MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/16 August)- The Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (BKCCII) wants to host the 2015 Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizcon), the island’s largest annual business gathering.
BKCCII president Roderico Bioco said they will bid to host the 2015 MinBizCon as part of the chamber’s efforts to promote Bukidnon’s investment and export promotion initiatives.
If the bid is successful, he told the Strictly Business news conference “that hosting of the conference will become part of the whole year centennial celebration of Bukidnon from September 2014 to September 2015.”
He said the conference will become a big opportunity to showcase Bukidnon to possible investors and buyers of products from the province.
Roberto Tinsay, BKCCII vice president for membership, said that the Bukidnon chamber is a partner of the provincial government in investment and export promotion.
He cited that Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. had issued Executive Order No. 9 appointing the BKCCII president as vice chair for investment and export promotion of the Bukidnon Investment and Export Promotion Board. Two more members of the chamber sit in the board.
Bioco recognized, however, that Bukidnon’s problem on accommodation is a challenge in hosting the MinBizCon.
He said they will address that by pursuing the home stay arrangements, adding that one example is the Talaandig community in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon, which could offer a unique staying experience to visitors.
This is not the first time the Bukidnon chamber has offered to host the MinBizCon.
Last year, the group signified intent to host the 2014 conference.
But local government and chamber officials said last year their dream of hosting the conference to help boost business and tourism in Bukidnon will have to wait until local hotels upgrade their facilities and services.
Next year’s MinBizCon will be jointly hosted by the business chambers of General Santos City and Sarangani province.
The 2013 MinBizCon was hosted by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. last August 8 to 9, after the business chamber in Ozamiz City backed out. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)