should not give undue advantage to some select ones. As the Mayor, we will continue to reach out to the Ormoc Chamber to be our partner in its many projects and programs. We will also continue to support your plans and programs.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), I extend my warmest congratulations to the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the publication of ORCHAM BULLETIN featuring programs and advocacies of the chamber. I am very happy to note that for many years, your Chamber has consistently
remained active in providing services to your members and closely working with the City of Ormoc in all its projects and activities for MSMEs. Your objective is very much in line with PCCI’s mission and thrusts to provide focused advocacy for the promotion of business growth and development by providing services to the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. I firmly believe that you would continue to render
your unwavering support and assistance to PCCI, to the City Government of Ormoc, and to your members. May your chamber remain as the benchmark and cornerstone for the other chambers, not only in your region but for the entire country as well. Again, congratulations and more power to Ormoc City CCI.
Congratulations to the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry for coming up with the maiden issue of the ORCHAM BULLETIN highlighting important activities and updates of the chamber. This will surely keep the members of the Ormoc City CCI abreast of the chamber’s initiative that will encourage expanded partnerships and mutual trade activities among businessmen in the area.
Throughout the years, your organization has been actively assisting the City’s socioeconomic development thrusts like strengthening micro, small and medium scale enterprises as well as corporate social responsibility programs which contributed to the dynamism of Ormoc City. Indeed, Ormoc City CCI has become a major partner of local government in the advancement of Ormoc City’s economy.
Salute! RICHARD I. GOMEZ, MBA Ormoc City Mayor
MA. ALEGRIA SIBAL-LIMJOCO President PCCI
Again, Congratulations and more power to Ormoc City CCI! CONSUL SAMUEL N. CHIOSON
PCCI Vice President for Visayas
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I welcome this opportunity to extend my enormous and heartfelt thank you to our Past Presidents, Board of Trustees, secretariat and ORCHAM members who have surpassed all the numerous changes and challenges the past two years of my presidency. ORCHAM has been blessed to have the committed and dedicated team of people composed of a good mix of expertise, talents and skills. Having
The Chamber Post Warmest greetings to the officers and members of the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. I earnestly congratulate the officers of ORCHAM for the launching of the pilot issue of this quarterly newsletter. As your new Regional Governor, my highest priority is to help every local chamber in Eastern Visayas become a well-organized and functional organization, with majority of its officers and members taking full responsibility in the planning, development and execution of multi-sectoral programs of the organization. Looking
at its contents, this newsletter becomes an important element of this organizational dynamics. It will serve as an effective communication system where members are regularly informed of the programs and activities of the chamber, their participation thereof, and the benefits they derived from it. The officers and members will be encouraged and take pride in their contribution to the organization as their achievements are regularly published and communicated to all. I therefore see this laudable initiative as a pioneering work to make ORCHAM more relevant to the needs of your
members and the entire business community as a whole. It is my expectation that the chamber will sustain the regularity of this publication not only to serve its members but also to attract more businessmen to join the organization. This initiative also serves as a challenge and motivation for the other chambers to emulate. The lessons and experiences that ORCHAM will gain from this activity will surely serve as valuable model to follow. Once again my warmest congratulations. ENGR. HENRY C. CUA EV Regional Governor 2018
been awarded as the MOST OUTSTANDING CHAMBER AWARD, we have to continue what we have started or even surpass our achievements. In collaborative efforts to further serve its members, we bring you The Chamber Post. This is our way to increase your Jude P. Abenoja, CPA awareness and understanding ORCHAM Chairman of the ORCHAM services, updates and events. We hope that you enjoy this pilot and future issues, and find it to be appropriately informative. What can be done in 10 months time? I was in a panic mode but the answers instantly came. Ask around: a. Past presidents are good sources of ideas. Their experiences have lessons that our current BOTs can learn from. Their past projects may be worth duplicating. Projects put on hold might be worth pursuing. Who are in the best position to know the clamor of the business? Businessmen themselves, mostly are our past presidents. b. LGU of Ormoc and key government agencies Through the office of the Kag. Benneth Pongos(Trade and
Commerce and Industry ) and BPLO officer Mr. Emil Tingzon, we realize that indeed our local LGU and the key government agencies are the ENABLERS, while ORCHAM is one of the IMPLEMENTORs. Strong partnership with them must be the goal of the CHAMBER. 2. Attain Guiding Principles to live By as an OrCHAM Trustee -FAIR3 ( Frugality, Ako ug Kitang Tanan-Teamwork , Integrity-Do what is right, Resourcefulness, Respect for Others, Result Oriented) 3. Empower Trustees and Office Staff/Secretariat - Luckily, all the newly elected trustees have the passion in serving the community through the CHAMBER.
All these resulted to a 10-month plan, activities and projects which are calendarized shown in this builetin. This Quarterly Bulletin, The Chamber Post, serves many purposes: -keep the members and wouldbe members informed, - keep the OrCHam Trustees and Secretariat stay on track of our plans/projects, -inspire our readers through our featured “role model Business� and provide a medium for our advertisers to reach a captured market. LET US WORK TOGETHER FOR A STRONG BUSINESS AND BETTER COMMUNITY! Maricel R. Ngo, MBA ORCHAM President
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The Chamber Post
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Bravo to Woman Leadership... ORCHAM’s First Woman President
The Induction Ceremonies of the first set of ORCHAM Board of Directors (Trustees).
After 15 years, the leadership reigns of the Ormoc Chamber of Commerce (ORCHAM) are back in the hands of a woman. Equal to the interest building up around the new president, is the curiosity towards the only other woman who held the position: Milagros “Daya” Larrazabal-Rizarri. Not only was she the first woman president of ORCHAM, but also the first person elected as president of the Chamber. Daya remembers quite vividly that afternoon in 1999, when the chambers of the Leyte Province and Cebu City paid a visit to Ormoc and gathered distinguished local businessmen at the old Sanggunian Building. After the orientation, slips of paper were passed around along with the instruction to nominate candidates for the Board of Trustees. Those with the highest votes were convened again for the election of officers. Daya emerged as the only rose among the thorns – and, yet unanimously voted as president. The challenge of laying the foundation of the Chamber, drafting the Charter, and generating funds, tested the neophyte’s true mettle but did not dampen it. Daya marked her service term with resolutions and position papers that promoted the interest of the business community and responded to issues affecting it. The project that she held closest to her heart is the Pre-Bahandi Trade Fair that she spearheaded in 2001, with the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Provincial Government of Leyte. The fair displayed the wares, produce, and goodies of 84 crafters from all over Leyte and Samar, and attracted traders from Manila, and as far as Hongkong, Japan, and even Germany. One of Daya’s top priorities upon accepting the presidency was to establish strong linkages with government agencies, and the Trade Fair was a huge success product of this partnership. Even before the term “multi-hyphenate” became common, Daya was already personifying it. Aside from being an advocate for the business community, she played active roles in two family-owned corporations, ran two passion projects, the Stop & Shop, a fashion and lifestyle store, and the Tops
Tailoring Shop. These, while also being a wife and mother of four.“You might think you are busy but you find yourself having time for all the roles in your life. Luckily, there was never a time, or maybe rarely, when my schedules clashed. Time management is key. And, when we were younger, we had so much energy and focus. We could finish a lot in such a short time.” Energy and youth was never wasted on her even as a young woman and even with the boundaries her conservative father, the longest-serving mayor of Ormoc City, Inaki A. Larrazarabal, had set for her. He asked her not to attend the University of the Philippines or any other co-ed school, so she sought for an institution “secured by nuns,” at the same time, can provide for her the education she needed to pursue a professional life. Daya finished Bachelors in Commerce, Major in Accounting and took up the board exam for Accountants. After passing the exams, she accompanied an aunt to Madrid, Spain. She did not waste time looking for a job. Sensing that her Spanish might not be good enough, she took Hispanic courses at a private school. But not a year would pass before her father called her back home. “I made a quick visit to London and the US before flying back to Ormoc for good.” She joined her parents in running their family businesses and never left since. As she is nearing 70, this woman who didn’t look like she was ever going to be ready for retirement, is learning to take it slow. The first thing she does now every morning and whenever she needs to de-stress is to tend to the flowers and vegetables in her garden. “We have different phases in our lives. I’m at the phase where I don’t have to work full time anymore, where I can just enjoy life, and look for things to occupy myself with, that makes me feel good.” One thing she cannot give up though, is Tops Tailoring, her 37-year-old venture, and Ormoc’s oldest tailoring shop. “My concern about closing the store is where the people would go. I want to keep them until they themselves give up.” To this day, she takes to heart what a Thomasian philosopher repeated during her college years, “The best is yet to come.” And this truth is ever unfolding before her eyes. The Rizarris are building a dream vacation house where they could raise lambs, native chicken, and maintain fish“You might think you are ponds with hito and crabs. The busy but you find yourself main feature of the dream house having time for all the roles in is a swimming pool right outside your life... Time management is for her grandchildren. With the the key.” joys of having a growing number of grandchildren, it looks like this superwoman is finally ready to embrace retirement. - MVTR
ORCHAM President joins the Last Leg of Nationwide Tax Reform Caravan in Tacloban March 22, 2018 – Hotel Alejandro Tacloban The Department of Finance (DOF), in partnership with the Participatory Governance ClusterOpen Government Partnership (PGC-OGP) led by the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), staged the last dialogue in Tacloban City to inform the public about the Duterte administration’s newly enacted Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law and the proposed reform package on corporate taxation and the modernization of fiscal incentives. Presidents of local chambers in the
region from Ormoc,Baybay,TaclobanLeyte, Palompon and Samar area attended the said dialogue. During the open forum, President Maricel Ngo raised the issue regarding expensive electricity in Ormoc and other parts of Leyte. It is no less than DBM Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno who responded on the said issue in behalf of the Department of Energy. He recognized that oddity of cooperatives in the region entering into long term contract with the PSA from far places like Subic, knowing that our region has sources of renewable energy ( solar and geothermal ). Secretary Diokno committed to raise said concern to Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan realized that POWER is one the serious concerns in our region. He noted of this concern to be endorsed to DOE.
Visit the live coverage of this dialogue for the detailed response of Secretary Diokno:
( h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / DBMgovph/videos/2019983358255923/ MjoyMDk3NTIwMzQ2OTQ0Mjgy/) - MRN
Left to right – Baybay Chamber Executive Director - Ma Allyn Biterbo Soller SOUTHERN LEYTE CHAMBER PRESIDENT Ms. Panny Sy With ASEC. LEIRA BUAN Deputy Secretary General From the Office of the President Maricel R. Ngo - ORCHAM President
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The Chamber Post
Get to know your Orcham Past Presidents over the years MA. MILAGROS L. RIZZARI, CPA 1999-2003
Achievements and Advocacies: • Pioneered the establishment of the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. • Canadian International Development Agency – Private Enterprise Accelerated Resource Linkages • Pre-Bahandi 2001 Provincial Trade Fair • Partnership with DOLE: trainings on fish processing and bamboo cum production projects Challenges: • Fund generation for the Chamber • Establishment of ORCHAM during the biggest economic downturn during that time, when the prevailing economic climate was giving hardships to individuals and businesses alike Getting to know Daya: • What are you currently reading? James Martin, S.J: JESUS, A PILGRIMAGE • First thing you bought with your own money? Ice cream • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? Travel to the Lost Horizon in the Himalayas (Nepal) • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family.. St.Theresa of Calcutta for her selflessness • What have you seen or heard lately that made you pleasantly surprised? Safari Adventure & Sirao gardens in Cebu, snow in Fujiyoshida, where there’s a stretch of white beach that’s been there since my childhood days.
ATTY. ROY BERNARD FIEL 2004- 2007
Achievements and Advocacies: • GTZ’s support to ORCHAM through the purchase of office equipment, business directory, and more. • Represented the local businesses via a legal opposition on Leyeco V’s power rate increase • Wax emulsion project to extend shelf life of fresh pineapples • Diplomatic opposition to LGU on the proposed transfer of P50M of electricity royalty to water project • Accreditation with Ormoc LGU and memberships in various LGU councils like LPOC, Royalty Subsidy Council, and local development bodies • Close coordination with local officials in mitigating the robbery spree in the city, which resulted to effective actions by various responsible persons and organizations. Getting to know Roy: • What are you currently reading? The Power of Convergence by Faisal Hoque • First thing you bought with your own money? Bicycle • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? Travel to more places • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family. Pope John Paul II, JFK, Dalai Lama
CLIMACO EVANGELISTA 2008
Achievements and Advocacies: • Proper implementation of the Labor Rate and Porterage Fee Getting to know Leming: • What are you currently reading? Daily-Newspaper (Manila Bulletin) • First thing you bought with your own money? Gave financial support for 3 brothers who were in college • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? I no longer have the luxury of time to start new, so I’ll just continue what I have started: expansion of business • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family. Presidents of other countries like Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln and successful businessmen in general.
The Chamber Post
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ENGR. JOVENCIO LAURENTE 2009-2010
Achievements and Advocacies: • Secured a resolution from Ormoc City Goverment Council and got financial support from a German NGO for the AFOS to support the program of Orcham which was used to jumpstart tourism activities in the city. Challenges: • How to gain the support of the LGU • Increase ORCHAM membership Getting to know Boy: • What are you currently reading? Text message • First thing you bought with your own money? A pair of sport shoes • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? To jump in a parachute from an airplane • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family. John Kennedy , Fidel Castro, Mahatma Gandhi • What have you seen or heard lately that made you pleasantly surprised? Solar powered plane
JOEL BRAZIL July 2011 - Dec. 2012
Achievements and Advocacies: • Fostered strong partnership with Cebu Chamber of Commerce & AFOS Foundation, to improve the business environment for SME Development • Website Development for the Chamber in cooperation with STI • Successfully conducted quarterly membership forum, Lakbay Aral in Baybay City,VISCA, Pulp Corp. (under Emmanuel Licup’s office) • Initiated and conducted the creation of Travel and Tours Organization • Represented the business sector as the lead opposition on the Leyeco V rate increase • Successfully conducted chamber lakbay aral (Baybay city,VISCA, Pulp Corp. (under Emmanuel Licup’s office) • Initiated and conducted creation of Travel and Tours Organization to become chamber alliance • Represented and led the business sector in opposing Leyeco V rate increase • Lead oppositor in the submission of position papers on LGU water rate increase • Led and chaired the 3rd Visayas Business Conference held in Ormoc City Challenges: • Re-establish/reorganize/sustain the chamber after a year of inexistence • Low membership • Tackle issues on non-collaboration with other chambers and LGU • Absence of an office, staff, and low funds Getting to know Joel: • What are you currently reading? Inquirer • First thing you bought with your own money? Ice cream • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? Travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family. Ernesto Echauz (company owner), Barrack Obama, Mayor Richard Gomez • What have you seen or heard lately that made you pleasantly surprised? That I am filing a candidacy for Brgy. Capt.
IÑIGO LARRAZABAL 2013
Achievements and Advocacies: • Successfully hosted the first Eastern Visayas Business Conference in Ormoc • Started the partnership with AFOS Challenges: • Challenging partnership with LGU • Super typhoon Yolanda happened, which badly hit Ormoc City • Lobbied against BIR’s tax mapping operations three weeks after the typhoon, and imposition of charging businesses penalties for missed remittances Getting to know Igoy: • What are you currently reading? Thank You For Being Late by Thomas Friedman • First thing you bought with your own money? A nice meal at Melo’s Stakehouse • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? Be able to afford and establish a compensation package for the people in my organization that it will be way above just the minimum wage, and a Safari trip with my wife. • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family. Bill and Melinda Gates for their philanthropic work, Ellen Degeneres for her positivity and her genuine kindness, and ordinary folks who do admirable selfless acts for their families or communities.
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The Chamber Post
ATTY NOLITZ QUILANG (2014) Accomplishments: • Increased membership by 30.51% • Chamber funds grew by 117%, and for the first time ORCHAM funds reached the P1million mark • Orcham By-Laws made responsive, with 57% of the members giving their affirmative vote to 16 amendatory provisions of the By-Laws • Capacity building activities for ORCHAM via coaching sessions made by Cebu Chamber • Hosted the regional seminar on ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in close partnership with DTI • Conducted various trainings on enhancing business skills among ORCHAM members with the support of RWPB • Business Matching activity with members of Cebu Chamber (a first for ORCHAM) • Sectoral workshops to develop and strengthen business sector groups such as the poultry growers, vegetable stakeholders, tourism operators, pawnshop owners • Organized the first ever Lake Danao Festival • Published the ORCHAM directory and created the facebook account as well as the yahoo group account • Represented the business/private sector in the following policy bodies: City Investment Board, TWG on drafting the Local Investment Incentives Code, TWG drafting the Tourism Ordinance, TWG on traffic code and the Price Coordination and Monitoring Council, PAMB Technical Coordination Committee (later on Ormoc Chamber became regular memberof the PAMB), Police Advisory Council (as vice-chair), CSO Assembly, DPWH 4th District Bids and Awards and the PPA Bids and Awards • Passed seven (7) resolutions on various issues expressing the sentiments of the business sector Challenges: • The need to develop programs and projects that promote investment (especially in tourism), promote entrepreneurship, and help existing businesses grow • Build up and strengthen partnership with the city government for sustainable services for MSMEs • Develop ways on how businesses can be disaster-resilient • Maximize the Go Negosyo Act in building the capacities of the businesses • Build a strategic role in attracting more investors Getting to know Nolitz: • What are you currently reading? News – local and international; Federalism; and Barangay/SK Elections trends; other political news • Name a few things you want to do that you have not done before? Write and publish a book • Name people you really admire who are not family. Gandhi and Martin Luther King • What have you seen or heard lately that made you pleasantly surprised? The closure of Boracay from tourists and visitors; it surprised me but in a positive way because closing it means creating an impact on the environment.
REY EVANGELISTA (2015)
Achievements and Advocacies: • Successfully hosted the first DOST Regional Science Fair in Ormoc, bringing in the newest technology in Science that can be used in our businesses. • Successfully organized the 2nd Lake Danao Festival wherein more than 500 participants joined the 2 day competition featuring a variety of sports events, and ultimately helped increase awareness of our tourist spot, Lake Danao. Challenges: • Maintaining the ORCHAM staff (ED and Farm Technican), after the financial assistance of AFOS (NGO) was stopped when their project ended. • Generate funds for ORCHAM’s operational expense Getting to know Rey: • What are you currently reading? 88 Things Every Professional Should Know...or else by Abbygale Arenas de Leon • First thing you bought with your own money? Mitsubishi L200 pick up after signing my first PBA contract • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? A Holy Land tour • Top 3 people you really admire who are not family. St.Teresa of Calcuta, Michael Jordan, John Gokongwei • What have you seen or heard lately that made you pleasantly surprised? I was surprised to see my lovely daughters all glammed up and in their formal gowns during the golden anniversary of New St. Jude Agricultural Supply. I was not able to recognize them right away.
JUDE P. ABENOJA, CPA (2016-2017)
Achievements and Advocacies: • ORCHAM was awarded as the 2017 MOST OUTSTANDING CHAMBER IN THE VISAYAS • Strong partnership with Ormoc City LGU: 25th Visayas Area Business Conference Business Awards 2016 and 2017 Resource Generation and Compilation of Reports Committee Chair during Ormoc City Fiesta 2017 Spearheaded Lake Danao Festival 2017 to promote city’s main tourist attraction Assisted the Ormoc City LGU in the preparation of Comprehensive Development Plan 2017-2025 Assisted LGU in the relief and rehabilitation efforts after the 6.5 magnitude earthquake and Typhoon Urduja • Significant increase in membership • Sisterhood with other chambers like CCCI and partnership with PICPA-Ormoc Chapter • Filing and compliance of requirements with the regulatory agencies for ORCHAM Getting to know Jude: • First thing you bought with your own money? - A Christmas gift for my parents • Some things you want to do that you have not done before? - A travel to Holy Land with my wife Agnes and our giant kiddos • Top 3 people you really admire. (Not family) - Pope Francis (Vatican) - Warren Buffet (US) - Washington Sycip (SGV) • What have you seen or heard lately that made you pleasantly surprised? - Fanaticism at the highest level without putting logic at all.
The Chamber Post
One Inspiring Night… The Business Awards is an annual program jointly undertaken by the Local Government of Ormoc City and the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (ORCHAM). The overall aim of giving these awards is to recognize the men and women who demonstrate their winning vision, determination and innovative mindset in the business community; and by doing so, contribute to the economy of the city and to the society in general. Last March 3, 2018, twenty three (23) individuals and organizations were recognized and honoured in different business categories. These awardees were not picked randomly from a fish bowl, rather they were chosen after a meticulous and quite rigorous nomination and selection process. ORCHAM, in coordination with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), screened all registered businesses in the city in the year 2017. To be exact, there were 6,779 business licenses issued in the city in 2017, so one can just imagine the work that the screening process entailed. ORCHAM and the BPLO then pre-selected top 5 nominees for each category based on business growth criteria and compliance with business permits. Business growth is based on the gross receipts submitted by the business organizations to the Licensing Office. The business should have shown a steady growth and full compliance with BPLO requirements in the last 3 years to qualify in the shortlist. This shortlist was then sent to 50 reputable associations and organizations for their selection of winners. The nomination forms should have the signature of the organization’s president to be considered valid. Once the nomination forms were tallied, the results were then submitted to the Board of Judges for validation and final selection of the awardees.
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she always emerged successful, something she attributes to her core beliefs, that every cloud has a silver lining, and that in life, one should never be afraid to try. 2017 Man Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Rey Evangelista Sustainability, hard work, and consistency – that’s what makes the 2017 Man Entrepreneur of the Year deserving of the award. The drive that he has shown in managing his business can be traced back on how he and his siblings were brought up by their parents. He remembers as early as 8 years old, he started receiving salary for working as a cashier at his parents’ store. That sparked the businessman in him. During his elementary days, he would sell to his classmates chocolates that he himself refrigerated the night before. He was among those who would raise his hand often in class and yell, “Ma’am, may I go out,” excusing himself to sell chocolates to students from other sections that waited for him. His sale from his ventures would become his allowance. His dynamism and consistency are products of his college days, when he had to maintain his grade to keep his scholarship, and also, during his years as a professional basketball player. The man that these experiences had built recently opened the 7th branch of his business venture, the Generics Pharmacy in Albuera, Leyte. He believes in giving what is due to the government and to the employees, and strives every day to cultivate in his stores a work environment where everyone is treated equally as family members.Truly, nothing makes a man better than everyone else, than his attitude towards the people around him.
Previous years’ recipients of the major awards were: 2015 Man Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee: Mr. Eric Tolo 2015 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee: Mrs.Violeta M. Baltonado 2016 Man Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee: Mr. Josh Frederick A. Pepito 2016 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee: Mrs. Carmen M. Rodriguez
Worthy to be mentioned as well were the deserving winners of the various 2017’s GRAND WINNERS were: categories of the 2017 Business Awards: 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Gian Carlo C.Villar Micro Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Retail Sector) – Homegrown Category: Gian Carlo C. Villar was only in his middle 20’s when he opened the first branch of Boylene’s Sari-sari Store, Mr. Celso C. Beltran Karwash ni Tomas in Brgy. Alegria in 2010. Seeing that the demand was high, he opened Micro Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Service Sector) – Homegrown Category: another Karwash in Cogon and a third branch at District 28, Hermosilla Drive. With Zenaida’s Technical Learning Center, Mr. Cliff Tesocan his ever-dynamic mindset, he thought of complementing his car wash business with Micro Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Manufacturing Sector) – Homegrown Category: retailing car accessories. It turned out to be a good match! Although it was not the first Ismael Lucero Iron Works and Marbles Supply, Mr. Ismael Lucero of its kind to open in the city, the Tomas Car Accessories made so much noise in the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Retail Sector) – Homegrown Category: local auto industry with its latest and extensive choices of affordable car accessories. St. Paul’s Store; Mr. Paul Basil Steffan Codilla Though his degree in Management Accounting came in very handy, Gian would soon Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Service Sector) – Homegrown Category: learn that no amount of schooling could ever fully prepare him for running a business. EVC Consultancy and Engineering, Maria Elizabeth L. Cadungog Instead, he trusted in God’s providence and relied on the good, old but ever-relevant Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Manufacturing Sector) – Homegrown Category: proverb, “Honesty is the best policy.” Customer satisfaction and quality of service are Dayka Bakeshop, Mr. Eric Tolo his priorities, even when it means losing sales. He also takes to heart the welfare of his Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Bank & Financial Sector) – Homegrown employees, treating them like his own family. Category: Bank of Ormoc, Inc., Maria Asuncion Benlot With these core values guiding the way he runs his business, surely for Mr. Gian Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Retail Sector) – Homegrown Category: Carlo Villar, the first ever recipient of the Young Entrepreneur award, the future for his Cell Mobile Communications Trading, Ms. Fatima Sia-Avenido business certainly looks as shiny and bright as the newly-washed cars that emerge from Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Service Sector) – Homegrown Category: any of his car wash branches! D’ Third Trucking, Mr. Carlos Sabino Large Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Retail Sector) – Branch/Franchise Category: 2017 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Ms. Aileen Suarez-Aviles Janiles South Food Trader Corporation She is referred to as a multi-hyphenate. She wears many hats: that of a mother, Large Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Manufacturing Sector) – Branch/Franchise Category: a wife, an entrepreneur, an adventurer and a proven dedicated, results-oriented Energy Development Corporation environmental advocate. She owns and operates the very successful Ormoc franchise of Kumon Learning Center, gaining popular patronage from the many students in city, One Inspiring.... pg.18 who want to have the tools to ace on their Reading and Mathematics. Teacher Ai, as she is fondly called, is a product of a family of women entrepreneurs who have succeeded in business. Her first foray into business started in 3rd grade, working as a “kahera” at their family store. The only break from work that she had was 2 weeks every summer, when their family vacationed at their ancestral home in Hilongos, Leyte. This, however, never eroded the adventurous spirit within her. Her deep regard for Mother Nature has inspired her to actively participate in outdoor clubs, organizing mountain climbs and camping activities, and spearhead the “Beachurero Club” that aims to free the Ormoc City Bay from garbage. This strong sense for adventure also shows how diverse her business ventures are. Juggling all these advocacies, on top of her The joyful faces of the 2017 Ormoc City Business Awards winners with Mayor Richard I. Gomez, most important advocacy, that of being a Mr. Jude P. Abenoja, CPA (2017 Business Awards Chairman), Mr. Emelio Tingson (BPLO Head) and the 2017 Business Awards Board of Judges. mother, has really tested her mettle. But
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MEET YOUR 2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Last March 3, 2018 at the Rose Grand Ballroom of Sabin Resort Hotel, alongside the presentation and awarding ceremonies of the recipients of the 2018 Business Awards, the newly-elected Board of Trustees of the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated was likewise formally inducted. No less than Ormoc City Mayor Hon. Richard Gomez facilitated the induction of the new set of Trustees who will be actively
serving the business sector of Ormoc City for year 2018. The new set of Trustees include the following: JUDE P. ABENOJA, CPA
Chairman of the Board Abenoja Travel and Tours Abenoja Accounting and Consultancy Services New St. Jude Agricultural Supplies
MARICEL R. NGO, MBA President Ormoc Printshoppe BeMore Consultancy
MARIA VITA T. RODRIGUEZ Corporate Secretary Mamita's Quality Bakeshop (Formerly Quality Bread Bakeshop)
JUANITA Y. ARMEA Corporate Treasurer Armea's Enterprises
AILEEN SUAREZ-AVILES VP for Membership Trail Sign Trading Anjes Pawnshop
GEMMA FLOR C. CORBO, CPA, MMBM
VP for Disaster Management CAMBINAC Farms John Carlo Eng’g. and Construction
INGRID T. CIMAFRANCA VP for Internal Affairs Ormoc Water Service
STEPHANIE DIANE U. CHU VP for Business Development Sprint Essentials Distribution Commodities
KATHERINA M. ABUEL Trustee Security Bank Corporation
VP for Finance Corbo Outsourcing Services and Accountancy
EMMANUEL C. FIEL
EVANGELINE C. CHU
ETHEL P. MATRES
VP for External Affairs Shopko Marketing Corp.
Induction of the 2018 Board of Trustees with Mayor Richard I. Gomez as the Inducting Officer.
ENGR. MANOLO T. FRAGATA
Trustee Western Leyte College
Trustee, ORCHAM Bulletin Director R & E Matres Farms -EPM
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Feature: Success Stories of Home-Grown Businesses proud to work for. They started offering their services to CalEnergy with only a handful of select workers. Their perseverance, hard work, compliance to government regulations and safety standards have helped them grow over the years, making them a reliable service provider for the industry. At present, DCV has the capability of servicing all the business units of Energy Development Corporation, a leader in geothermal energy. In 2003, they established an Agri division serving the sugar industry in Ormoc. Backed by their penchant for innovation, they were able to expand their farming business and has since then been known for utilizing equipment considered as trailblazers in the local farming industry. Sugarcane industry stakeholders from all over
the country have visited Ormoc City to observe what DCV has been implementing. DCV is now serving sugarcane farms all over the country from Tarlac, Batangas, Negros, Bukidnon, Davao and Cotabato. They have been appointed by Kubota Philippines as a dealer from 2017, and it is now serving the rice farmers in Leyte for their mechanization needs. The innovative spirit that they brought to the sugar industry has now spread to the rice farms all over Leyte. DCV has been able to provide many Ormocanons jobs for skilled workers and fresh graduates for the past eighteen (18) years. Their innovative farm equipment and machineries enhanced the lives of both farm owners and farm workers, creating not just better jobs, but business opportunities as well. Since DCV’s agricultural business operations has now been known all over the sugar
industry, many important people have already visited Ormoc to observe and emulate their farming practices. They came to see farms in Ormoc, but they leave impressed with what the Ormocanons have achieved over time, despite the natural calamities that continually test the Ormocanons’ resilience. The company intends to sustain their operations by further improving worker welfare and benefits, and introducing more quality and innovative products. They intend to introduce more innovative farm equipment that not only lower the cost of production, but also improve the lives of the farmers and their farm workers. Lastly, DCV endeavors to constantly adhere to the principles of integrity, humility and unselfish dedication, that has continually guided their partnership since its inception. -EPM
trusted with bigger projects, such as the manufacture of roof gutters and fabrication and installation of exhaust ducts in hotels. In 2003, they began a long-running partnership with the Philippine National Oil Company (now Energy Development Corporation). It was at this time that the company invested in new equipment to be able to accommodate the wide range of items that EDC requested and meet the standards they set. With the help of the Department of Science and Technology Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, they were able to add a Hydraulic Shearing and Bending Machine to their list of Major
Company-Owned Assets, which helps hasten production without compromising quality. In 2001, the Armea Enterprises moved their main office and production area to Apo St. in Cogon, a bigger space that has since allowed them to fabricate and pursue bigger dreams for their company.They started with only 2 tinsmiths on payroll. Currently, they have a solid team of 25 employees doing administrative, sales, and production work. Such growth is impressive considering none of the Armeas who came to Ormoc had formal training in fabrication works. Throughout their 25-year history, they have relied on hard work, patience, keen entrepreneurial spirit, and the desire to learn to push their business forward. Two generations of the family
are now involved in running it: the mother, Juanita, Head of Finance, and two sons, Mark Anthony as Project Manager, and Clark Daniel as Head of Production. They attribute much of their success to the way they embrace innovation. Projects that require them to step out of their comfort zone, do research, and make investments excite their team the most. From basic moulder production, they now offer the complete range of bakery and food processing equipment, including 36-plancha ovens. As they turn 25 this year, they are setting their sights on expanding the Armea’s brand, both in market reach and production capacity, and become the choice for manufacturing metal works all over the region. -MVTR
just recently remodeled its first and flagship branch located at Lopez Jaena corner Rizal Street. Investing in research and development all year round to create new products and improve their operating systems, Mayong’s only uses quality ingredients for their wide range of bread and snack products, likewise always striving for excellence in customer service, and keeping close to heart the well-being of their employees, which admirably,
is now numbering to over 400. These are just a few of the many reasons why they continue to grow, inching closer to realizing their grand vision, that is, to become the bakeshop and snack house of choice in the Visayas and Mindanao region! MR. PETER M. RODRIGUEZ, is the current CEO of the Rodriguez Burger and Bread Corporation, operator of the Mayong’s chain of bakeshops and snack houses. -MVTR
DCV Industrial Controls Enterprises Established by Celestino Larrazabal Jr. and Dennis de Veyra in year 2000, DCV INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS ENTERPRISES proved that a partnership of honesty, trust and good friendship can last the tests of time. The company’s mission is to provide quality customer service and specialised solutions, while maintaining the highest level of professionalism, honesty and fairness in their relationships with customers, employees and suppliers. To aim continually grow and expand to new markets, the company provides niche products and solutions that build on their competencies and customer interests. Their vision is to be the preferred service company of choice, and the company that customers want to work with, and where employees are
ARMEA ENTERPRISES Armea Enterprises traces its origins back to Naga, the Queen City of Bicol, where the patriarch of the Armea clan operated a flourishing manufacturing plant for sheet metal products. The Armeas brought this business concept to Ormoc City. Armed only with sheer determination, willingness to work extra hours, and knowledge gained from hands-on experience and observing the family patriarch throughout the years, in 1993, they established their first shop along Hermosilla Drive in Cantubo, working primarily with G.I. sheets to manufacture moulders, lababo, cement buckets, and banyeras. In just four years, they were able to build a reputation solid enough to be
MAYONG’S SNACKHOUSE Even if presented with all kinds of delectable food all over the world, a true Ormocanon’s tastebuds will always be yearning for a taste of the authentic flavors of the locally homegrown favorite fastfood in Ormoc, MAYONG’S SNACKHOUSE. Established 32 years ago, and still going strong on the same spot where
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its pilot branch opened, Mayong’s Snackhouse proved to be a formidable force amidst all the widely popular fastfood chains sprouting all over the city. Mayong’s has now grown quite significantly, reaching many patrons all over the province. The popular fastfood just opened its 25th branch at Robinson’s Mall in Ormoc, and
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Getting to know “TRAIN”
With the full implementation of Republic Act No. 10963, or otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, taxpayers and stakeholders are clamoring to get a glimpse or to know in detail the salient features of the said Republic Act. The TRAIN Law, as envisioned by President Duterte’s administration, seeks to correct a number of deficiencies in the tax system to make it simpler, fairer, and more efficient. A lot of changes have been reported, yet they say that there are much more significant things under the TRAIN Law which are not just fully understood. In this regard, the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORCHAM), in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)- Ormoc City Chapter, organized the much-needed forum to address the need of the taxpayers to learn more about the TRAIN Law. The event, aptly named, “A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE IN FILING THE ITR AND TRAIN LAW” invited Ormoc City accountants, and local businesses’ accounting staff
to attend the seminar which was held last Wednesday, February 28, 2018 (8:00AM-5:00PM) at the Rose Grand Ballroom, Sabin Resort Hotel, Ormoc City. For the said event, ORCHAM and PICPA – Ormoc Chapter tapped the expertise of MS. RHODORA “IRY” ICARANOM, a former BIR Revenue District Officer in Metro Manila, a PICPA National Officer, and a PICPA-accredited lecturer, as the
Resource Speaker. ORCHAM members (one slot per company-member) and/or PICPA members were entitled to a discounted rate of Php1,200.00 (inclusive of morning snacks, lunch and afternoon snacks). Regular registration fee for nonmembers of the organizing groups was Php1,500.00. The event had a big turn-out, gathering a total of almost 180 participants, all of
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whom engagingly listened to the presentations and discussions of the Ms. Icaranom. Questions from the participants were also pitched during the event, giving everyone a clearer understanding of the new tax law. All in all, it was deemed a timely, informative and worthwhile event, not only for bookkeepers and accountants, but for all of the individuals and businesses who, in one way or the other, will feel the impact of the new law on their personal finances and businesses. -EPM
One of the participants eagerly asking questions about the Train Law
A Strong Visayas Last March 9, 2018, at Cebu Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Visayas Area Meeting was conducted. Our very own Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., was actively represented by no other than newlyelect ORCHAM President Maricel R. Ngo, MBA and Executive Director Cheryl Gallo. The said event was well-attended by the different local chambers in Visayas, paving the way for a more streamlined planning for the different agendas of the various chambers
in the Visayas area. The event was formally opened via the welcome remarks of PCCI Vice-President for Visayas, Consul SAMUEL CHIOSON, followed by the introduction of the attendees. During the event, MR. FRANKLIN CARBON, Chairman of the Metro Bacolod CCI, and who is also the Conference Director for the 27th Visayas Area Business Conference, presented the initial draft of activities for the 2018 VABC, which is slated to happen on August 30-31, 2018 tentatively at El Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City. Conferred as well during the event were the
ORCHAM President Maricel r. Ngo, MBA and other Officer-represengtatives from different Chambers in the Visayas Area intently listening to the presentation
Left-right: Edwin Glindro- Assistant Secretary General-Regional Affairs; Elena T. Brugger- PCCI Boracay; Warblitz Martinez-President, Palompon CCI; Bambi Chan-ED Siquijor CCI; Wilson Uy- President, PCCI-Tacloban; Samuel Chioson, Area Vice President for the Visayas; Maricel R. Ngo- President, ORCHAM; Henry Cua- Appointed RG PCCI Region 8
presentations per region on: Regional Socio-Economic Situationer; Top three (3) Advocacies which the LCCI’s can adopt; Investment Opportunities in the Visayas (per Region); and Business Development Services of LCCI’s. MR. EDWIN R. GLINDRO, Assistant Secretary General, PCCI, discussed as well a few Policy Guidelines to be observed by the local chambers. To mention a few: • Requirements for Chambers to be in Good Standing (Membership Dues of Local Chambers) • Regional Affairs Reporting/
Communications Guidelines • Creation/Application of New Chambers • Hosting of Area Business Conference Overall, it was a productive and meaningful gathering of the different chambers in the Visayas. The event was a successful venue for the local chambers to channel their insights and plans to the other chambers within the Visayas area, that will hopefully result to a well-run and efficient 2018 for the Visayas chambers and the PCCI. -EPM
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News & Events
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ORCHAM-LEYECO Dialogue
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Below are the Highlights of the ORCHAM-Leyeco dialogue which happened last March 7, 2018 at the City Mayor’s Office Conference Room: 1. Ms Aya L. Gica requested to lobby with Generation groups or Transmission and even Leyeco to reduce the increase. Leyeco cannot lower the distribution cost for they have not increased since 2010 which is 1.90. Atty Dayandayan said the government has plans of auditing generation groups which are unregulated. 2. Mr. Peter Rodriguez requested Leyeco to evaluate the hydro power plant project and conduct thorough feasibilty study including environmental impact. 400M financing might entail a very high risk. If it is already operational and turns out losing, an increased distribution charge to be passed on to the consumers is a possibility. 3. Atty. Roy requested for a copy of Power Supply Agreement with GN power and SMEC. It was mentioned that the contract expiring in 2035 is questionable given that the winning bidder’s source of energy is COAL that has an excise tax in the TRAIN Law. Leyeco’s response - As distribution coop, they are required to provide a stable supply of power. A projection on the demand in the next years was made, thus a need to have a long term contract with Generation Group to meet this requirement. However, Atty Roy questioned the bidding and approval process. 4. Kwh rate effective March is tentatively pegged at Php10.15. An additional Php 0.60 increase is expected by April. 5. Some businesses which heavily rely on power may need to increase prices of their products as the result of the increased power rates. 6. Chairman Jude suggested that Leyeco V, in the future, should update the business community through ORCHAM about foreseen power rates increase so the business sector can strategize their operations.
Left-right: Leden R. Otero, MSD Aide; Ghanda R. Bernandino, Records Clerk; Noreen B Felicita, Member Services Division (MSD) Chief; Jude P. Abenoja, CPA, ORCHAM Chairman; Lalaine Jimenea; Maximo T. Torcende, Institutional Services Department (ISD) Manager; Atty. Jannie J. Dayandayan, Finance Services Department (FSD) Manager; Maricel R. Ngo, ORCHAM President; Emma F. Fragata, ORCHAM LGU Liason; Cheryl P. Gallo, ORCHAM Executive Director; Engr. Michael R. Guiñarez, CETD (Corporate, Energy Trading Division) Head
Actions: 1. ORCHAM can raise this concern to national PCCI- endorse or support campaign to examine or audit generation powers that are unregulated. Offering of DOE subsidy can be pushed as well. 2. Review the PSA - long term contract. 3. Businesses can do cost cutting or increase prices for viability. 4. ORCHAM can collaborate with other concerned groups or individuals to have a unified action on this issue. 5. Creation of TWG to further study this issue like thorough review of the PSA and the bidding and approval process 6. For the future projects or investment plan of Leyeco, the coop is requested to consult the members who have knowledge and expertise on specific projects to reduce risk. In this way, losses can be avoided as well as additional charges to the consumers. - MRN
ORCHAM.... from pg.1 recent earthquake which badly hit Ormoc City last July 2017 and during Typhoon Urduja in Dec 2017. 3.) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ORCHAM provides platforms to help facilitate business development not only for its members but also for nonmembers, focusing more on Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) development. Trainings, seminars, fairs & exhibits, and trade missions, in coordination with sister chamber, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) - Ormoc City Chapter, are some of its top priority special projects which are beneficial to the business community. ORCHAM’s goal is to
promote and develop awareness, appreciation and understanding of business continuity management concepts, practices and requirements. The ORCHAM we have now would not be the successful and nationally-recognized chamber it is today, if not for the invaluable services and dedication of past officers and trustees. Each officer and trustee’s expertise in their respective fields, their commitment to adopt innovative business strategies, and their vision to attain a collective growth of all businesses in Ormoc City, contributed to the realization and success of the current ORCHAM. This pilot issue of The CHAMBER Post is dedicated to the amazing men and women who have productively and inspiringly led ORCHAM through the years. -EPM
One Inspiring... from pg.8 Large Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Retail Sector) – Homegrown Category: New St. Jude Agricultural Supply, Mr. & Mrs. Climaco Evangelista Large Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Service Sector) – Homegrown Category: Clinica Gatchalian and Hospital, Dr. Jaime Gatchalian Large Business Entrepreneur of the Year (Manufacturing Sector) – Homegrown Category: Rodriguez Burger and Bread Corporation, Mr. Peter M. Rodriguez, Dr.Vicente Rodriguez, Jr., Dr. Mayong Rodriguez, Mrs. Emily Rodriguez SPECIAL CITATIONS:
Most Innovative Micro Business: Karwash ni Tomas, Mr. Gian Carlo C.Villar E.C.O. Awardees: The One Stop General Merchandise, Big Ming Supermarket, Golden Mirasol Trading, Inc. (Human Nature), Brodeth One Stop Shop, Robinson’s Supermarket Employment Generation Award: Mac Builders Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Energy Development Corporation Indeed, it was a night of pure glitz, glamour and recognition. The night showcased the awardees’ success stories, in hopes that their stories will inspire and encourage other businesses to always strive for excellence in working towards their business goals and fulfilling their significant roles in nation building. The inspiration that their stories invoked was palpable all throughout the night. Congratulations once again to all the deserving awardees! - MVTR
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Join us, be an ORCHAM member... 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 ORCHAM’s 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) 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
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How an Entrepreneur Benefits from Travelling By: Ethel P. Matres
It’s spring, and its a cold 10 degrees in the streets of Myeongdong. You are wandering along the many alleys of this touristy portion in one of Asia’s mega cities, Seoul. Feeling hungry after walking the whole morning, you stop by one of the many street food kiosks offering delectable treats not available in your own place, and suddenly the idea comes to you. You ask yourself, can I bring this to the Philippines? Would Filipinos appreciate this product? What shall I add or refine to make this more acceptable there? Besides the element of fun, it has been proven that travelling can be an essential part of an entrepreneur’s development. It might seem counterintuitive to some, but travelling can be considered an educational tool for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. Life-changing inspirations are gained during travel, which could lead to formations of successful companies and endeavours. Below are some of the proven
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travel gains an entrepreneur can benefit from: • LEADERSHIP & THE ABILITY TO ADAPT Just like in business, in travelling, one must learn how to adapt to a new environment and difficult situations. When bombarded with inconveniences in the process of travelling (delayed flights, lost luggage, hotel booking problems, etc.), a person’s patience and flexibility gets tested, traits a successful entrepreneur must master - be able to steer one’s team to arise from difficult
circumstances in the workplace. • CULTURAL AWARENESS & CREATIVE INSPIRATION Travelling exposes a person to new ideas and ultimately improves one’s creative skills. By looking at the world through a different lens and exposing oneself to a different culture, this helps an entrepreneur appreciate that sometimes choosing to be different and being innovative is good. • NETWORKING & BETTER COMMUNICATION To keep up with today’s global economy, even entrepreneurs with small start-ups should equip themselves with the ability to interact with foreign individuals, as it is now the norm of an internet-driven marketplace. When traveling, language barriers and cultural differences may be challenging to handle, but it leaves one with no choice but be creative in ways to get around them. Later, an entrepreneur will realize that these experiences helped shape how they communicate and network with peers. • PATIENCE & TIMEMANAGEMENT Logistically, traveling is all about time management. From getting to the airport on time to catch your flight, to making time to experience all the things you want to see, it all involves the proper way of prioritizing what to do, where to go next, and when to do all of it. Accomplishing simple tasks can take much longer and may require a lot of patience when traveling in a new place. Being outside your comfort zone forces an entrepreneur to learn and apply new skills very quickly. These
skills obviously translates back to business, and instills a better sense of managing one’s time and forbearance. • OPEN-MINDEDNESS & INCREASED GRATITUDE Travelling forces one to re-assess previously held assumptions. No matter where one goes, there’s always a new adventure and new experiences. However, there’s a reason why we live where we live, and as much fun as travelling is, there are points throughout where one catches him/herself missing the small luxuries that home provides. It is in that moment an entrepreneur can develop an appreciation for what he/she has. In a business spectrum, developing gratitude can help improve influence because people enjoy being around positive people. Never Stop Learning While Having Fun. Travelling is important no matter one’s age or occupation. Life is what happens when you step outside of your comfort zone, and that’s where solid experiences are found. Yes, business is business, but it is equally important to keep learning by constantly pushing one’s mental boundaries, going further, and testing one’s limits. Beyond all the enjoyable and exciting elements of travel, there is much to be learned from traveling, that will benefit an entrepreneur’s business career. So take that time off, pack your bags, and continue your education somewhere new. In the long run, the skills of a seasoned traveller will give you a better chance to succeed in business, or might even inspire your next big idea. * References: Forbes Magazine, Inc.com, Entrepreneur
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The Promise of the Sweet Life Starts at Robinsons Place Ormoc
Robinsons Malls continues to claim its stake at the Leyte region with the opening of its third shopping complex in one of the country’s fastest progressing corner. After its first landmark mall in Marasbaras, Tabloban in 2009, which since underwent two expansions to include its own Summit Hotel, and its second mall at Abucay, Tacloban, which opened just last year, now, the smart and discerning shoppers of Ormoc City will now have a place to call their own, built as an ode to the bay city’s penchant and flair for the sweet life. Set in the backdrop of the dynamic Ormoc City, home to tasty golden pineapples, the new Robinsons Place Ormoc, located along Palo-Carigara Road in Brgy. Cogon, flaunts the finest facets, the sweet experiences, and the crowning glory of the remarkable leisure and lifestyle of the Leytenons. Organic Design Premier architecture firm ASYA Design, Robinsons Place Ormoc’s chief designers, took on the city’s delectable crop as the springboard for its fresh and lush blueprint, part of Robinsons Malls commitment to highlight the local flavor and fineries of its chosen locations. Cladded in prismic aluminium that borrows from the pineapple skin’s complexity, the mall’s façade offers a gleaming vision of a futuristic commercial complex where stylish, smart, and sustainable architecture offers an elevated malling experience for its patrons. From its grand entrance foyer, the iconic golden pineapple offers its grand welcome set in a lush vertical greenery. The majestic Ormoc sunlight is utilized in masterful effect through the generous use of clerestory windows. The natural patterns of the pineapple leaf are
Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Mayor Richard Gomez
reflected in full effect as ingenious cove lighting for the main atrium, which not only offers aesthetic illumination, but also a seamless directional tool when navigating through the whole mall. The same geometric patterns of the pineapple skin are generously employed throughout the key areas of the mall, while pillars that borrow its shape from the royal fruit are seen peppered throughout the mall as delightful architectural accents. Its festive Food Gallery at the second level, dedicated as a celebration of the local tastes and the innate Ormocanon penchant for relaxed and refreshing communal dining, is made more cheerful with the fun flourishes of young artist Amina Rubio. Her inspirational scrawls further whet the appetite of local diners, inviting them to casually enjoy the rich and hearty banquet of the Food Gallery’s well-curated dining establishments, such as May Abohan, Choi’s Sizzlers, Zenaida’s Chateau Bistro, Pares Lechon, Pier Capitan, and Pepita’s Kitchen. Multi-Faceted Experiences Robinsons Place Ormoc’s refreshing tenant mix offers a taste of the finest international, national, and local brands in its commitment of meeting the Ormoc consumers’ discriminating fondness for all aspects of living well, all with a dedication for dependable brands, impeccable quality, and superlative value for money. The country’s top picks in food and retail will finally open their doors in Ormoc City, with the timely entry of celebrated restaurants such as Shakey’s, Dunkin Donuts, Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Hap Chan, Gerry’s Grill, Goldilocks, and homegrown Visayan favorite Café Laguna, as well as the supreme selections in fashion retail such as Bench, Penshoppe, For Me, Regatta, Bayo, Unica Hija, Alberto, Toby’s and Levi’s. And with Robinsons Mall’s tireless
commitment of becoming an integral part in their local partners’ success stories, the new Robinsons Place Ormoc is also set to become the retail backdrop of local underground fashion brand’s F n’ S’s first entry in a nationally-renowned shopping complex. Ormoc City’s most beloved flavors also finds its new home at the Robinsons Place, as the decade-old Ikea Cakes & Snacks, premiere pasalubong stop Yoyi’s Pastries and Desserts, best-tasting Laing from Lucille’s Kan-anan, sumptuous seafood grill of Roppy’s and the beeline worthy burgers of Mayong’s Snackhouse, formally open their doors in a chicer address. As a testament to the Ormocanon’s penchant for the most innovative and cutting-edge products, treatments, and services in technology, beauty, and government service, the Robinson Place will also unveil its dedicated DigiWorld, Health & Beauty Lane, and Lingkod Pinoy zones, alongside its pledge to become the ultimate stop for any city dweller’s needs in gadgetry, aesthetics, or public service. The new Robinsons Place Ormoc is also set to empower local players in the field of tech and gadgets, by becoming the new and exciting home of Ormocnet and Cellworks Digital Entertainment. And, as with its other malls around the country, the opening of Robinsons Place Ormoc will also debut the Robinsons Mall’s anchor tenants in the city, such as Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Appliances, Handyman, and Daiso Japan, where the country’s freshest finds and the finest deals, offered by the Philippines’ most trusted retailers, can now be enjoyed first-hand. Crowning Glory in Entertainment And with a people who proudly look up to their stars, Robinsons Place Ormoc will soon set the bridge where the city residents can get closer to their mostadmired celebrities. To top its three-
Robinsons Land Corporation’s Brand Ambassador Maja Salvador
level commercial property, Robinsons Movieworld, located at level 3, grants the wish of every Ormoc resident for a state-of-the-art cinema, with no less than four cutting-edge movie theaters with more than 900 seats, and a supreme selection of movie snacks. The lush atrium area, on the other hand, is set to house special events and shows that promises a constellation of celebrities set to grace the city. By building on the city’s values, collective dreams, and finest features as its core, Robinsons Place Ormoc is set to showcase the beauty and the bounty of this key component city while giving its residents plenty of room to plant, grow, and thrive, all in an environment that celebrates the sweetest that life can offer. - PR
RP Ormoc local team: Engr. Jaymar Magulso, Engr. Joemar Cabaltera, Admin Asst., Aurora Marion, Mall Manager Vaneza Carlos, Archb. John Du, Leasing Assistant Sarah Lucanias, Leasing Officer Mary Michael Cantago, Thomas Mosquera, Marketing Officer Ibarra Mercado
Robinsons Malls Marketing Team: Senior Marketing Manager Richard Pulido, Regional Marketing Manager for Visayas Rofel Parreno, Digital Manager Jen Padua, Marketing Director Eunice Gonzales, Marketing Officer for Iloilo Stephen Von Jeruta Robinsons Land Corporation’s President Frederick D. Go
Board Member, Robinsons Malls General Manager Arlene G. Magtibay, Robinsons Land Corporation’s Brand Ambassador Maja Salvador, Robinsons Land Corporation’s President Frederick D. Go, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Ormoc City Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin, Jr.
Robinsons Malls Business Unit General Manager Arlene G. Magtibay, Ormoc City Vice Mayor Toto Locsin Jr., Robinsons Malls VP for Lease Ditas Taleon
Ormoc City Sangguniang Panlungsod Members: Mr. Gregorio Yrastorza, Engr. Rolando Villasencio, Dr. Mario Rodriguez, Mr. Vincent L. Rama, Atty. Jasper Lucero (Ormoc City Legal Counsel), Mr. Tomas Serafica, Atty Mariano Corro (ABC President), Ms. Lea Doris Villar, Mr. John Eulalio Aparis II, Atty. Benjamin Pongos, Jr.
Celebrity guest Arjo Atayde
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