BusinessWeek National

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

In a groundbreaking initiative to foster hope and create pathways to a brighter future, the University and Community Partnership (UCP) of Foundever® in Palawan partnered with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Puerto Princesa to deliver a transformative Digital Literacy Skills Training Program.

To learn more, please click the link below.

In a groundbreaking initiative to foster hope and create pathways to a brighter future, the University and Community Partnership (UCP) of Foundever® in

30/10/2025

BingoPlus Brings the International Series to the Philippines, Highlighted by a Home Victory for Miguel Tabuena

Setting the Pace on the Fairways
The Philippine golf scene came alive as the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus happened at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna from October 23 - 26. BingoPlus, the country’s leading entertainment platform, brought in a world-class golf tournament to the Philippines in support of national sports development.

Professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed, along with local pro-golfers Miguel Tabuena, Sean Ramos and Angelo Que were included in the line up of pros, facing each other for the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. The 4-day tournament was part of the Asian Tour and the main pathway to LIV Golf.

Day 1: Thailand’s Suwannarut leads in the first round
As the game commenced as early as 6 AM, the sun shined on the field as golfers got their clubs and tees ready to start the first round of the International Series Philippines
Two time International Series winner Sarit Suwannarut swung through an impressive eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the International Series Philippines at Sta. Elena Golf Club, with a prize purse of 2 Million US Dollars up for grabs.

At the end of the round, Sarit offset an early bogey with nine birdies, edging Japan’s Kazuki Higa, who carded a bogey-free 65. England’s Richard Bland, Americans Charles Porter and George Kneiser, and Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat shared third at 66. Making his Philippine debut, 6 time champion Dustin Johnson thrilled fans with a score of 67, showing his veteran experience in the game as he came up on the leaderboard.
Day 2: Tabuena rises on the leaderboard, while Suwannarut stays ahead
Heading into round 2 of the tournament, Miguel Tabuena ignited the local crowd with a hole-in-one and an eagle, keeping him firmly in contention at the halfway stage of the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus.

Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut remains in command at 14-under, four shots ahead of Tabuena and Japan’s Kazuki Higa. Veteran Filipino golfer, Angelo Que is part of a five-man pack one stroke further back after a strong score of 65.
Tabuena’s seven-under 65 featured a stunning ace on the 14th and an eagle on the 16th. During the post game interview, the 3-time Asian tour winner said, “It’s not every day you make a hole-in-one, it was nice to do it here at home in front of family and friends.”

Filipino golfer Justin Quiban also impressed, firing a 68 with four closing birdies to sit 19th at six-under, while Que, steady and patient, carded 65 to reach nine-under.
Meanwhile, Suwannarut continued his hot streak despite a rough start, saying, “I’ve just tried to stay calm and focus on what I have to do. So far, it’s working.”

With Tabuena, Que, and Quiban all making the weekend cut, Filipino fans had an exciting home charge as the tournament headed into the final two rounds at Sta. Elena Golf Club.

Day 3: Tabuena and Zheng catch Suwannarut coming into the Final Round of the tournament
Local fan favorite Miguel Tabuena produced a brilliant bogey-free 65 to join Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng at the top of the leaderboard at round 3 of the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus.

Suwannarut, who began the day four shots clear, scored a 69 to stay in the fight, while Zheng stormed up the leaderboard with a stunning 10-under 62. The trio led by one over Japan’s Yosuke Asaji’s score of 65.

Tabuena thrilled the home crowd with two eagles on holes 3 and 16, following up his hole-in-one from Friday, “I was in a real flow state not thinking about my score, just executing my plan,” said the Filipino star. “It’s special doing this at home. Hopefully, I can finish it tomorrow.”

Suwannarut on the other hand admitted it was a “tougher day,” saying, “I didn’t drive it as well and the pins were tighter. I’ll just focus on what I need to shoot to win.”

Zheng credited a hot putter for his charge. “I hit a lot of greens and made key putts. The eagle on hole eight really got me going,” said the rising star.

4 Aces Golf Club teammates Dustin Johnson moved up to 26th at eight-under after a 68, while Patrick Reed slipped to 19th following a 71.

Tabuena honors late friend with a special Blue Ribbon worn by all players.
Throughout the tournament, players wore a special blue ribbon on their headwear to honor and pay tribute to Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco, the son of Rico and Nena Tantoco, founders and original creators of the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate.

Tabuena commemorated his late friend saying, “I am grateful that most of the players agreed to wear the band today, it’s something I have wanted to do even before this event to honor Paowee in some way. I definitely felt like he was with me out there today.”

More than just a game, one of the goals for the tournament was to support the grassroots program in the sports development scene, with the commitment signed with the Philippine Sports Commission to help nurture future local athletes in the sport to excel and grow their game as they represent the flag on the international stage.

Day 4: Tabuena wins his first International Series trophy on home soil
The field was greeted with morning showers as the final round of the tournament took place on a Sunday morning. The top three on the leaderboard Sarit Suwannarut, Miguel Tabuena, and Sampson Zheng going through the 18 hole course for the final time with the prestigious International Series trophy up for grabs.

Tabuena despite the challenges on the final round of the tournament was able to use his experience in the game when he gained back the lead on hole 8 when he hit the ball on the slope through the fairway to score an eagle.

The top 3 on the leaderboard of the final round were Philippines' Miguel Tabuena, Japan’s Kazuki Higa and Yosuke Asaji. Marc Leishman, on the other hand, was the leading star from LIV Golf who finished at 6th place, with Charl Schwartzel at 12th, Dustin Johnson at 15th and Peter Uihlein, Patrick Reed and Dean Burmester at 20th.

Tabuena maintained his lead until the last round, securing a score of 69, 65, 65, and 65 with five eagles and a hole-in-one to get the win in the first International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus.

This win puts him in 2nd place on the International Series rankings and 3rd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. For the Philippines and the sports development scene, it was a moment of hope that local heroes can shine on the world stage.

During the Final Press Conference, Tabuena commented on the partnership between BingoPlus and the International Series, “this wouldn’t have been possible without BingoPlus and it was nice to be able to win in their first year.” He also mentioned, “it became more accessible and fun, for all of the local players here in the Philippines, and I am truly blessed to be a part of it.”

See you next year!
The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus crowned their newest winner, Miguel Tabuena, inspiring future local athletes in the sport to Swing for their Filipino Sports Dream. There are three stops left in the tournament, the golfers are now headed on to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia for the last stop.

During the awarding ceremony, Mr. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, president of BingoPlus announced, “with the success of The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus and our very own Filipino pride, Miguel Tabuena, claiming the historic win, we are thrilled to announce that we will continue our partnership with the International Series Philippines in 2026!”

The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus will return in 2026! Bringing the fun and entertainment of the sport, once again! See you then!

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

29/10/2025

29/10/2025

Marcos Confronts China at ASEAN Summit, Seeks US Support Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Cagayan de Oro City Philippines -In a bold diplomatic move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leveraged the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur to publicly challenge China's maritime activities in the South China Sea, highlighting ongoing territorial disputes in the region.

Regional Tensions Escalate

During the high-profile summit, Marcos directly addressed China's controversial actions in what the Philippines calls the "West Philippine Seas," drawing attention to alleged illegal maritime activities. The president strategically used the international platform to showcase the challenges faced by Filipino fishermen and maritime workers.

US-Philippines Diplomatic Dynamics

Despite Marcos's attempts to gain support from US President Donald Trump, the diplomatic engagement appeared strained. Sources close to the summit suggest Trump maintained a cautious approach, prioritizing broader regional stability and potential negotiations with China.

Trade Developments Overshadow Philippine Interests

A significant diplomatic setback emerged when the United States signed a trade agreement providing 0% import tariff exemptions to Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia, effectively sidelining the Philippines. This development was particularly challenging for Marcos, who has positioned the country as a key US ally in the region through nine EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) bases.
Chyrel Macale Cariaga
Journalist/Columnist

29/10/2025

Oaminal named Chair of Northern Mindanao Regional Development Council

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) for Region X (Northern Mindanao) for the term 2025–2028, recognizing his leadership in local governance, peacebuilding, and regional collaboration.

In a statement, Oaminal expressed his deep gratitude to President Marcos for the trust and confidence, as well as to the RDC-X officers and members, including provincial governors, city mayors, heads of national government agencies,and private sector representatives.

“I am deeply honored and thankful to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence in appointing me as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-X for the term 2025–2028,” Oaminal said.

“Padayon ta sa pagkugi (let us continue working) -- this time, not only for Asenso Misamis Occidental, but for Asenso Northern Mindanao,” the governor added.

He also acknowledged the support of his fellow Misamisnons and his Asenso team, saying that unity and collaboration have been key to the province’s progress. “Our unity has brought me to this position. This appointment carries great responsibility and accountability, and with it, the challenges that lie ahead,” he continued.

The Regional Development Council serves as the highest policymaking and coordinating body for socioeconomic development in each region. It harmonizes local and national priorities through the formulation and implementation of the Regional Development Plan and Investment Program.

As RDC Chairperson, Oaminal will spearhead efforts to align Northern Mindanao’s growth strategies with the Marcos administration’s Philippine Development Plan, emphasizing infrastructure expansion, peace and order, and sustainable local economies.

Oaminal’s appointment comes amid Misamis Occidental’s steady rise as one of the top-performing provinces in the country. Under his leadership, the province achieved a 66.49% increase in locally sourced income, ranking fifth nationwide in per capita gross domestic product (GDP), and earning reclassification as a first-class province.

Beyond economic performance, Oaminal was recognized nationally for his peace and security initiatives. In 2024, he received the Gawad Parangal from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for his role in steering Misamis Occidental towards lasting peace.

For nearly four decades, the province was considered a rebel hotspot, until President Marcos declared it insurgency-free in September 2024, a milestone achieved during Oaminal’s first term as governor. His administration’s whole-of-nation approach, anchored on the vision of “Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon”(Peaceful, Progressive, and Happy Misamisnon), has since become a model for regional development.

As RDC-X Chair, Oaminal is expected to build on this success by strengthening coordination among provinces and cities in Northern Mindanao – Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental – toward a shared vision of inclusive growth, peace, and resilience.

Caption:
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal during the ceremony declaring Misamis Occidental ‘insurgency-free’ in September 2024. Governor Henry S. Oaminal/Facebook

29/10/2025

Oro Chamber marks 40th Year as Voice of Business in Normin

The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Incorporated, better known as the Oro Chamber, is celebrating forty years of service as the Voice of Business in Northern Mindanao.

In December 1982, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Region 10 Governor Dante P. Sarraga convened a group representing 25 firms to organize the Chamber of Commerce here in Cagayan de Oro. Virgilio Neri, Sr. was elected as the Charter president.
The following year, the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Incorporated organized and hosted the first conference on cottage, small and medium industries at the VIP Hotel.

Later that year, the passing of President Neri left a void in the leadership and in October 1984, a new Board of Directors elected Aldrico T. Mañus as president. In July 10, 1985, the Board of Directors filed the organizations to the Securities and Exchange Commission Registry, and on October 29 of the same year, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Incorporated was listed with registry certificate number 12944.

On February 18, 1986, the Oro Chamber signed a partnership with Handwerkskammer Kassel (HwK) in Germany and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce for its inclusion to the Philippine-German Chamber Cooperation Program (PGCCP). This program provided training, advisory, equipment and financial subsidy to both Chambers. The Oro Chamber that we know today is the crowning achievement of the PGCCP.

In November 1991, the Chamber saw the realization of yet another bigger dream, the completion of the masterplan for the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor Special Development Project (CIC-SDP).
The next year, Oro Chamber hosted the first Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) and subsequently in 1994, 2003, 2010, 2017. The Chamber will again be hosting the 2026 MBC with the full support of the Cagayan de Oro LGU.

The succeeding years marked the further growth of the Oro Chamber as it improved its services to include the organization of business conferences, trade missions, management seminars and the conduct of market research studies. For two consecutive years (1993 and 1994) PCCI recognized it as the Most Outstanding Chamber in the Philippines. With its third consecutive award in 1994, Oro Chamber was elevated by the PCCI as its First Hall of Fame Awardee.
In 1996, Oro Chamber revived the Chambers partnership with Handwerkskammer Kassel for the implementation of the Regional Chamber Development Program. Beneficiaries of this project were the Chambers of Iligan, Butuan, Bukidnon and Ozamiz.

On June 7, 2006, the ground breaking for the Oro Chamber building was undertaken with Pueblo de Oro Chair Guillermo D. Luchangco and Oro Chamber President Ruben Vegafria, with notable personalities in attendance including PCCI President Donald G. Dee, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno, Cagayan de Oro Representative Constantino G. Jaraula, PCCI VP for Mindanao & MinBC Chair Romeo J. Serra, PCCI Regional Governor for Northern Mindanao and chairman of the Mindanao Business Council.

In 2007, ORO BEST EXPO (Cagayan de Oro Business Enterprises, Services and Trade Exposition) was launched as Oro Chamber’s flagship project aimed at addressing the concerns of Northern Mindanao’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises on Networking, Market Development, Policy Advocacy for Entrepreneurship, and most importantly, the growth and sustainability of the Chamber member companies.

On July 11, 2019, Oro Chamber launched an offshoot project known as OROBEST Innovation Program (Optimizing Regional Opportunities for Business Excellence through Science, Technology, and Innovation), the first chamber-led innovation hub in the country.

This program is a convergence of Oro Chamber, Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 10, Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 10, the USAID STRIDE Program, and the academe to develop technology packages that would increase the productivity and competitiveness of participating business groups from our brightest and creative talents from the pool of local resources in the academe.

The ultimate objective is for member-chamber’s first step to innovation through the adoption and commercialization of scientifically developed technologies. From 2021 to 2023, the program was able to spinoffs 2 significant projects: OROBEST BRIDGE Program, providing assessment of business operations and innovation business plans to more than 100 MSMEs, and OROBEST SPEED Program, a platform to pilot 15 MSMEs to pe*****te the global marketplace. To this day, the OROBEST Innovation Program has made an indelible mark in the regional and national innovation ecosystem.

The 2022 Mindanao Food Congress, hosted by the Oro Chamber, was a significant event celebrating the vibrant food industry of Mindanao. Held in Cagayan de Oro City, the congress showcased the region’s rich agricultural produce, innovative food technologies, and emerging food businesses. The event aimed to foster collaborations among local producers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable growth and food security in Mindanao.

A notable highlight was the partnership with the Embassy of India in Manila, as the Host Country Partner. This collaboration facilitated cultural exchanges and introduced Indian culinary traditions and food innovations to the local food scene, enriching the congress experience. The event also featured forums, trade exhibits, and networking sessions, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and business opportunities. Co-hosted by the LGU of Cagayan de Oro City and the Mindanao Development Authority, the 2022 Mindanao Food Congress successfully underscored Mindanao’s potential as a food innovation hub and strengthened ties between local industries and international partners, paving the way for a more resilient and vibrant food sector in the region.

In 2023, Oro Chamber brought Cagayan de Oro to Manila centerstage as it hosted the Cagayan de Oro Investment Forum and the ORO BEST EXPO in Shangri-La Plaza in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
In 2024, Oro Chamber paved way for two notable events: hosting the “1st Housing and Construction Congress and Expo,” aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program – the government's flagship housing project provides affordably-priced homes and lower monthly amortization costs through various subsidies for Filipino workers; and “OROBEST EXPO Goes HALAL” aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. The comprehensive Halal strategic plan aims to tap into the economic potential of the Halal industry that is poised to double domestic and international output by 2028.

In December 2024, Oro Chamber and DTI Misamis Oriental launched the OROBEST Creatives and Mindspace Center, a P7.2 million grant from DTI that provides packaging and labelling services, and other product prototyping for the MSMEs in the region at the Oro Chamber Business Development Centre.

Through the years, Oro Chamber has forged sister chamber agreements with West Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Indonesia; Fujian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China; Gwangyang Chamber of Commerce and Industry of South Korea; Australia Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; Tainan Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan; Filipino Chamber Commerce of Hawaii; American-Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida; Mandaluyong Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

2025 marks a significant milestone of the Oro Chamber as it celebrates its 40th founding anniversary. To date, Oro Chamber has had twenty-eight dedicated presidents. To our presidents, trustees, entrepreneurs, partners, stakeholders, and management, the legacy will live on and for more years to come.

29/10/2025

Early History of the Oro Chamber

By Mike Baños

Through the years, Oro Chamber has remained one of the leading local chambers of commerce in the Philippines.

It is the first “Hall of Fame Awardee” of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCI) and was the first to host the 1st Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON) in 1992, and again hosted it in 1994, 2003, 2010 and 2017.

The first iteration of the Oro Chamber was organized in December 1982 by a group of 25 firms convened by the late Dante P. Sarraga, then the Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), as an affiliate chamber of the PCCI.

This Group of 25 believed it was high time that Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental Province had an organization that could properly represent and articulate the problems and issues affecting business and businessmen in the area.

Elected as charter president was the late Dr. Virgilio Neri, Sr.

The following year, the Oro Chamber exhibited its pioneering spirit as it organized and hosted the 1st Conference on Cottage, Small and Medium Industries at the VIP Hotel.

However, the untimely demise of Dr. Neri later that year left a void in the leadership of this fledgling organization. But the dream refused to die and, on October 1984, a new Board of Directors was installed and elected Aldrico T. Manus as president.

The Oro Chamber as it is known today was formally later established on 29 March 1985 when it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Registry Certificate No. 12944, as the Cagayan De Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.
In its first notable accomplishment, the Oro Chamber signed a partnership with Handwerskskammer, Kassel (Kassel Chamber of Small Crafts and Trades) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its inclusion to the Philippine-German Chamber Cooperation Program (PGCCP) on February 18, 1986.

Through the aegis of the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, GmbH (GTZ, or German Agency for Technical Assistance) and the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the PGCCP provided training, advisory, equipment and financial subsidies to both chambers.
Now known as the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) the GTZ is the German development agency that provides services in the field of international development cooperation.

An important development during this period was the organization of sectoral industry associations such as the Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines (MIAP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter; Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter; Cagayan de Oro Ceramics Producers Association, Inc. (COCPAI), Printing Industries Association of Cagayan de Oro (COCPAI); Cagayan de Oro Gifts and Housewares Association, Garments Producers Association; Car Repair Shops Association, and Cagayan de Oro Aircon and Refrigerators Repair Association.

What was originally designed to be a 3-year Assistance Program was extended to seven years with the Oro Chamber that we know today as its crowning achievement in Cagayan de Oro.
On September of 1987, the first Secretary General of the Oro Chamber was hired in the person of Mr. Nestor J. Abanil.

Guido Alfredo A. Delgado was elected president in 1988, with Ramid P. Gualberto succeeding Abanil as Secretary General for two years. Pres. Delgado kept the chamber at the forefront of lobbying on the issues that affected the business community.

In May 1991, Marriz Manuel B. Agbon succeeded Gualberto as Secretary General and paved the way for further professionalizing the services of the chamber. Among its key accomplishments under Agbon’s tenure was the completion of the Master Plan for the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor (CIC) Special Development Project.

On August 1992, President Arsenio L. Sebastian III led the Oro Chamber in hosting the 1st Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON) in Cagayan de Oro. Close to 400 delegates attended with His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos as the Keynote Speaker.

The succeeding years marked the unprecedented growth of the Oro Chamber as it improved its services to include the organization of business conferences, trade missions, management seminars and the conduct of market research studies. Prominent among these was the Agribusiness Systems Assistance Program (ASAP) which Oro Chamber implemented in 1992-1995 with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In 1993 and 1994, the Oro Chamber under the stewardship of Pres. Jesus Emmanuel M. Paras was recognized as the Most Outstanding Chamber in the Philippines by the PCCI.

During the incumbency of the next president Eduardo Pelaez in 1995, the Oro Chamber partnered with key government and multilateral aid agencies for the development of the agriculture sector in Northern Mindanao with key sectoral studies for the cattle and rice industries.

It was also during Pelaez incumbency that the Oro Chamber was elevated to the PCCI Hall of Fame for Outstanding Chambers with its third consecutive recognition.

In 1996, President Roberto J. Togle, revived the chamber’s partnership with Handwerskskammer Kassel with the implementation of the Regional Chamber Development Program (RCDP) which sought to develop chambers in Iligan, Butuan, Ozamiz and Bukidnon.

By 1997, the late Pres. Arturo Mercader with Acting Secretary General Marilou Flores, continued its outreach program through the PEARL-CIDA dubbed as the Regional Chamber Strengthening Development Program. The chamber also acted as the secretariat for the Agro-Industry Sector of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) in 1997-1998.

When the late Pres. Jose M. Belen was elected president in 1999, the Oro Chamber revived the Oro Business Center in tandem with Secretary General Ma. Teresa A. Alegrio through the aegis of SWISSCONTACT. Through this project, over one thousand (1,000) SMEs underwent retooling and capability building programs.

During the same year, the Oro Chamber was selected as a public registration authority under the World Internet Secure Electronic Key (Wisekey) of Switzerland. Under this project, the Oro Chamber became the first Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines to issue digital signatures and certificates through eCommerce.

29/10/2025

Remembering Oro Chamber & PCCI Exec Ghaye Alegrio

By Mike Baños

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Area Vice President for Mindanao Ma. Teresa “Ghaye” Rillo Alegrio was one of the shining lights of the business chamber movement in Mindanao, and was also a former Secretary-General and President of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber).

Colleagues in the business, academic and civil society lauded her after she succumbed to a lingering illness in October 1, 2021.

“To the very end Ghaye was with us. She fought a good fight. She finished the race. Now, may she rest in peace! Let’s continue to pray for the eternal repose of her soul,” said Art Milan, then acting PCCI Mindanao Area Vice President, who took over for Alegrio when she was unable to continue due to her condition.

Ms. Alegrio actively served as part of the 20-member board of directors under former ambassador and PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico. There are about 45 local Chambers of Commerce (LCCIs ) in Mindanao affiliated with PCCI, of which some 90% belong to MSMEs whose capitalization range from P3M-100 million, with large companies comprising about 10% of the chamber members.

The Oro Chamber and PCCI-X under her stewardship advocated for the soonest implementation of the proposal to Upgrade, Expand, Operate and Maintain the Laguindingan Airport of Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) which is finally underway.

PCCI and the companies representing the energy sector, recommended to the Regional Development Council-X the need to review the provisions of Energy Regulation No. 1-94 to consider aligning its policy with EO 70 on making funds available for priority focus areas, besides the host communities stipulated in I-94.

ER 1-94 program is a policy under the Department of Energy Act of 1992 and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, which stipulates that host communities are entitled to a share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (Php 0.01 / kWh) sold by power generation plants operating in their area.

The group agreed to make this undertaking a continuing engagement, to be institutionalized in the RDC-X through quarterly RDC-X private sector representative meetings and with the appropriate Lines of Efforts /Task Groups.

“Ms. Ghaye was fearless with a strong “can do” spirit, which was infectious,” remarked Mylah Faye B. Cariño, RDC-X Vice Chair and NEDA-X Regional Director. “She was generous in sharing her ideas, which were often pragmatic and workable. I will miss her dynamism and optimism for life. She believed that amidst these dark clouds, a bright future awaits everyone.”

Ms. Alegrio holds the distinction of being the first Secretary-General of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) to become its President, and prior to her election as PCCI AVP for Mindanao, also served as the PCCI Regional Governor for Region X (Northern Mindanao from 2018-2019.

“If I remember correctly, I hired her as Project Development Manager”, said former Secretary General Marriz M. Agbon.

“My first encounter with Ghaye was that day in 1991 or was it 1992 when she came for an interview for a project manager position at the Oro Chamber. This petite lady with a simple top and maong pants came shyly into the office but before long she was gushing with ideas and plans. Thus, began 30 years or so of partnership, friendship and sharing the common aspiration of pushing for professional chamber development.”

“If she had something in mind that she believe is noteworthy, she will do all ways possible to make it happen,” said Ruben A. Vegafria, the 3-time Oro Chamber President.

“On the campaign of PCCI to encourage local chambers members/big private companies to purchase own vaccines in collaboration with Go Negosyo of Joey Concepcion, the local chambers were somehow reluctant but she was relentless. She kept on calling and following up with the local chamber presidents despite their hesitance and was able to convince most of us to participate. Purpose-driven – that’s what she was,” he added.

“Ghaye’s first engagement with the Oro Chamber in the 90s was the USAID funded Agri-Business System Assistance Program (ASAP) as the Project Manager and I was the Project Director,” recalls former Oro Chamber President Eduardo Pelaez. “ASAP supported the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives and the Dairy Confederation of the Philippines. Eventually, Ghaye handled the Oro Chamber’s Regional Chamber project with the Handwerkskammer Kassel of Germany . The chamber participants were the Iligan, Ozamiz, and Butuan Chambers.”

Ms. Alegrio spent no less than 29 years in the Chamber movement serving in various capacities: from program manager of the Philippine-German Chamber Cooperation Program; as secretary-general when the Oro Chamber became PCCI’s 1st Hall of Fame Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines; as Vice President for Business Development, before being elected its 1st lady president in 2012.

During her tenure, Cagayan de Oro City was ranked as the Most Competitive City in the Philippines by the National Competitiveness Council.

Besides her activism in the chamber movement, Ms. Alegrio also concurrently served as the Head of the Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations Department of STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) at Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

She actively sought to multiply SPI’s CSR initiatives with the National Economic and Development Authority-Region X and Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region by seeking ways to further strengthen collaboration and partnership in leveraging resources from the business sector through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

The initiative focused on how government, the business sector, and civil society organizations could best synergize and sustain efforts and resources to operationalize Executive Order No. 70 (Whole-of-Nation Approach) in attaining lasting peace and inclusive development in the region.
NEDA-X generated information from the business sector on their CSR-funded activities in the region for CY 2020, which were then deployed in targeted communities under the convergence areas for peace and development (CAPDev) program.

“Ghaye is a woman of deep faith and compassion for the least,” said Jerome R. Soldevilla, SPI Community Relations Manager and a long-time fellow worker. “She steered SPI’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda in helping those who are in need, helping create positive social impact and improved the quality of life of the beneficiaries of SPI’s various social development programs.”

On top of her professional engagements with SPI and PCCI, Ms. Alegrio also served as the Vice Chair in the Board of Trustees of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo).
“In the first few days after Tropical Storm Sendong devastated Cagayan de Oro , Ghaye was the one who suggested to XU President Fr. Bobby Yap S.J. and the Board of Trustees, that Xavier donate at least two hectares of the university’s Lumbia property for the hundreds of families dislocated by the deadly flash flood,” recalls former Oro Chamber President and current Promote Normin Chairman Elpie Paras, who also served as Alegrio’s colleague in the XU Board of Trustees.
“Today, over five hundred families live in the five hectare Xavier Ecoville relocation site, that has now become a prime example of a safe and sustainable community, spurring the development of Brgy. Lumbia into a prime location for several housing subdivisions . Such concern for others was Ghaye’s mantra and her legacy lives on.”

Current Xavier Ateneo President Fr. Mars Tan, SJ concurs.
“Ms. Ghaye Alegrio served on the Xavier University Board of Trustees for 11 years. In her last few years, she took on an active role as the Board Vice-Chair, and then as the acting Chair for a year. Last year, she started to complain about her back pain. However, at long virtual BOT meetings she did not show it as she remained composed and focused. This year, Ghaye was supposed to end her 4th term as XU trustee, but BOT Chair Frank Guerra and I believed the Board needed her during the pandemic times.”

“As a trustee, Ghaye liked to share important insights on how business and economy would affect schools and education in general. Her inputs were always comprehensive and updated, and I found them quite helpful to both the operational and the strategic plans of the University. Ghaye was always engaging and generous in sharing her knowledge and expertise to benefit the university. Similarly, outside meetings, she showed much personal concern for people as for example she tried hard to secure Covid-19 vaccines early on and to include the priests in the priority list.”

“Lastly, I remember Ghaye as a kind friend who didn’t miss sending greetings and gifts during Christmas.”
Ms. Alegrio is survived by her husband Mauricio D. Alegrio, Jr., and son Ralph.