Accompanied by PCGA Lieutenant Commander Diether Ocampo and Mercedes-Benz CEO/President Jochen Bitzer, the Ambassador had a discussion with members of the ECCP Cebu Business Council and the different industries they represent last 14 February 2020. The Council gave a brief introduction on how ECCP Cebu started and the role it plays in the economic development of Cebu and the Visayas as a whole. Ambassador Reiffenstuel commended the Chamber in reconfiguring its operations to effectively support the positive business trends in the region to better serve the emerging industries that drive the future of its economy. This was evident through the series of activities, trainings, meetings with government leaders, and collaborations with government agencies through the creation of sector committees.

Her Excellency also encouraged the Council to express the challenges they experienced in their respective industries. Among the challenges raised and asked was the 2019 NCoV that greatly affected not only the tourism industry but the majority of the business sector in the region. However, Ms. Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, the business council’s Vice-Chairperson and General Manager of Sheraton Mactan emphasized to shift our focus on important matters. Other issues mentioned were the challenge of providing and maintaining excellent service within European and foreign standards to clients, providing unlimited, fast, and reliable high-speed business internet, as well as the water supply problems and high-cost electricity. Atty. Anne Margaret Momongan of SGV & Co. also voiced out issues regarding the consequences of the proposed changes in the incentives regime being pushed under the second package of the government’s tax reform program.

Nevertheless, the Ambassador left a positive remark on how Filipinos especially Cebuanos are able to accomplish what needs to be done with positivity despite all the challenges encountered. She expressed her gratitude towards the Council for being an active player in the overall development and growth of Cebu and the Visayas.