CALBAYOG CITY, June 13 (PNA) — Businesses from all over Eastern Visayas kicked off Friday here their 4th regional conference that will focus on rebuilding the region after the massive destruction wrought by typhoon Yolanda.
Raul Reyes, executive director of the Eastern Visayas Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., said that chamber-members will be presenting resolutions that can help rebuild the region.
The Chamber Management Seminar is being attended by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and different chamber presidents led by Engr. Robert Castanares, regional governor and former president of the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce.
He said participants will be oriented on the post Yolanda financing and plenary by an officer of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Tacloban City businessman Oliver Cam is tasked to present the Tacloban Rehab and Recovery Plan.
Energy Secretary Jericho L. Petilla’s presence will energized the conference, with his talk on “Energy and Power After Yolanda.”
Hospitality and Tourism Sector will be tackled by Tourism regional director Karen S. Tiopes. She is pushing for the tourism sector to shine after ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan).
According to Reyes, European Light Specialist Marc Nools will discuss on “solarizing” San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in Southeast Asia that connects Leyte and Samar that symbolizes hope after the typhoon.
The local government unit of Calbayog City will showcase its rich cultural heritage in songs and dances. In a statement, Mayor Ronaldo Aquino hopes investments will pour in the city after the conference.
Meanwhile, the Palompon Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its president Warlblitz Martinez will receive recognition for its initiative of organizing “Barog Palompon” (Stand Palompon) after the worst typhoon that hit the region.
The chamber distributed relief goods, shelter kits, water and is responsible for providing houses through the Green Helmets of Germany which will also be recognized during the annual event.
The Green Helmets volunteer group has already built 50 houses at Buenavista and Cambinog villages of Palompon. Another 10 houses will be built for Cantando village intended for the people whose livelihood is scavenging at the Eco-Park according to Martinez. Also a school building will be built in a school in Matsaba, Matag-ob, Leyte.
The gathering has Secretary Panfilo Lacson for its keynote speaker.
It opened with the launching of a trade fair showcasing products of Calbayog City and other provinces in the region.
The conference hosted by the Greater Calbayog Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the local government unit of Calbayog is being held at the Ciriaco Hotel here. (PNA)