George T. Barcelon has been elected as the new president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country’s largest business organization.
He was elected by the incoming 20-member board of directors of the PCCI during the PCCI Annual Meeting held last December 3, 2021.
The newly elected directors are Dr. William S. Co, chairman of William and Company Philippines, Inc.; Engr. Eunina V. Mangio, president, Mawell Chemical Corporation; Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr., principal architect, Palafox and Associates Inc.,; Ferdinand A. Ferrer, EMS Components Assembly Inc.; Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., president, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.,; Dr. Francis Chua, president, CLMC Group/BA Securities; Jeffrey T. Ng, president, Cathay Land Inc.; Alfredo M. Yao, chairman, Zesto Corporation; Apolinar Aure, AEA International Inc., director; Samie Lim, president, BLIMS Lifestyle Group, Inc.; Edgar J. Sia II, president, Double Dragon Properties Corporation; Roberto C. Amores, president, Hilas Marketing Corporation; Michael Chen, chairman, Minavida de Mindanao Corporation; Tess S. Ngan Tian, area vice president for NCR; Gregoria Simbulan, area vice president for North Luzon; Sallie Lacson, area vice president for South Luzon; Frank Carbon, area vice president for Visayas, and Arturo Milan, area vice president for Mindanao.
Barcelon called for unity in the organization as the country faces a “not so auspicious 2022.”
“Many southern regions are still reeling from the catastrophic Typhoon Odette. The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is upon us and cases surged at the beginning of the year. Philippine businesses, especially the MSMEs, again face the crucible of the pandemic. PCCI has immediately extended to pour chapters funds and needed necessities,” Barcelon said yesterday at the induction ceremonies of the new board for 2022-2023.
He added that time is of the essence knowing the country braces to elect a new set of national leaders this May. “We look forward to a new administration and PCCI stands ready to help collaborate on an economic agenda that will be conducive to immediate business recovery,” Barcelon added.
PCCI has had the government’s ear and guidance in formulating policies that will spur businesses and the economy. Its members, especially the MSMEs, have also relied on the PCCI leadership to take on the cudgels for them, represent them in all fronts, and speak as a solid voice of business.
“We have a new year, a new Board, and a new government. We shall move forward,” Barcelon said.
Barcelon is a returning president who served PCCI in 2015. He represents the private sector in the Industry Development Council and National Competitive Council. He is also one of three Philippine representatives to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and the Private Sector Representative to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
He is the President of Integrated Computer Systems, a pioneer in computer systems and peripherals. An affiliate of ICS is the ICS-ICT Corporation, an IT-logistics company that operates out of Clark Special Zone and Cebu and President of Paramount Vinyl Products and Interpolymer Corporation, involved in the manufacturing of plastic sheeting and rubber matting. He is also the President of Several, realty development companies that provides office space, commercial outlets, warehouse offices for ecozone locators and BPOs.
Also inducted into office are the following ex-officio officers: Sergio Ortiz Luis, Treasurer; Ivan Uy, Corporate Secretary; and Ruben J. Pascual, Secretary-General. Administering the oaths of office was former PCCI President and Chairman Alegria Sibal-Limjoco.
