Business groups set out to aid stricken traders

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) have set up a program to aid small businessmen whose livelihood and operations have been disrupted by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

In a joint statement, the two groups said that they forged an agreement on Tuesday to put up a disaster livelihood rehabilitation program.

Under the agreement, PCCI and PCCCI each will contribute an initial P5 million to jumpstart the program. This funding support will be made available through PCCI’s network of more than 120 local chambers.

PCCI has been taking an active stance in the rehabilitation of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) stricken by disasters.

It has provided fund support, among others, to micro and small organizations of shoe manufacturers affected by Ondoy through the Marikina Chamber of Commerce.

PCCI likewise spearheaded the rehabilitation of the piña industry in Aklan, which was badly hit when Typhoon Frank struck.

PCCI chairman emeritus Mike Varela welcomed the synergy of the two business chambers, noting that the groups would strengthen and accelerate corporate social responsibility efforts for the rehabilitation of MSMEs.

The back-to-back typhoons devastated several provinces in Luzon last week. Typhoon Quiel pummeled Luzon on Saturday, hitting many of the same areas that Pedring had slammed five days earlier.