The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) recognized four local chambers as the Most Outstanding Chambers in the country at the concluding session of the 49th Philippine Business Conference held last 26 October 2023 at the Manila Hotel.

Led by young and dynamic leaders, PCCI-Iloilo headed by Mr. Fulbert Woo, and Tandag CCI headed by John Vincent Pimentel were hailed for the first time as the Most Outstanding Chamber in the Philippines for the provincial level and city level 2 categories, respectively.

Meanwhile, PCCI-Quezon City headed by Arch. Geoffrey Carandang and Dinagat Province CCI headed by Leonel Rojo received their second Most Outstanding Chamber Philippines award for the City Level 1 and Provincial Level 2 categories, respectively.

The award was presented by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin together with PCCI President George T. Barcelon, 49th PBC & E Chairman Arch. Felino A. Palafox, PCCI Vice President for Regional Affairs Consul Enunina V. Mangio, and 49th PBC & E MOCA Chairman Dr. Alberto P. Fenix. Jr.

Also recognized as the Most Outstanding Chamber in the area are:

• Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (North Luzon City Level 1)
• Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (South Luzon City Level 1)
• Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Visayas City Level 1)
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iligan (Mindanao City Level 1)
• Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (South Luzon, Province Level 1)
• Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Mindanao, Province Level 1)

Chairing the panel of judges was Usec. Blesila Lantayona, DTI Regional Operations Group, while judges were Mr. Ernie Cecilia, Chairman of the Human Capital Committee, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; Mr. Florian Gottein, Executive Director, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; and Ms. Blanca Mercado, President, The Manila Times.

The Most Outstanding Chamber Award is an annual project of PCCI that seeks to recognize a local chamber whose leadership and dynamism contributed to business growth and development of the community it serves through its active involvement in advocacy to provide a suitable environment for the growth and expansion of commerce and industry and implementation of programs, holding of activities and rendering services for its members to promote trade and investments. This year’s MOCA is headed by PCCI adviser and chairman of the Philippine Chamber Development Institute (PhilCDI) Alberto P. Fenix Jr.