The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) successfully convened its Joint General Membership Meeting (GMM) and the Grand Opening Salvo of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026 last May 22, (Friday), at SkyHall, SM Seaside City Cebu. The event gathered business leaders, government officials, industry partners, members of the consular corps, media partners and member companies in a unified showcase of leadership continuity and shared economic direction.
The historic gathering marked the formal transition of leadership from outgoing 51st President Jay Y. Yuvallos to incoming President Regan Rex T. King. The transition was highlighted by the ceremonial turnover of the presidential medallion: symbolizing continuity, stability, and CCCI’s enduring commitment to advancing Cebu’s business ecosystem.
In his valedictory address, Yuvallos reflected on the Chamber’s accomplishments during his term, including strengthened public-private partnerships, expanded member engagement, and sustained initiatives that reinforced Cebu’s position as a competitive business hub. Reflecting on the collective progress achieved under his leadership, he emphasized the true essence of leadership, stating, “Leadership is not simply about managing organizations. Leadership is about bringing people together around a common purpose.”
“The Chamber cannot do this alone. Cebu rises when Cebuanos step forward,” King said, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility and ecosystem-wide cooperation in building a globally competitive Cebu.
The event also featured the formal induction of newly elected officers and trustees, alongside the welcoming of 19 new member companies, signaling growing confidence in CCCI as a platform for business advocacy, innovation, and partnership.
Delivering the keynote address, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer recognized Cebu’s strong economic fundamentals and its role as a leading growth engine outside Metro Manila, citing its competitiveness in BPO, tourism, manufacturing, exports, and MSME innovation.
“The world is watching Cebu, and we must give them something worth watching,” Ferrer said, emphasizing the need to accelerate Cebu’s transformation through stronger connectivity, investments, innovation, and talent development.
Following the GMM, CCCI officially launched Cebu Business Month 2026, transforming the gathering into a dynamic Grand Opening Salvo celebrating Cebu’s entrepreneurial drive and collaborative spirit.
Anchored on the continuing rallying call “Padayon Cebu,” CBM 2026 continues the momentum of previous initiatives, further strengthening Cebu’s identity as a resilient and forward-moving business hub committed to sustained progress amid global economic shifts.
CBM 2026 Overall Chair Brian O. Yap presented the strategic framework of the month-long celebration, outlining four key pillars: Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit, the Technology and Innovation Forum, the MICE and Tourism Summit, and Good Design. Good Business. He described CBM as a unified platform of interconnected summits designed to shape Cebu’s future. “CBM 2026 was not built as disconnected events, but as one masterplan: four (4) summits, one continuing conversation about Cebu’s future,” Yap said.
The Joint GMM and CBM 2026 Opening Salvo underscored a clear and unified direction for Cebu’s business community-anchored on leadership continuity, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term competitiveness. As CCCI transitions into a new leadership chapter while launching its flagship annual initiative, the Chamber reaffirms its role as a driving force in shaping a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive Cebu economy.