By Mike Baños
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- As it celebrates its 40th Anniversary today, leaders of the Oro Chamber (Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.) reflect on what has made it the Voice of Business in Northern Mindanao.
“Your outstanding contributions are truly instrumental in bringing economic progress and transforming the business landscape of Cagayan de Oro as the region’s business capital and investments hub,” said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A. Uy in a message.
In December 1982, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Region 10 Governor Dante P. Sarraga convened a group representing 25 firms to organize the Chamber of Commerce here in Cagayan de Oro. Virgilio Neri, Sr. was elected as the Charter president.
Later that year, the passing of President Neri left a void in the leadership and in October 1984, a new Board of Directors elected Aldrico T. Mañus as president.
The Oro Chamber as it is known today was formally later established on 29 March 1985 when it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and on October 29 of the same year, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Incorporated was listed with registry certificate number 12944.
In its first notable accomplishment, the Oro Chamber signed a partnership in February 18, 1986 with Handwerkskammer Kassel (HwK) of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce for its inclusion to the Philippine-German Chamber Cooperation Program (PGCCP). This program provided training, advisory, equipment and financial subsidy to both Chambers.
Through the aegis of the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, GmbH (GTZ, or German Agency for Technical Assistance, now known as GIZ) and the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the PGCCP provided training, advisory, equipment, and financial subsidies to both chambers.
A key development during this period was the organization of sectoral industry associations such as the Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines (MIAP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter; Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter; Cagayan de Oro Ceramics Producers Association, Inc. (COCPAI), Printing Industries Association of Cagayan de Oro (COCPAI); Cagayan de Oro Engineering Works and Engine Rebuilders Association (COEWERA); Cagayan de Oro Food Processors Association (COFPA); Cagayan de Oro Gifts and Housewares Association; Cagayan de Oro Garments Producers Association; and Cagayan de Oro Aircon and Refrigerator Repair Association.
These sectoral associations were inspired by the Handwerkskammern (Chambers of Crafts) of the then Federal Republic of Germany which are statutory corporations that represent the interests of their respective regional trades. Membership is mandatory for all proprietors of a trade or similar business in that area.
“During my tenure at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the then head of the Firm Level Assistance Group, I was tasked to help organize the first Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Conference in Cagayan de Oro. That event became the springboard for collaboration with the emerging local business community — a collaboration that evolved into the establishment of the Oro Chamber,” recalls Alfonso P. Alamban, then assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region X, and charged with working directly with Oro Chamber as its partner agency in the implementation of the PGCCP.
“The Chamber was initially composed of sectoral industry associations that came together to address common business challenges. Individually, many MSMEs lacked the capacity to confront structural and market constraints, but collectively, they were able to share costs, pool resources, and pursue solutions to issues affecting their industries. This collaboration also encouraged knowledge sharing and innovation, allowing enterprises to adopt new technologies, improve product quality, and explore emerging markets. This collective effort laid the foundation for a stronger, more resilient MSME sector in Northern Mindanao,” he added.
What was originally designed to be a 3-year Assistance Program was extended to seven years with the Oro Chamber that we know today as its crowning achievement in Cagayan de Oro. It is the first “Hall of Fame Awardee” of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCI).
“The partnership between the Regional Development Council (RDC-X) and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) is vital for the holistic growth of Northern Mindanao,” said Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, Vice Chairperson of RDC-X and Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)-10.
As a key private sector partner, the Oro Chamber actively participates in RDC-X’s planning and policy-making, ensuring that the voice of the business community is integrated into the region’s development agenda, she stressed.
“The Chamber’s significant contribution to socio-economic development lies in its proactive promotion of local investments, advocacy for business-friendly policies, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which collectively stimulate economic activity, generate employment, and foster a competitive and resilient regional economy.”
Vision for the Next Decade
In a message to commemorate its 40th Anniversary, former President Guido Alfredo A. Delgado shared his vision for the Oro Chamber’s next decade.
“The Oro Chamber should envision a transformative decade in which it emerges as a pivotal force in society and governance, particularly amid rising corruption within government structures. Its commitment is to amplify its role as a trustworthy advocate for its members and its community, ensuring integrity, transparency, and accountability are at the forefront of its activities,” Delgado noted.
To achieve this vision, he suggested the following key initiatives for inclusion in the Oro Chamber’s Strategic Plans:
1. Leverage Emerging Technologies: The Oro Chamber should harness the potential of cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance our services. By adopting innovative data analytics and AI-driven solutions, it can provide its members with insightful tools and resources that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
2. Strengthen Social Media Presence: Recognizing the growing importance of social media, the Oro Chamber must enhance its digital presence to effectively communicate, engage, and build relationships with our stakeholders. This includes fostering dialogue around governance issues and empowering our members through knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
3. Catalyst for Inclusive Economic Development: By continually innovating its services, the Oro Chamber should aim to be a catalyst for inclusive economic development in Northern Mindanao. Oro Chamber should focus on empowering small and medium enterprises, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating access to resources and markets that support economic growth for all.
4. Advocacy and Governance. Given the significant challenge posed by corruption, it should actively advocate for good governance practices, transparency in public service, and responsible business conduct. This includes collaborating with local governments and other stakeholders to create a business-friendly environment rooted in ethical practices.
5. Community Engagement The Oro Chamber should deepen its community engagement efforts by continuing to organize workshops, seminars, and forums that address both local business challenges and broader societal issues. These initiatives will aim to educate and mobilize its members regarding their rights and responsibilities as active participants in the economy and governance. In doing so, however, it must innovate in engaging the community — put some “twists” into these engagements by, maybe, capitalizing on social media.
Through these strategic initiatives, the Oro Chamber should enhance its presence and effectiveness in the region, reinforcing its position as a leading chamber that not only supports its members but also significantly contributes to the well-being of society. Together, it can navigate the complexities of the next decade, ensuring that the region thrives amidst the challenges it will undoubtedly face.
Similarly, former Secretary General Marriz Manuel B. Agbon shared his thoughts on the chamber’s transition from Legacy to Leadership.
“The Oro Chamber’s story is proof that vision, professionalism, and purpose can shape not just an organization—but an entire region’s destiny,” Agbon stressed.
He urged the future Chamber to remember the lessons of its past:
• Institutional strength is built on people and process.
• Partnerships amplify relevance.
• Professionalism earns trust.
• Innovation sustains leadership.
As we look toward the Chamber’s 50th anniversary, the challenge is no longer about survival—it is about significance, he added.
Not the least, current Oro Chamber President Almarco C. Brito advocates how the Oro Chamber must now lead not only with history behind it, but with technology, integrity, and shared prosperity ahead.
“Looking ahead, my outlook as the 40th Anniversary President is grounded on the four commitments that can be captured as “SAIL 2026 and beyond” :
Services to members — elevating member support, resources, and access to opportunities.
Advocacy — actively championing issues that shape a favorable business environment.
Investments — expanding efforts to attract and invite both domestic and foreign investors.
Linkages — strengthening connections with government, academia, private sector, sister chambers, the community and other stakeholders
I extend my gratitude to all those who have contributed to our shared success: the twenty-six chamber presidents who came before me, the trustees who filled up the board meetings, the committees expertise, every member, volunteer, and stakeholder filling up 40 year-long activities from the smallest of two to the grandest of a thousand, and to our secretariat through the years whose silent voices continues to amplify the voice of the chamber. Together, we honor our past, celebrate our present, and chart a bold course for Oro’s bright future. -30-
