MNCCI hold general membership meeting and induction of officers

By SecGen Pepe Rubio Jr.

NAGA CITY --- To continue the advocacy of being the “voice of business”, the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) has recently conducted an opening salvo of the year, making its presence felt again through its grand General Membership Meeting and Induction of New set of Officers held on January 26, 2024 at the Summit Hotel, Robinsons Plaza Complex, Almeda Highway, Triangulo, City of Naga.

The event had two parts. Part 1 was the General Membership Meeting, an assembly of all the members. Part II was the Induction of the Newly Elected Officers for the year 2024.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)- South Luzon Area Vice President Sallie C. Lacson, the keynote speaker, delivered her commendations on stream, as she lauded the Board of Directors for being instrumental in achieving the prestigious most outstanding chamber (MOCA) award among all component cities in the Philippines, particularly in South Luzon area for two consecutive years. The event commenced at 4:30 in the afternoon which ushered the start of the General Membership and Business Meeting, in which pressing concerns on the status of the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) operations were addressed. Known for being a seasoned public administrator, General Manager Florencio T. Mongoso Jr. rendered a very comprehensive and satisfying report on how the previously ailing water district has made a positive turn-around in operations and recovered from the brink of bankruptcy.

After the business meeting, a buffet dinner was served, graced by the local officials of the City of Naga led by Mayor Nelson Legacion together with Vice Mayor Nene De Asis and the majority of the city councilors: Honorables Jessie Albeus; Omar Buenafe; Salvador Del Castillo; Jefson Romeo Felix; Jose Rañola; Gail Abonal; and Jose B. Perez; other key local government office heads, such as the Investment Promotion and Tourism Officer Ruel Oliver; the president of the Naga City People’s Council Elmer Sto. Domingo; the DTI Provincial Director PD Jay Ablan; and representatives from various local government partner agencies, among others.

The newly installed Regional Governor of the PCCI- Bikol RG Hoover Picar led the ceremony of discharging of duties and responsibilities to the newly elected officers prior to the oath-taking rites. Among the inducted new MNCCI officials were: Efren Daniel De Leon as Executive Vice President; Emelyn M. Salgado as Vice President for Finance; Richmond P. Canlas as Vice President for Education and Sports; Marichu Fessler as Vice President for Chamber Growth Management; Emerson M. Guazon as Vice President for Projects and Programs; Joe Mark Pardiñas as Vice President for Tourism; Joselito R. Ocol as Vice President for Chamber Management; Nico Niño G. Lagrimas as Board Secretary; Flordeliza V. Azana as Internal Auditor; Lauriano L. Bihag Jr. as Board Treasurer; and Leanne Z. Montemayor as Public Relations Officer. The induction ceremony was culminated by the special induction rite of the newly elected President, Mario C. Villanueva who was joined by his wife and his daughter.

The occasion was well attended by the members and guests. Aside from the local government officials who were present, distinguished officials from the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) were also among the valued guests. The five (5) past presidents of the MNCCI have also graced the occasion: PP Engr. Boy Aman; PP Abet Bercasio; PP Guilbert Albero; and PP Ferdinand D. Sia – who also has just ended his term as PCCI regional governor for Bicol, and was succeeded by now RG Hoover Picar.