Lack of Cebu promotion center seen to hurt BPO

Despite the absence of a full-fledged investment and promotions center, Cebu continues to attract local and foreign investments. However, the idea of Cebu not having its own promotion body does not sit well with some sectors.

According to Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Antonio Chiu, investors are coming with or without an institutionalized privatelymanaged investment and promotions arm.

In fact, the CCCI has been extending its functions as the investment and promotions since the closure of Cebu Investment and Promotions Center (CIPC).

In 2013, the Cebu City government headed by former mayor Michael Rama decided to shut down the operation of the CIPC allegedly due to political and management issues.

Other private sector observers, on the other hand, such as those from the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, expressed apprehensions on the absence of a promotion center and described the development as a step backward for the province.

“Everyone is trying to emulate what Cebu had been doing in the last few years in its efficiency in accommodating and attracting investors. The [temporary] absence of an investment and promotions agency is a step backward for Cebu. Now, investors and would-be investors have no one to turn to,” said former Tholons executive Jonatahn De Luzuriaga.

De Luzuriaga expressed apprehensions that if Cebu will not act on establishing an investment and promotions center, it may affect largely on its position as one of the favorite investment destinations not only for outsourcing investments, but across industries like tourism, manufacturing, among others.