NAGA CITY (PIA) –The Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), Inc., continues to deepen its engagement with the government sector to ensure that collaborative efforts not only foster a conducive business environment but also stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and promote sustainable development in the region.

This was emphasized by CSCCI, Inc. newly-elected president Kristian Carl E. Malazarte during the inauguration of the new CSCCI building and unveiling of the commemorative plaque held over the weekend along the Lendes Gas Station compound, Almeda Highway, Naga City.  

“Well, yon po talaga ang isa sa mga thusts namin, we are the voice of business in Camarines Sur and part of our mission is really to bridge the gap between the private sector and the government. If you noticed in today’s event, we have many government agencies na andito,” Malazarte said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)- Camarines Sur.

Malazarte mentioned that they have already arranged training sessions aimed at equipping their members with an understanding of government policies.

“Isa sa mga highlights ng trainings namjn this year ang mga members po naming na maging aware sa mga government policies so they can navigate their way ng maaayos and at the same time, we are working closely with our government agencies to help implement some of our projects,” the Camarines Sur chamber president added.

One of the distinguished guests during the event was ASec Vergel M. Hilario, in charge of the Cooperative Development Authority’s (CDA) Human Services cluster.

Hilario oversees labor services, workers’ cooperatives, and health cooperatives, among other responsibilities. He offered his congratulations to the CSCCI for their proactive step in bolstering government relations.

He emphasized that the newly opened facility plays a crucial role in supporting the government's efforts to boost economic growth.

Both Malazarte and Hilario believe that cooperatives need proper guidance and direction to thrive effectively within their respective sectors.

“I think the people of Camarines Sur are very lucky kasi yung chamber of commerce na nandito are willing to help. They are willing to live a legacy not just a business but also in helping the poorest of the poor. We are trying to improve our cooperatives para maging successful. We’re working to improve it kasi hindi lahat nagiging successful, hindi lahat ng tinutulong ng gobyerno nagiging fruitful,” Hilario added

The CDA official assured the chamber of the government’s support in terms of extending professional management and advice from professionals. He said that their office is actively coordinating with other government agencies, like the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other sectors.

Hilario said the CSCCI’s initiatives will have a great impact on the recovery program of President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos.

“This collaboration will have a great impact on the whole community, the whole community will grow. Magkakaroon ng hanap buhay yung mga fishermen, magkakaroon ng market dahil kapag ipo-process ang fish, madami din ang manginginabang as this will also create job opportunities.”

Malazarte said that for this year, they will focus on the fisherfolk sector after having conducted seven (7) consecutive Agri-Summit for the past 7 years in partnership with the provincial government of Camarines Sur and the DA.

“Every year ginaganap naming ang Agri Summit and now isang addition this year, mas malaki ang magiging role ng BFAR kasi malaki ang project naming with fisherfolks.  Isa yan sa magiging highlight ng ating magiging Agri-Summit this year,” Malazarte stated.

Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque

On Saturday, January 20, the CSCCI unveiled its new building.

This significant milestone was made possible by the generosity of the late Chamber member and former Baao, Camarines Sur Mayor, Melquiades I. Gaite, along with his spouse, Helen, and their family. Their gracious provision of usufructuary rights for the building site has turned the chamber’s aspiration for a permanent home into a reality.

One of the highlights of the activity was the unveiling of the commemorative plaque where the chamber honored its founding members and then Statesman and former Camarines Sur Governor and Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte who established the chamber on July 26, 2002.

Also etched on the plaque is the symbolism of the building as the “steadfast dedication of the CSCCI, Inc. to be the voice of business in Camarines Sur and as a testament to the hard work of its past presidents.  (PIA 5)