To enhance inter-chamber collaboration and cooperation, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Urban Connect facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GCCII) and the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SCCII). It was held on Wednesday, September 11, at the Grand Summit Hotel, GenSan.
GCCII President Miguel Rene Dominguez and SCCII President Richard Paparon led the signing of the MoU, aiming to foster strong collaboration between the two Chambers for organizational development, cooperative activities, local economic projects and advocacy.
The event was witnessed by members of GCCII and SCCII, USAID Office of Economic Development and Governance Chief Amy Lovejoy and the Urban Connect team, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. Regional Governor for South Western Mindanao Atty. Raul Josefino Miguel, and other Chamber members from various parts of Mindanao, demonstrating widespread support for this inter-chamber partnership.
The signing took place after the Mindanao Chamber Development Workshop, a pre-conference event of the 33rd Mindanao Business Conference.
In his speech, USAID Urban Connect Chief of Party Dr. Alex Brillantes Jr. highlighted the importance of engagement and collaboration. He noted that inter-local cooperation is another fundamental thrust of the USAID Urban Connect project. Brillantes also pointed out the crucial role of the private sector in local economic development.
“We at Urban Connect recognize the private sector’s role as active agents in development by spurring local economic growth, leveraging their expertise and resources, and introducing innovative solutions,” he said.
GCCII President Dominguez shared that this initiative would help bring “equitable development to the island of Mindanao.”
“This is a celebration of collaboration and engagement. We hope that the signing of the partnership between the General Santos City and Sarangani Province Chambers will signal the collaboration of larger Chambers, municipalities, and cities,” said GCCII President Dominguez.
“We look forward to this partnership with the GenSan Chamber and Sarangani Chamber. And hopefully, we all progress together where nobody is left behind,” he added.
SCCII acting President Richard Paparon hopes that this partnership will bring substantial improvements in local governance, infrastructure, and quality of life in GenSan, Sarangani, and neighboring towns.
“This landmark partnership marks a significant step in enhancing urban development, infrastructure, and connectivity in the region,” said SCCII President Paparon.
The USAID Urban Connect project is a five-year initiative by the USAID designed to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth in nine secondary cities across the Philippines. These cities include Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.
The project aims to enhance local economic development, improve public service delivery, and foster inter-local cooperation. By providing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, USAID Urban Connect helps these cities become vibrant economic hubs.
The project also focuses on improving health and education services, promoting climate resilience and disaster preparedness, and advocating for gender equality and social inclusion.
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