NO MORE LOCKDOWN. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) expresses its opposition to any plans to impose another strict quarantine measures following reports of new variant of SARS-CoV-2. CCCI president Felix Taguiam on Wednesday (Jan. 6, 2021) said imposition of new stringent lockdown measures will create more economic pains. (File photo of Cebu City skyline courtesy of Jun Nagac)
CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has opposed plans to impose strict quarantine measures again if the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (Covid-19), is detected in the country.
CCCI president Felix Taguiam said Cebu’s economy is still recovering, and stringent lockdown measures will create more economic pains.
Sharing about his outlook for 2021, Taguiam pointed out that the economic health of Cebu cannot withstand another round of strict quarantine restrictions similar to what was experienced in 2020.
The Covid-19 pandemic engulfed the world with disruptions, claiming lives and bringing the world to a standstill.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said another lockdown was possible amid the threat of the new Covid-19 strain that has spread in other countries.
The Philippines has not so far reported any case of the new coronavirus strain.
“To survive and take a path to the new normal, Cebu’s business owners and leaders have had to rethink or redefine their business models and invest in new tools and digital technology,” the business leader said.
These include localizing supply chains and adopting workplace systems such as online marketplace and workforce mobilization practices such as work from home arrangements.
Taguiam emphasized that lowering the cost of doing business remains the main advocacy of the business sector here amid the economic challenges.
“The CCCI would appeal to all stakeholders in Cebu to join us in our advocacy to facilitate the ease and lower the cost of doing business in this island,” he added.
Taguiam expressed the chamber’s commitment to overcome all hurdles faced by the business community to achieve the shared goal of not only the businessmen here but of all the Cebuano people, towards preserving the vibrancy and edge of Cebu. (PNA)
