Newly elected members of the Board of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) took their oath of office on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
George T. Barcelon has been elected as the new PCCI new president, the country’s largest business organization.
He was elected by the incoming 20-member board of directors of the PCCI during the PCCI Annual Meeting held last Dec. 3, 2021.
The newly elected directors are Dr. William S. Co, chairman of William and Company Philippines, Inc.; Engr. Eunina V. Mangio, president, Mawell Chemical Corporation; Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr., principal architect, Palafox and Associates Inc.; Ferdinand A. Ferrer, EMS Components Assembly Inc.; Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., president, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.,; Dr. Francis Chua, president, CLMC Group/BA Securities; Jeffrey T. Ng, president, Cathay Land Inc.; Alfredo M. Yao, chairman, Zesto Corporation; Apolinar Aure, AEA International Inc., director; Samie Lim, president, BLIMS Lifestyle Group, Inc.; Edgar J. Sia II, president, Double Dragon Properties Corporation; Roberto C. Amores, president, Hilas Marketing Corporation; Michael Chen, chairman, Minavida de Mindanao Corporation; Tess S. Ngan Tian, area vice president for NCR; Gregoria Simbulan, area vice president for North Luzon; Sallie Lacson, area vice president for South Luzon; Frank Carbon, area vice president for Visayas, and Arturo Milan, area vice president for Mindanao.
Barcelon called for unity in the organization as the country faces a “not so auspicious 2022.”
“Many southern regions are still reeling from the catastrophic Typhoon Odette. The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is upon us and cases surged at the beginning of the year. Philippine businesses, especially the MSMEs, again face the crucible of the pandemic. PCCI has immediately extended to pour chapters funds and needed necessities,” Barcelon said at the induction ceremonies of the new board for 2022-2023.
He added that time is of the essence knowing the country braces to elect a new set of national leaders this May. “We look forward to a new administration and PCCI stands ready to help collaborate on an economic agenda that will be conducive to immediate business recovery,” Barcelon said.
PCCI has had the government’s ear and guidance in formulating policies that will spur businesses and the economy. Its members, especially the MSMEs, have also relied on the PCCI leadership to take on the cudgels for them, represent them in all fronts, and speak as a solid voice of business.
“We have a new year, a new Board, and a new government. We shall move forward,” Barcelon said.
Barcelon is a returning president who served PCCI in 2015.
Also inducted into office are the following ex-officio officers: Sergio Ortiz Luis, Treasurer; Ivan Uy, Corporate Secretary; and Ruben J. Pascual, Secretary-General. Administering the oaths of office was former PCCI President and Chairman Alegria Sibal-Limjoco.