Rama, Osmeña invited to share business agenda

Melanie Ng, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president, and Nimrod Quiñones, vice president for membership, announce their preparations for the forum. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Both Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and former congressman Tomas Osmeña might finally attend the same forum, though they would likely not be in the room at the same time.

Both were invited by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) to share their business agenda in a forum set for April 22.

CCCI president Melanie Ng said in yesterday’s press conference that the forum will allow their members and other business groups to hear firsthand what the two candidates have to offer for the business sector.

“The business community can align themselves with whatever plans each mayor has. So, whoever will win, we will also work with them and align the plans of our businesses,” Ng said.

She said working with government agencies and local government units is among their priorities in order to improve competitiveness.

Ng said they specifically wanted the candidates to answer the question, “What is your agenda to bring Cebu business to the next level?”

Each candidate is given 20 minutes for their presentation.

It will be followed by a 40-minute question-and-answer session. Chamber members have been asked to send their questions since Tuesday.

The same set of questions will be given to both candidates.

Ng said other issues that the chamber wants to be addressed by both candidates include traffic, solid waste management, and mass transport system.

Ng said the forum also aims to look at the business agenda of the candidates and see if they are in line with their four major strategic thrusts.

These include opening more doors and coming up with the most effective and efficient communication system relevant to the members and the business community; representing business by closely working with government to improve competitiveness, sustainability and prosperity of business; help business reach the next level; and enhance the organizational capability of the leadership team driven by shared values, vision, passion and collaboration.

The forum will be held at the Grand Convention Center. It will start at 1 p.m and end at 6 p.m.

In the program format provided by the CCCI, Osmeña will first give his presentation and answer questions.

An intermission number will be held before Mayor Rama makes his presentation. Each candidate is provided 20 tickets to bring in his slate or supporters.

Those who are non-CCCI members will be asked to pay P200. Pre-registration is required on or before April 20.

Ng hoped that both candidates will attend the forum so they can present their development agenda to the business sector.