PCCI Boracay joins 34th VABC in Leyte

Boracay, Aklan – The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Boracay (PCCI-Boracay), led by President Djila Winebrenner, proudly represented Boracay’s business community at the 34th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), held from July 23–25, 2025, at the Leyte Convention Center in Palo, Leyte.

Hosted by PCCI–Tacloban Leyte Inc., this year’s VABC carried the theme “Visayas Rising: Accelerating Growth Through Digital Transformation” and brought together 23 local chambers of PCCI across the Visayas, alongside key stakeholders from the government, local government units (LGUs), private sector, and the academe from Regions 6, 7, and 8. Recognized as the premier and biggest annual business gathering in the Visayas, the event served as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation toward inclusive, future-ready regional growth.

The opening ceremony was led by VABC Chairperson and PCCI Visayas Area Vice President Melanie C. Ng, who emphasized the importance of sustained regional collaboration and forward-thinking business solutions. VABC Co-Chairperson and PCCI Regional Governor for Eastern Visayas Twinkle Uy-Chu, together with Host Chamber President Eugene Tan, warmly welcomed the delegates, highlighting Eastern Visayas’ readiness to drive economic transformation through strategic partnerships and local initiatives.

Distinguished guests included Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla, who spoke on the investment potential of agri-business, tourism, and renewable energy; PCCI President Consul Enunina V. Mangio, who reaffirmed PCCI’s commitment to enabling a future-ready Visayas and championing MSMEs; Hon. Jude A. Acidre of Tingog Partylist, who stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and policy reforms; and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, who, through a video message, urged participants to embrace innovation, digitalization, and education to ensure no one is left behind.

President Winebrenner’s active participation reflected PCCI-Boracay’s strong commitment to responsible, future-ready business practices on the island. She engaged in the Chamber Development Workshop, where actionable strategies to strengthen local chambers were shared, and joined the Visayas Chamber Presidents’ Meeting, where key resolutions addressing regional business concerns were discussed and elevated to the National Level for policy consideration and action.

“The lessons and insights we gained from VABC are invaluable for Boracay’s business sector,” said Winebrenner. “By embracing digital transformation, our local enterprises can expand their reach, improve efficiency, and secure sustainable growth that benefits both the economy and our community.”

The conference also served as an important platform for networking, business matching, and strategic collaborations, enabling PCCI-Boracay to connect with industry leaders, potential partners, and fellow entrepreneurs from across the region. These engagements open opportunities to bring back innovative ideas, technology-driven solutions, and sustainable business practices that can uplift Boracay’s economy while safeguarding its environment and cultural heritage.

With the knowledge, partnerships, and resolutions forged at VABC, PCCI-Boracay remains steadfast in its mission to equip local businesses with the tools, skills, and networks to thrive in the digital age, ensuring Boracay’s growth is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable.