Cebu Trade Group Invites Duterte To General Meeting On May 27

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is inviting Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the leading presidential candidate in this year’s polls, to grace the chamber’s general membership meeting (GMM) in Cebu on May 27.

CCCI president Melanie Ng said they have already initiated talks with Duterte’s camp regarding the invitation.

The GMM will cover the induction of the chamber’s new set of officers.

“We are preparing the invitation but we are waiting for verbal consent prior to sending,” said Ng.

She said the chamber is hoping to get Duterte’s nod and that he will induct the new CCCI officials including Ng, who succeeded Ma. Teresa Chan as the chamber’s president.

More than delivering the accomplishments of the chamber during her administration, Chan said the chamber is looking forward to hear the economic plans of Duterte, not only for the country, but specifically for Cebu.

“Inviting Mayor Duterte is an expression of our support for his administration,” said Chan.

She said the CCCI is an apolitical organization supporting whoever is elected into government office.

“We hope to get a glimpse of his plans for Cebu, both immediate and long-term plans,” Chan said.

Chan identified the speedy implementation of the infrastructure projects and the appointment of presidential assistants one each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao or per region as some of the things she hopes the new president would prioritize.

Cebu, a vote-rich province of 2.7 million voters delivered 1.4 million votes so far for Duterte.

Earlier, the Cebu business community has called for national healing and unity as the country moves forward after the election. (PNA) FFC/EB/EBP