- 2 days ago
How are political developments and recent disasters shaping Cebu’s business landscape? Join us as Melanie Ng, expert in macroeconomics and regional business trends, breaks down the impact on industries, investor confidence, and long-term planning. Stay informed with Beyond the Headlines.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
01:00Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
01:07It's the third day of December, 22 days before Christmas Day.
01:12I'm DJ Moises.
01:14Today, we'll take a closer look at the story shaping our communities and our future,
01:19going past the surface into the context, the impact, and the conversations that matter.
01:25In this episode, we examine Cebu's economic landscape and how recent political developments
01:33and calamities are impacting local businesses.
01:37And joining us live at the studio is the Area Vice President for Visayas of the Philippine
01:44Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melanie Nang.
01:47Good afternoon, Melanie.
01:49Good afternoon, DJ.
01:51And welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
01:53Thank you very much for your invitation.
01:56And maybe you'd like to greet your fans.
01:59Hello, good afternoon.
02:01I've been invited by DJ to share some moments with you.
02:06And I understand that this is just going to be a conversation, right?
02:09It is a conversation.
02:11And speaking of conversation, we will start with, so that our viewers will also get to
02:16know you better.
02:18So I learned, and I mentioned earlier, I stopped your profile, and I learned that you graduated
02:24biology, cum laude.
02:27Yes.
02:27So did you really study to become a doctor, or that was just the beginning of your business
02:36journey?
02:36Good that you asked that, DJ, because when I got your invitation, the letter stated,
02:41economic situation.
02:43I would like to make a disclaimer right from the start.
02:46I'm not an economist.
02:47And yes, I did graduate BS Biology from the University of San Carlos, proud Carolinian.
02:55But then, I was supposed to be a doctor.
02:57I was supposed to proceed to medical school.
03:00Did you start medical school?
03:01After graduation, my grandmother was saying, oh, don't be a doctor now, because take a look
03:08at your aunties, uncles, they're so busy like that.
03:09And then, I turned to ask my ex-boyfriend then, at that time, then, boyfriend then, at that
03:17time, will you wait for me?
03:18And he said, no.
03:20So, nowala, nowala na yung medical aspiration.
03:26Then from MD, I became another MD.
03:29MD, medical degree to marriage degree.
03:32So, I still have MD.
03:34Still, still, still, still MD.
03:36So, I just graduated with my pre-med and was not able to proceed to medical school.
03:41So, if you're not in business today, what would you have been doing, aside from becoming
03:48a doctor?
03:49When I was young, I really wanted to be a teacher.
03:53You still can be a teacher.
03:55Yeah, I can.
03:56Once I'm done with my commitments in the chamber movement, probably, there are a lot
04:02of things that I can still do.
04:04No, because there's a lot of insights that you bring to the table, right?
04:11So, I think it would be very helpful to your future students for them to understand the
04:17practice behind the theory.
04:20So, speaking of your very busy chamber engagement, what does a normal day look like for you?
04:28So, actually, with regards to the teacher side, the professor in the family is a good
04:34teacher.
04:35He is my husband, Wilson.
04:36I know.
04:37I just, I just found out that he's a doctor.
04:39Yes.
04:40Not medicine, no?
04:41He's a doctor of business administration.
04:43And I've learned a lot from him through the years.
04:46Learned and also mentored, though still lucky, because he always, he reads a lot and he shares
04:57all his learnings with us, with our three boys and myself.
05:02So, I've learned a lot from him, even without going through master or doctorate school.
05:09But then, you know, we started our business more than 30 years ago in IT.
05:14So, at the time, I helped him with the family business, with IT business.
05:19But later on through the years, as he built our business and we grew to be very active in
05:28the civil business community, he really also encouraged me to be active in the various business
05:35organizations.
05:36So, that started my involvement in the chamber movement.
05:42So, what is the first thing that you do?
05:45This is the reverse, okay?
05:47The usual question is what keeps you awake at night.
05:50This one is what's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning.
05:54I take a look at my calendar.
05:56What's the schedule for today?
05:58Obviously, with the involvements that we have in the various organizations, there are certain
06:03activities or appointments that we have to cope up with every day.
06:08So, I make sure to take a look at the calendar.
06:11And of course, chat the family, you know, as how the boys are.
06:16Because they're all independent, they're all already working.
06:19Two of them are already not based in Cebu.
06:22Yes, two of them are not based in Cebu.
06:24The eldest is based in Cebu, but he's now independent, married and independent.
06:30So, they don't live with you anymore also.
06:32No more, yeah.
06:33So, yeah, all of them are out of the house already.
06:36All of them are out of the house.
06:37And they're very independent.
06:39They have graduated and are already working.
06:44They are already carving their own path.
06:47Yeah, they don't need mommy.
06:48Before, if you ask me before, what's my schedule?
06:50Well, then it's work and then go to the school for PTA, etc.
06:54But now it's different.
06:56Because they're all...
06:57No, no, continue.
06:58They're all grown, independent.
07:00They have their own schedule.
07:01I'm the one to run after them now.
07:03If before, they had the ones who run after mommy, daddy, we need this, we need that.
07:07But now I'm the one who have to chase their schedules.
07:10Because they have independent schedules and they're all very busy.
07:15Are you in...
07:16This is also a common question because I know that we have young viewers who also look up to you, no?
07:21So you're an aspirational presence in the Cebu community, not just in the business community and even the country.
07:28So are you a morning person or are you a night owl?
07:33Probably more of a night owl.
07:37But we don't go out, right?
07:40Yes.
07:41I'm a...
07:42With Wilson, we're home buddies.
07:43We're not very much into...
07:45Going out and partying, no?
07:47Yes.
07:48But do you find...
07:49Because, for example, in my case, I can see that my energy picks up later in the day.
07:57So I usually have a slower start and then my energy picks up late in the afternoon and even through late at night.
08:05So that's where I could say I'm a night person rather than a morning person.
08:08Ah, me, it's no.
08:09Morning all the way, go, go, go, go, na.
08:11But then, we tend to...
08:15The night schedule, it's not like we have to sleep very early, no?
08:21Because you also have other commitments.
08:23Commitments, yes, yes.
08:24And events also to participate.
08:28Events.
08:29Sige, you mentioned earlier that you...
08:31And I also learned from Wilson a lot, no?
08:34Because even if I'm not part of his immediate family, but I do get...
08:38I do receive some articles that he would forward on the GC for us to learn.
08:43And a lot of them are very interesting articles, no?
08:47Whether it's economics, leadership, or business in general.
08:52But in your case, what books or podcasts or shows that you read or you follow?
09:00The shows, I normally, whatever Wilson watches, I also watch together with him.
09:05Right?
09:06Of course.
09:07Shows that's us.
09:08Agoy, Agoy.
09:09No, but news, current news is very important.
09:12Very important, yes.
09:13Yeah.
09:14Ever since, before I remember when I was starting my presidency at Sibud Chamber of Commerce,
09:18he always reminded me, don't forget to read the daily news because, you know,
09:24you have to know everything that's happening in your community.
09:27So current news is very important.
09:29And I make sure to read only the news from Sunstar.
09:35Of course, the trusted sources so that we won't be susceptible to fake news.
09:40My youngest son always said, oh, ma'am, that's fake news.
09:43Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't believe that.
09:46And that's the, that's a sad reality now with social media that the, which is,
09:53there's an advantage of democratizing it, but the disadvantage also is people,
10:01not many people as, are as mindful as you, no, and your family in terms of going through
10:08what is the, the right channel and become more susceptible to, to fake news.
10:15Yeah, but social media is very strong, has a very strong presence for the good or for
10:20the bad, right?
10:21Yes.
10:22And it's up to us.
10:23It's up to us.
10:24Sige.
10:25So, I've also seen you, this is part of your engagements now.
10:30I've also seen you speak a lot in conferences, no?
10:33Not only in Cebu, but in the country and even internationally.
10:37For the benefit of our introverted viewers like me, do you still get nervous when you
10:42give a talk?
10:43Of course, of course not, right?
10:44Like right now, I'm, I was so worried on my way here, so I wonder what questions the
10:49DJ will ask me.
10:50But then again, I committed, I accepted your invitation because I also felt that it's good
10:57to be able to share experiences.
11:00And I look at myself as like the bridge, especially after my involvement in Cebu Chamber of Commerce
11:08at that time as president.
11:10Then I was able to have this opportunity to be the bridge to Philippine Chamber of Commerce
11:15and Industry and to do a lot of all these advocacies for our MSMEs.
11:22And thank you for making it easier for me to segue towards topics around business.
11:30So let's talk about what's happening in the business landscape today.
11:35How do you describe the current landscape in Cebu and in the Visayas?
11:42Yeah, quite a touchy, sensitive question.
11:46Because we've been through a lot, honestly, in the last few months, right?
11:51We've been through a lot shaky experiences and all the heartbreaking experiences that we've gone
12:02through, especially people we know close to our heart.
12:05And that's really something that the business community really got so much affected.
12:13Because immediately when the earthquake struck, the business situation also got severely affected.
12:23Then our workforce got severely affected.
12:26After the earthquake, we had the typhoon.
12:29In just a matter of weeks.
12:32In just a matter of weeks.
12:33That goes to show though how resilient we are because we're here.
12:36We're able to continue with all our activities.
12:39But then it was very challenging and it is still very challenging.
12:43So the business community really, the leaders in the chamber really all came together to help Cebu.
12:52So that's why we had that task force Padayon Cebu was created.
12:59Because we saw that a lot of the organizations have a lot of efforts.
13:03And we wanted it to be a collaborative effort to help Cebu.
13:08It's easier to, as one, you can do so much.
13:11But together, we can do more.
13:13So that's why Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, current President Jay Aldegar.
13:19Jay Uvalius.
13:20Sorry.
13:21Jay Uvalius.
13:22Hi.
13:23President Jay.
13:24Both Jay's are my good friends.
13:26Brought everybody together and we had a kickoff for a meeting to start up the task force Padayon Cebu.
13:35So what are the, just a few, because I know there's just so many, but what are the challenges that are facing the business community as of this time?
13:45And to what you just shared, how is the chamber also supporting them in these challenges?
13:52Of course, the market is really affected, right?
13:55Prior to the calamities or the disasters that happened in Cebu, we already have a lot of cost of doing business issues.
14:06We all know that, right?
14:08Cost of power, high cost of materials, high cost of logistics.
14:12So we have all the existing programs to address those.
14:18We know the problems cannot be addressed overnight, but with the people in the various chambers, not only Cebu Chamber, Mandawi Chamber, all the active chambers, we have a lot of active chambers here in Cebu.
14:34Together, we can advocate for what's good for the business community.
14:38So in terms of, yes, what's good of the business community, what, okay, because we spoke about the challenges, what about the growth areas, no?
14:49I hope we have a lot.
14:51In this year and more importantly for next year, what are the growth areas that we are seeing?
14:57The economic drivers of Cebu, we know, right, tourism, our BPO industry, we have our manufacturing, shipbuilding.
15:06We have a lot of industries that are active in Cebu.
15:10But unfortunately, like in the tourism, for instance, we really suffered a bit in terms of tourism arrivals.
15:19And I know that earlier we were discussing about it, we need to make sure that we are attractive to our tourists so that they will choose Cebu as the place to go.
15:32So Cebu being in the center really has a lot to offer.
15:36So I hope that our tourism industry stakeholders will keep in mind to come up with attractive packages to attract more foreign tourists to come to Cebu,
15:48especially as next year is the ASEAN hosting of the Philippines.
15:53That's what week in January?
15:55It's the whole year, the ASEAN hosting of the Philippines.
15:58But in January will be the ASEAN Tourism Forum that will be in Cebu, I think the third week.
16:04Third week of January, which is in time for the Sinulog.
16:07Yeah.
16:08So I know our Department of Tourism is already actively preparing for it together with the ASEAN National Organizing Committee
16:17and of course with our local government.
16:19So that will be highlighted.
16:22So I hope that that will create a positive impact for Cebu as a destination for more tourists to come to Cebu.
16:29So in terms of, because we've, sometimes I forget the pandemic happened five years ago.
16:38That's how fast time flies.
16:40But are we now more resilient post pandemic?
16:44And this is not just for tourism, but the business community in general.
16:48We should be.
16:49We should be.
16:50I think we are.
16:51Okay.
16:52Because we were very, we were able to mobilize very fast after what happened.
16:58And that's also what happened with our local government units.
17:03I think they mobilized quite fast to be able to help the people.
17:07And you can see a lot of collaboration.
17:10We saw a lot of collaboration in the last few weeks.
17:14So various organizations just voluntarily came out and helped our fellow men who were really encountering very difficult times.
17:25If there's anything, although the pandemic was undesired now, but if there's anything that the pandemic did to Cebu and the world in general, it's really technology.
17:37Because I think now people are more mobile, which is both good or bad, but we'll deal with that later.
17:46So yes, and so in that context, I think Cebu has already become more resilient in terms of business continuity after the pandemic.
17:56We had a lot of practice to polish that.
17:59So now let's talk about, I know you said that you're not an economist, but I hope that would still indulge us.
18:06We talk about inflation.
18:08Weeks ago, was she the regional director now?
18:15Philippine Statistics Authority, we spoke about, yeah.
18:19The director was here now, Philippine Statistics Authority, regional director, and we talk about inflation.
18:25So that's October.
18:28And there was one curious question that I asked her, so I'd also like to hear your perspective.
18:32Because Central Visayas had the higher inflation compared to the national number.
18:40And in fact, like for example, national number is 1.7%, Cebu is 2.5%, Lapu-Lapu is 5.8%, and then Mandawa is 3.7%.
18:50Why is that so? At least from what you see on the ground.
18:53But yeah, that's it.
18:54But Cebu, Central Visayas has the highest economy, the fastest growing economy, right?
19:04So there's still a lot of things we can do together in terms of driving the economy.
19:11And in the Regional Development Council, Economic Development Committee, of which I chair.
19:18So we look into a lot of these factors, the economic drivers.
19:22And we are really working closer with our regional offices of the national government agencies, because they have a lot of programs that can help drive or help our businesses grow.
19:38So I know it's a challenge for us to, like in terms of agriculture, to encourage more and more people to invest in agriculture.
19:53But we see it now happening in Cebu.
19:55So there are businesses who are investing in agriculture in terms of like coffee or cacao.
20:02So those are some of the initiatives that we've slowly started to discuss and be more proactive.
20:11They also have their concerns and challenges.
20:14So we would like to create this platform where these investors or the businesses can have this open communication with our government agencies and they can sign up with the programs that our government has for them.
20:33And it's good that you also mentioned agriculture because earlier, before the show started, we had a side conversation about the board meeting earlier with the American Chamber.
20:44And that was one of the conversations also, that while there's a lot of focus on tourism, there's a lot of focus in terms of ITBPM.
20:52But agriculture is fundamental because the food that we ate on the table is a product of agriculture.
21:00That was also the question that was asked earlier.
21:03So it's good that on the Regional Development Council, you're already also seeing greater importance also on how we can further make the agriculture sector thrive.
21:13So now let's talk about the recent disasters, which you also covered earlier.
21:20So because of the disasters, so we had the earthquake and then the flood.
21:27So how events such as this one, how do they impact the economy?
21:34I know it's negatively, right?
21:40But then when there are problems, opportunities will also rise.
21:49So we've seen, I know if you ask any chamber member or business, they will always say it's very difficult, right?
21:57It's very difficult.
21:58That's why the initiative of the current Secretary of Finance with regards to the LOA being suspended is a welcome development for the local businessmen.
22:13And that will give time, especially for MSMEs to rebuild, to retool, to come up with more strategies so that they will be able to cope up or revive their businesses.
22:26So that's something that is really there, is happening is the reality.
22:33And I've heard of a lot of stories, especially because social media, right?
22:38You see what's happening.
22:39So you send a message to the particular friend or MSME or business owner, and you know what happened to them.
22:46But then one thing that I noticed is that the perspective is still bright because they know that if they're able to rebuild, then they will be able to at least go back to where they were at the time before the disaster struck.
23:05Yeah, that's why I'm also curious about the GDP number for this quarter.
23:13And the reason for that is also in relation to what you just said, because some people would think that, of course, obviously the businesses were impacted.
23:21But there are also revenue that are associated to rebuilding.
23:26So some economists would say that the numbers would still look stable because there were some that were taken.
23:34But because of the recovery effort, potentially they will also be compensated.
23:39Now let's talk about the political noise.
23:44Some people would say that it's also creating some nervousness in terms of investors.
23:54Is that also what you are seeing?
23:57The political noise happening in the country today.
24:01Is that a factor that will also impact the economy?
24:05Yes, because investor trust in the country or in Cebu would be quite affected if there is uncertainty.
24:17And that is really what the businesses are most afraid of.
24:23The uncertain times or problems caused by the negative news they hear.
24:33Almost every day.
24:34Almost every day and on social media, right?
24:37It's very easy to get the news.
24:39So we have to make sure that we come together as one and try to.
24:45To work things out.
24:46To work things out.
24:47Yeah, to work, to boost things up.
24:49To have programs that will be like to rebuild, to rebuild the investment scenario.
25:00So what advice do you normally give to small businesses like me on how we can be more resilient in a time like this?
25:13Because we are in this situation.
25:15I agree.
25:16We are in this situation.
25:17But we should not be too caught up and be stuck in this situation.
25:21Because there's something that we still can do to move the business forward.
25:26So for small businesses like me going through in a time like this, what would be the usual advice that you would give?
25:33We always want to inspire to show inspirational stories to prove to our fellow Cebuanos that things could be better.
25:46That's why even if we underwent several disasters, right?
25:51We still did the Grand Chamber Awards for the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.
25:55Oh, yeah.
25:56Just last week, no?
25:57Yes, just last week.
25:58Because we wanted to showcase the stories of our entrepreneurs that, you know, from problems, they are able to overcome the obstacles with the help also of the community and certain individuals, they are able to rise up.
26:17So these stories are very important to share because it will prove to our fellow businessmen that they can do it so long as they do not give up.
26:30And I like how you put a twist on problems because I was reminded when you mentioned the word problem, for some people, they look at it negatively.
26:46And in reality, we have to acknowledge there's the negative aspect of problems.
26:51But the best businesses are also those that solve problems.
26:57So a problem, thank you for bringing that up, a problem is also an opportunity because if there are so many problems that the community is facing, if an entrepreneurial person can find a solution to that problem, then that entrepreneur can thrive in a time like this.
27:14So thank you.
27:15Thank you for reminding me to look at problem differently.
27:20You wanted to say something.
27:21Yeah, because I suddenly remembered our company motto, translating technology to business strength.
27:27So you can, you know, translate.
27:31By use of technology, you're able to become stronger in terms of your operations.
27:37So if we are able to identify the challenges that you currently have in your business and come up with the right solutions and at the right time, of course, right, then you will be able to, you're on the road to overcoming it.
27:54And thank you for reminding small business people like me because we founded the business in 2022, which was during the pandemic.
28:09And I can go on and on and on why it could have been difficult if it was not the pandemic.
28:15And I'm referring to technology because it was already legit to make a pitch remotely, which was not possible before the pandemic.
28:25We had to travel to the U.S. to pitch.
28:27But because of that, we could pitch even while at home.
28:29So, yes, there are advantages that we can also leverage in a time of problem, problematic situation.
28:39Now, you've mentioned about tourism earlier, you know, and one of the, the, the, the, the, not, an area that lay persons, you know, like me are also curious about is on the, the drop of the hotel occupancy.
28:59So, at least from the little research that I did, we are, the latest numbers, we are at 55%, but the national average is 60%.
29:11And even Metro Manila is 65%.
29:14So, what factors you think is contributing to the softer occupancy in Cebu?
29:20You know, the numbers you're giving me for local high is even quite higher, higher than what a hotel owner shared with me.
29:30So, what did they tell you?
29:31Lower than that, the occupancy. So, it's really a challenge.
29:35So, we need…
29:36Some people are also saying that this is even like the pandemic already. Is it true or not?
29:41Probably not for all hotels.
29:44Okay.
29:45There are some hotels that have a lot of activities. So, probably the best way is really to be more aggressive in terms of mice.
29:55So, right, the more events or activities come to Cebu, then you will be able to increase occupancy and also increase all the economic activity around.
30:06Because the events, you need suppliers, you need the…
30:10Hopefully, there will be more events after the ASEAN tourism conference, no? This coming in January.
30:18Yeah.
30:19And the opening…
30:20Oh my gosh, I'm about to endorse something.
30:22But the opening of the biggest…
30:24Arena.
30:25Arena in the country.
30:27So, there are a lot of positive things to look forward to in 2026 actually.
30:31But we still need to make sure that we are able to communicate the challenges and concerns that we have with the right agencies, right?
30:43Because…
30:44So, just to close at least this part, not yet this conversation…
30:48I thought we were going to…
30:49End this already.
30:50So, we're just seeing this decline, correct me if I'm wrong, as a seasonal phase that we go through.
31:00But there are still a lot of opportunities that we can bounce back after this one.
31:09Yes.
31:10Did I capture it correctly?
31:11Yes.
31:12That is the direction we should look at.
31:16How about…
31:18Sige.
31:19How about the typhoons and the flooding and even the earthquake?
31:25I'm also hearing from…
31:26These are informal sources, so you are the formal source.
31:29Part of the formal sources that there are also kind of…
31:35Would have been visitors that are now wary because of the recurring situation such as the earthquake, no?
31:46And even the typhoon that followed.
31:48Initially, yes.
31:50Especially after the earthquake.
31:51Initially, yes, we had a lot of murmurings…
31:54Yes, I heard about those.
31:56No, I don't want to say these cancellations also.
31:59But then, we've heard that they did not…
32:03Push through with the cancellation.
32:05So, we have to make sure we work together to be able to deliver the message that Cebu is ready, open.
32:17We're here.
32:18And even more resilient.
32:19Even more resilient.
32:20And I think we were able to show that in terms of what happened.
32:23Soon, soon, good.
32:24But we were able to, you know, help the community.
32:29So, now, let's move into non-disaster related.
32:33Non-disaster related.
32:34But still, an opportunity area.
32:38This is on ease of doing business.
32:40So, what is the chamber, or what are the chambers doing also to help businesses, no?
32:48Whether existing or future businesses in terms of ease of doing business in Cebu or in the country in general.
32:55Yeah.
32:56For the last two years, I've been privileged, honored to have served as the Area Vice President for the Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
33:05And this gave me the opportunity to see what private sector can do in the right platform or in the right, we are given, if we are given the opportunity.
33:17So, we're happy to say that the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry do have a lot of opportunity to sit in the advisory councils to be able to help our MSMEs.
33:30Like, for instance, in terms of the taxation.
33:35So, PCCI has a taxation committee.
33:37And all the local chambers has that opportunity to present all their problems or concerns with regards to BAR in the taxation committee.
33:45And we were able to address and listen to all their concerns and bring it to the right channel with the help of our experts, the industry experts, and also the PCCI leaders.
33:58And that is one aspect, the importance of being able to join a chamber movement.
34:07Because then, if you're a member of the chamber, if you have any concerns, you can easily seek the help of the chamber and the support to be able to address that particular concern.
34:19And through the two years that I've been with PCCI, there are really members who call or text me about their problems.
34:28And we are able to at least address or mitigate them.
34:33And then, in terms of digital transformation, but what's, at least from what you are observing, what's the readiness level of the small-medium enterprises?
34:45I would say that we can look at MMS, so small-medium, no?
34:50And even our government agencies, the readiness in terms of digital transformation, because that will speed things up.
34:57I'm glad that the government really was very, our government is really very, has been very aggressive in terms of digital readiness.
35:06Do you have the eGov app?
35:08Yeah, right?
35:09The eGov app, although it's not yet fully functional, but at least there are e-travel or for your IDs, it's all there.
35:20So that's the start.
35:21At least it will show the people that, you know, do not be afraid of technology.
35:25And for us, I think COVID helped us a lot.
35:29We were forced to use GCash or do bank transfers.
35:32Like, even myself at the time, you know, you need the ATM to be able to do the online bank transfers.
35:39So I think a lot of MSMEs or a lot of businesses also gone through that.
35:44And the institutions also are really promoting digital readiness.
35:49With, now compared to probably one or two years ago, a lot of our vendors already have GCash.
35:56Like, they can already have GCash.
35:57That's also because of the launch of ESP of the PalenQR.
36:01So that's really also trying to promote the use of the e-wallets.
36:07And that has greatly helped.
36:09But for MSMEs, there's always that fear of cost.
36:13Right?
36:14So the fear of cost, cost of the equipment or the fear of being scammed.
36:19So that's also our role in the chamber to come up with programs that will help convince MSMEs.
36:26To make them more comfortable.
36:28Yeah, comfortable.
36:29That the advantages much outweigh the negative impacts of using the fear, outweigh the fear of using technology.
36:42I think that that's also another good point.
36:45Because if, especially small, medium enterprises, just like anything in life, if we are too caught up with the fear of technology,
36:55then we would not be able to leverage also the advantage.
36:58Which as you said, they far outweigh the risk that people face in terms of using technology.
37:07Yes.
37:08So now let's talk about bureaucracy and red tape.
37:13Is there any policy also that we are advocating in the chamber to help reduce this part of doing business?
37:24We do have the ARTA, right?
37:27The Anti-Red Tape Authority.
37:29And we have an active collaborative partnership with ARTA.
37:34The local chambers have signed memorandum of agreements with ARTA to be their partner.
37:44And we also have identified ARTA champions in the chamber all over the country.
37:51So we have an ARTA champion in the Visayas.
37:54And any concern that you may have, you can immediately file, submit a case online.
38:03For them to be addressed right away.
38:04For them to be addressed.
38:05Of course you have to make sure that you have all the support that you have.
38:09So ARTA is an authority that can assist.
38:14And this one is, we're moving towards the good news now.
38:20Okay.
38:21I've also heard that you just came from a very successful meeting.
38:27I don't know the venue, but I think it's in Manila.
38:31And where the Regional Development Council were able to convince the decision makers for budget on certain infrastructure.
38:44Maybe you want to tell our viewers about that success story.
38:47So this started three years ago during the term of President Marcos whereby all regions are asked,
38:57all Regional Development Councils are asked to submit their top 30 projects,
39:03shovel-ready projects, and then we submit it, and then the national government agencies will deliberate on them
39:15and then accept or decline them for certain reasons.
39:20So we recently had that activity, the third ARNIP activity dialogue in PICC.
39:27That's in Manila.
39:28Yeah, in Manila.
39:29And as the RDC Economic Development Committee Chair, I was able to join the CEBU team,
39:35the Central Visayas team, together with our Chair, Regional Development Council 7 Chair, Governor Pam,
39:43and our Regional Director for DepDev, RD Gen Batania.
39:48And then we were able to attend and hear the presentations of our 30 projects.
39:55Good enough, almost all were accepted except for the three whereby there are certain adjustments that needed to be made.
40:07And 30 plus 3 FS.
40:10So they were accepted and we were given the opportunity also to discuss directly with the government agencies
40:17for the other three that were declined because of some reasons.
40:23So it's very minor, just the lacking documents and the budget to be spread out instead of one year in 2027,
40:31but it will be spread out.
40:32So overall it was a major success and we were able to present it successfully.
40:39So can you, because there's top 30, so let's just focus on the three.
40:45So can you also share to our viewers the three of the top 30 that were approved or accepted,
40:52which three that they can look forward in the coming years?
40:59No, these are projects for the Department of Agriculture, for DNR, for school buildings in Lapulapo and Mandawe,
41:10and these are for 2027 pa.
41:13Oh yeah.
41:14Yeah, 2027.
41:15But at least it's already accepted.
41:18So we need also the help of our congressmen and women to lobby to make sure that it will, it will materialize the entire budget or the amount.
41:33The process, will this then be included to the budget, no?
41:36This becomes an, the accepted projects becomes an input, no?
41:40Yes, from the council, it goes up to the national agency.
41:45The implementing agency, no?
41:46The implementing agency, no?
41:47Implementing agency, and then from there it has to go to the NEPPA, the national expenditure.
41:52But then we have to lobby to make sure that the entire thing, at least majority amount, gets really approved.
42:03And then eventually implemented, no?
42:06Yes, because the challenge every year is that whatever you submit, not the entire amount gets downloaded.
42:15Cool.
42:16So now that we've covered a lot of business topic, no?
42:21Now we'll go back to you again, no?
42:26So what legacy do you wish to, leave is not the correct word, to teach our business community?
42:41At least for short term lang, for the next three years, no?
42:47First is you have to show up, right?
42:53And be involved.
42:54I normally ask this question, so what's it need for me to be a member of the local chamber?
43:00You have to do your part as well.
43:02You cannot just expect things to fall on your lap if you don't show up and be involved.
43:07Of course, you have to make sure first that your business, your own business is ready, resilient, you are productive, then you show up and join and participate in the activities of the local chamber.
43:20Because it's only if you join and participate that you can reap the benefits of being a part of that activity or of that local chamber.
43:30Okay.
43:31I thought you would still add something.
43:35But the reason why also, it's a good reminder for me because to make a long story short, when I was young, I saw this article about the secret of why a person is successful.
43:51And eventually, it just boiled down to showing up.
43:54Because failing and making a mistake is part of the equation.
43:59But the more we show up, then the more chances we have to get things right and become better at what we do.
44:06So it's a good advice also for the business community, especially in a time that we are also in a challenging time that we're in.
44:15Especially for, in my case, because like, we are in the Visayas, right? And always, if you join activities in Manila,
44:24People would take a look at the cost also.
44:27Not the cost, but they will look at you as from Visayas. Visayata, diba? Kuanta.
44:32We are, they are, they are there.
44:35They are there.
44:36Okay.
44:37So that has always also been my advocacy.
44:41To make sure that they hear us.
44:43They know that we are here.
44:44We are a strong force to be reckoned with.
44:46So when we started, we really brought together all the local chambers in the Visayas as one Visayas.
44:52So all the 23 local chambers, we brought them together.
44:57And then we have a stronger voice as one Visayas.
44:59And our local chambers are multi-awarded nationally.
45:03Yes.
45:04In Region 7, we have the most number of Hall of Fame awardees for the most outstanding chamber in the Philippines.
45:14So you have Cebu Chamber, Mandawi Chamber, before Negros Oriental, but now they are with NIR.
45:20So these local chambers are an inspiration to the other local chambers.
45:25So like the case of Cebu Chamber with Cebu Business Month, that our legacy project, that's Cebu Business Month, was really something that the other local chambers also looked at and learned from.
45:39So if you meet your younger self today, or sorry, sorry, if your younger self will meet you today, what would your younger self be surprised about who you turned out to be?
45:54That I did not become a doctor?
45:55That I did not become a doctor?
45:57Okay.
45:58But my son is a doctor.
46:02So he was able to...
46:03The eldest, no?
46:04The second, the middle son.
46:06Ah, yeah, the eldest.
46:07He's a pediatrician, yeah.
46:09He's able to fulfill what I was not able to do at that time.
46:15So it's okay.
46:16I'm...
46:17Fulfilled.
46:18Fulfilled and blessed.
46:20The other thing also, one of the interesting forums that I saw in the past was about women empowerment and you were among the main speakers at that time.
46:30So I think for our viewers who are also mothers, who are also mothers, and obviously, I think we also had a conversation that you raised wonderful kids.
46:43So how did you balance your professional success with your success at home?
46:51Before, when the kids were still young and at school, I remember, basta school activities, drop everything, we have to make sure we are there when they are growing up.
47:02Because they will remember that forever, right?
47:05That you are part of their growing up years and we were part of their activities.
47:09Wilson would like to say na he did the large part of making sure the boys really grew up to be upright and really responsible kids.
47:20And they all are.
47:22And fortunately so, they're all already now...
47:27Accomplished.
47:28Accomplished.
47:29Accomplished.
47:30And we are very proud of the three boys that we have.
47:33Yeah.
47:34And how do you stay grounded, man, given all the busy schedule that you have through the years?
47:41Grounded.
47:42Grounded.
47:43I have my gumamelas, so that's a COVID project.
47:47So I love flowers.
47:48The flowers at that time, you know, nothing to do at home, right?
47:53Grandita.
47:54I have gumamelas at home.
47:56Then, of course, now the aspiration to be a grandma.
47:59So that's what's keeping me going because, you know, I hope time will come when I will have a baby girl.
48:08Oh, yeah?
48:09This is for Earl.
48:11Message for Earl and Micah.
48:14Yeah.
48:15A grand baby girl.
48:16And how do you unwind, man?
48:18I think it's gumamela already, you know?
48:20Do you have anything on your playlist?
48:22I have my son's playlist on my playlist.
48:26And then what do you listen to?
48:29When my sons play their playlist, I know if it's their playlist or the wife's playlist, you know?
48:37But now...
48:38I listen to Wilson's music.
48:40Oh.
48:41Classical.
48:42Classical.
48:43I will have to say, you know?
48:44And then, finally, and the last two questions na lang.
48:48How do you keep yourself motivated?
48:52And the reason why I'm asking this question, because I've also followed you through the years, and it's not because of your age, but it's really because of what you have been contributing to the community and to the country over time, no?
49:08And there's truly a lot.
49:10And it takes a lot of discipline and motivation to sustain something like this.
49:17So how do you sustain your motivation over time?
49:22With the thought always in mind that if you're able to help someone, the world will be better.
49:29You know?
49:30And I see myself as like a bridge to be able to help the community and the people around us.
49:40And that has greatly also motivated my Chamber journey.
49:50And now that we're moving towards the...
49:53Of course, there's still the Christmas Day and then eventually 2026, no?
49:58So this is now the last question.
50:01What are you most hopeful about Cebu and the Visayas?
50:08And I prepare na ang prompter.
50:10Inanna Mika, spontaneous here.
50:12So what are you most hopeful?
50:14I'm sure we will have better things to come for Cebu and our country.
50:21And I hope to see the day where our cost of doing business will be better.
50:34And I also hope to see the day whereby we are able to boast to the whole world that our products, the products that we have,
50:46especially our agricultural products, that our world class will have better volume in terms of conquering the rest of the world.
50:58And that's an aspiration, especially from the Economic Development Committee of the RDC.
51:05And also for us to live in a better situation in terms of transport for there to be no traffic.
51:18For us to be able to use infrastructure, better infrastructure in Cebu.
51:24And what else? Do you need more?
51:28No.
51:29I'm sure our viewers are learning in the same manner that I'm also learning a lot in this conversation.
51:36And among the takeaways that I bring with me is to not look at the challenges that we are in.
51:45Or we call them problems, just negatively, but to look for ways to be able to solution these problems, whether on the side of business.
51:59To use technology in terms of improving.
52:04Because if we always have that mindset, then we are always able to move ourselves and the people around us forward, regardless of the situation.
52:17Regardless of the situation.
52:18And, you know, there's a lot of work being done by aspiring startups and the ideas that they bring on the table inspire us.
52:33And we should keep on supporting them, especially as the world needs better solutions.
52:44And in terms of science, technology, and innovation, here in Central Visayas, we are right up there.
52:52So we should continue to support the community.
52:55And that also reminded me for another takeaway, that there are risks and costs involved in terms of using leveraging technology.
53:05But the return and the benefits would far outweigh the cost and the risk.
53:12So a lot of learning experience for me and our viewers.
53:16And thank you for-
53:17And mentorship is very important.
53:18Mentorship, yes.
53:19Right?
53:20I'm just reminded by Mr. Bani Pahes.
53:22He's-
53:23You should read-
53:24Are you reading his articles every week?
53:26He has a lot of-
53:27No, you write for Sunstar, yeah.
53:29Oh yeah, you write for Sunstar.
53:32Yes, yes, yes.
53:33And I do read the articles every once in a while, yes.
53:36And I will keep on following also.
53:39He shares a lot of his ideas there also.
53:43True.
53:44And you're guessing here also is a form of mentorship also.
53:50Because I know that we also have young viewers.
53:53And not just young, but also aspiring entrepreneurs who can make the most of the experiences that you shared and the insights that you shared.
54:02So thank you.
54:03So that wraps up this edition of Beyond the Headlines.
54:07Whether you are in business or you are a community member or a visitor of Cebu and the Philippines, there's always a role for each of us in shaping a stronger, brighter economy for our region and our country.
54:24And we'd like to thank our guest, Melanie Lanang, for helping us connect the dots in ways that matter.
54:31So I'm DJ Moises.
54:33Talk to you tomorrow.
54:34And Happy Holidays!
54:54We'll see you tomorrow.
54:55So thank you.
54:56We'll see you tomorrow.
54:58Bye.
55:00Bye.
55:01Bye.
55:02Bye.
55:03Bye.
55:04Bye.
55:06Bye.
55:07Bye.
55:09Bye.
55:15Bye.
Be the first to comment