Varela takes over as new PCCI president

MANILA, Philippines – Lawyer and business leader Miguel B. Varela is the new President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) after one of the most hotly contested elections in more than 10 years.

Varela was unanimously voted by members of the largest and most influential business organization in the Philippines.

Varela’s election came as a surprise as he was never in contention until regional representations pushed for his presidency.

Varela’s strength came from the provinces. Mindanao endorsed him based on the need to enhance relationships of southern Philippines with the international business community.

In view of Varela’s track record and international exposure, particularly in the ASEAN where he is an acknowledged business leader, PCCI vice president for Mindanao Ricky Juliano says that a Varela presidency augurs well for Mindanao as his previous stint there indicates that the Mindanao business group may once again be unified.

Visayas vice president Francis Monera mentioned Varela’s initiatives in strengthening training and support programs and consultative dialogues in Regions VI, VII and VIII that led to the advancement of local chambers, thus making them relevant.

South Luzon, which hosts special economic zones and is a major contributor to employment, supported Varela in view of his expertise in the field of labor relations that have been helping them enhance competitiveness.

North Luzon area vice president Nelson Yungchongtian said 18 out of its 20 chambers went for Varela.

Varela is no stranger to PCCI’s affairs, having been continuously involved in PCCI affairs and held its presidency in 2000-2001.

A respected business leader, Varela has held various top positions both in private business corporations and business-civic organizations.

Under his watch, Varela vows to strengthen the ties and partnership between PCCI and government by directing PCCI’s more than 100 local chambers nationwide, 130 industry associations and close to 40 bilateral business councils to heighten their proactive participation in various initiatives in support of governance reforms, economic development and enterprise support.

Varela will also give more impetus to business development growth and investment and establish partnerships with government to show that the Philippines is a good investment destination.

Varela will also seek to address the gaps that hinder the country’s ability to attract and expand investment.

He aims to harness the cooperation of the various business organizations, foreign chambers, embassies and donor organizations in support of PCCI’s identified “Invest in Dozen Drivers (IDDs) or 12 sectors that should be beefed up for investment promotion and expansion as well as support for the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

These sectors are: agribusiness; business process outsourcing; mining; tourism; home decors and life styles; shipbuilding; housing, construction and infrastructure; education, R&D and training; creative industries; electronics; transport equipment; and logistics.

Also elected were business taipan Alfredo Yao as chairman, outgoing president Dr. Francis Chua as chairman emeritus and Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. as honorary chairman.

Elected to the board of directors were the following: Ramon Ang, Jose Alejandro, George Barcelon, William Co, Angelito Colona, Raul Concepcion, Eric Cruz, Donald Dee, Menardo Jimenez, Edgardo Lacson, Samie Lim, Antonio Lopa, Benjamin Philip Romualdez, Miguel Varela, Alfredo Yao, Nora Lacuna, representing NCR; Victoria Gaetos, representing North Luzon; Edgardo Nicolas of South Luzon, Francis Monera representing Visayas and Juliano Recardo representing Mindanao. –(The Philippine Star)