The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) actively participated in the two-day 34th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), held in Palo, Leyte. The event gathered key business leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers from across the Visayas region to address economic strategies and foster collaboration among local chambers.
NOCCI’s delegation was led by its President, Edward Du, alongside Board of Trustee member Alex Pal and NOCCI Financial Manager, Christy Mae Aldion. Their presence highlighted the NOCCI’s support to the Chamber movement.

President Du also contributed to the Visayas Chamber Development Forum as Resource Person where he engaged in strategic discussions aimed at strengthening the capacity and influence of local chambers in national and regional policy making.
Strengthening Regional Business Collaboration
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) recently showcased its active involvement in the 34th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), a premier gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Visayas region. The two-day event, held in Palo, Leyte, focused on building stronger business linkages and developing strategies to drive inclusive economic growth.

NOCCI’s participation underscores its long-standing commitment to advancing the interests of Negros Oriental’s business community while reinforcing its role in the wider regional chamber network.
NOCCI Delegation at the 34th VABC
Leading the NOCCI delegation was President Edward Du, accompanied by Board of Trustee member Alex Pal and Financial Manager Christy Mae Aldion. Their attendance at the VABC demonstrated NOCCI’s strong support for the chamber movement and highlighted its willingness to collaborate with other local chambers in pursuing common goals.
By sending a focused delegation, NOCCI reinforced its proactive stance on business networking, policy advocacy, and collaborative growth. The VABC served as an ideal venue for NOCCI leaders to exchange ideas with their counterparts from other provinces, fostering a collective vision for the economic future of the Visayas.
Edward Du’s Role in the Visayas Chamber Development Forum
One of the highlights of NOCCI’s participation was President Edward Du’s contribution as a Resource Person at the Visayas Chamber Development Forum. This session, conducted within the VABC program, was designed to enhance the capacity and influence of chambers in both national and regional policymaking.

Du engaged in strategic discussions that explored how local chambers can adapt to evolving economic challenges, strengthen advocacy, and better represent the needs of their members. His role not only positioned NOCCI as a thought leader in chamber development but also ensured that the perspectives of Negros Oriental businesses were well represented on the regional stage.
Importance of the Visayas Area Business Conference
The VABC is a flagship event organized annually under the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). It brings together leaders from the business sector, government, and civil society to discuss strategies for economic resilience, competitiveness, and innovation.
For NOCCI, participation in the VABC means more than networking—it is about shaping policy directions, accessing growth opportunities, and building partnerships that can strengthen the competitiveness of Negros Oriental enterprises. By engaging in policy discussions and economic forums, NOCCI ensures that its members’ voices are included in the broader economic agenda of the Visayas.
NOCCI’s Continued Commitment to Regional Growth
As an active chamber in the region, NOCCI continues to position itself as a catalyst for economic progress. Its involvement in the VABC reflects its mission to not only serve its members but also to contribute to the growth and development of the Visayas region as a whole.

Through active dialogue, collaboration, and engagement with stakeholders, NOCCI demonstrates that chambers play an indispensable role in fostering inclusive economic development. By supporting initiatives like the VABC, NOCCI strengthens the chamber movement and ensures that local businesses remain competitive in a fast-changing economic landscape.
Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Chambers Together
The success of the 34th VABC sets the stage for stronger collaboration among Visayas-based chambers in the years ahead. For NOCCI, the event reaffirmed its leadership role and commitment to active engagement in shaping the region’s economic future.
President Edward Du’s participation in policy-oriented discussions, together with the presence of NOCCI’s board members, highlighted the Chamber’s dedication to fostering partnerships and influencing key decisions that matter to local enterprises.
As the chamber community in the Visayas continues to evolve, NOCCI stands ready to support initiatives that build resilience, empower local businesses, and contribute to sustainable regional growth.

