LAGAWE, Ifugao – – The improvement of the local economy and curbing of poverty incidence are issues that drives newly-elected Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Ifugao chapter president Godfrey Dominong from refocusing on his priorities following his ascension at the helm of the association’s leadership.
The election of officers meeting of the chapter was held recently at the Gazebo restaurant in Lagawe.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the country’s largest business group.
Dominong, general manager of the 7,000-strong Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-purpose Cooperative (IGEMCO), succeeded Jonathan Cuyahon. During the tenure of Cuyahon, a former mayor of Kiangan town, Dominong served as the chapter’s vice president.
PCCI-Ifugao chapter members immediately congratulated Dominong and expressed their gratitude and praise for his exemplary work in the previous administration.
They also vowed to wholeheartedly support his initiatives meant to spur economic growth in Ifugao.
“He has demonstrated an unquestionable ability to steer the PCCI-Ifugao chapter to the right direction and we were also impressed by his humility and spirit of service at all times,” a member pointed out.
“We shall serve as a pillar of strength in promoting economic growth in Ifugao, ever mindful of the fact that the improvement of the people’s lives is so important that our members have chosen me to lead them in the task of realizing this goal,” Dominong said.
Dominong added that he would spearhead efforts to help those in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ifugao’s 11 predominantly poor towns, stressing that he “would not ignore their pleas for assistance.”
“We will determine the extent of our programs and projects in relation to the government’s action plan on fast tracking the development of the countryside,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with the ZIgZag Weekly, Dominong noted that the issue of upgrading the conditions of the business sector in an impoverished province like Ifugao was a matter which, with the active involvement of the PCCI-Ifugao chapter, significantly affected the future of the people, most especially the poor, declaring that “in this regard, my administration strongly acknowledges its responsibility.”
With Dominong now calling the shots, perhaps the PCCI-Ifugao chapter is compelled to take up the cause of extending a helping hand to those who are in distress in the business sector in these trying times.
After all, with all the heavy and largely unnecessary taxes imposed on business owners, how can the business sector flourish in marginalized communities?
In the meantime, many at this point of time are even already looking at Mr. Dominong’s peculiar brand of transformative leadership as a litmus test on whether the PCCI-Ifugao chapter shall respond to business owners’ needs on one hand and the citizenry’s wants on the other.
Many cannot think of another opportunity for PCCI-Ifugao chapter officers to have for them to show the highest degree of responsibility on this score than now. If not, the consequences are utterly unthinkable. Observers fear it shall trigger derision.
All-out support and cooperation of the officers play a big role in spelling out the success in implementing major undertaking of the chapter. Thus, Dominong is banking on the backing of Aldrick Cumti, vice president; Mariflor Capuyan, secretary; Terrence Batulon, treasurer; Jasmin Deloso, auditor; and Abigail Bulayungan and Pedro Bunoy Jr., public relations officers. He is also relying on assistance of board directors Albert Buyayo, Joyce Buyuccan, Betty Immayaho and Cleto Tocyap.
Induction of officers program has been scheduled on September 11 at the Baywong Commercial Building in Lagawe.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional capabilities, Mr. Dominong plans to hold consultation meetings with business owners on a regular basis.
Dominong said the PCCI-Ifugao chapter is hoping the provincial government would respond positively to its call for active partnership in the pursuit of key business ventures, saying it would serve as “the catalyst for growth” in this upland Cordillera province.
“All in all, this is surely beneficial for all of us,” he added.
For several years, people are pushing the PCCI-Ifugao chapter to present its inputs on how to boost the competitiveness of businesses in Ifugao, expand its membership base, and pursue well-meaning and productive projects and to share what riches they have received to the poor, the needy and deserving of help. For instance, Lagawe Trading- considered the largest grocery outlet in the capital town, unbelievably closes at 6:30 in the evening. In short, a rather simple case of mindset problem is hampering their progress.
This early, optimism is high since Dominong holds the distinction that he is a man whose words are being matched by actions.** By Anthony A. Araos
