Biz sector to heed new admin’s call for unity

CEBU, Philippines — The business sector in Cebu vowed to heed the call for unity of the new administration saying “we are all united and prepared to help the new Marcos administration excel and succeed in the next six years.”

Reacting on the 25-minute inaugural speech of newly sworn in 17th President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Kelie Ko said the private sector is lending its hand to help the government in “repairing a house divided.”

“His words that it is now time to "repair a house divided" is a very clear picture of our state today. As a new chapter in our history unfolds,” Ko said.

In his inaugural speech Marcos Jr., urged the Filipinos to work with the government to “repair a house divided, to make it strong,” explaining further that that the country has been through bitter division and it’s time to work together to unite as Filipinos. He continued that we should all work to be part of the solution and not contribute to the problems. “Ang pangarap niyo ay pangarap ko,” he said.

MCCI past president Steven Yu said the new President’s speech was impressed and conveyed inspiration.

“We must do our share in helping government fulfill its mandate in making Filipino lives better. He is fully ready and equipped to bring our country to the next level,” Yu said.

Yu also expressed confidence that Marcos’ programs, which touch on unity, inclusivity, self-sufficiency, task delivery and mega-build on infrastructure “are exactly what our country needs to build back better from the pandemic and showcase Filipino greatness to the world.”

“It was a very eloquent speech. Very forward looking. We congratulate our new President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. He takes the helm of the leadership of our country in a most challenging time in our history and as the whole world is on the cusp of a great reset,” Ko added.

Meanwhile, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Charles Kenneth Co and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI-Visayas) governor Melanie Ng have yet to give their reaction on the new administration’s initial pronouncements as both are out of the country as of press time.