Business clubs to hold 1st conference in Cebu

A NATIONWIDE affiliation of independent business clubs is set to meet in a one-day conference in Cebu City to strengthen its network and discuss several reform measures that could address the country’s socioeconomic challenges.

The 1st Independent Business Clubs Conference, organized by the Makati Business Club and Cebu Business Club, will be held on June 11, starting at 8:30a.m., at the Marco Polo Plaza. Speakers during the conference will include Jose Cuisia Jr., Chito Salazar, Peter Wallace and Rep. Teofisto Guingona III.

The main segment will be an open discourse entitled “Key Challenges for a Progressive Philippines” with Sen. Francis Escudero, Sen. Manuel Roxas II and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. as special guest speakers. They will provide their views on education, reforming the budget process, good governance and the proposed Philippine Economic Roadmap for 2010 and beyond prepared by the country’s top economists Drs. Dante Canlas, Benjamin Diokno and Felipe Medalla.

MBC Executive Director Alberto Lim said the event aims “to strengthen the links between the clubs, the value of which can be reflected through shared information and studies, joint cooperation on projects for wider implementation and, as the the need may arise, taking a unified stand on issues they agree on.”

“We’re hoping the output of the conference will be, not only to agree on a way we communicate with each other, but to engage in projects we can undertake together,” said Lim. “As for the direction of the conference program, it is important that the business community from all regions are enlightened on significant issues, such as education, fiscal reforms and good governance, especially in the light of the upcoming elections.”

He added that the conference will also the clubs a chance to know “who among the candidates carry the issues we care about.” (PR)