CEBU CITY, Nov 13 Asia Pulse – The Cebu International Convention Centre (CICC) will
not become another white elephant after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next month.
Eric Mendoza, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), dismissed speculations that the CICC, like some projects of the government, will become idle after the international event.
“One of the events that will definitely be held at the CICC every year is the Cebu X [Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibitio],” he said.
This is why Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF), the main organizer of Cebu X, continues its full support to the construction of the CICC, amid questions about the escalating construction cost of the facility.
CFIF is appealing to all concerned agencies that adequate funding be allocated for the completion of the facility.
“Scrimping the expenses to work around the tight budget will not help us attain the world-class standards that we are aiming for,” CFIF president Michael Basubas said.
He said about 19 big companies in Cebu, such as Mendozas Master Craft Philippines and Basubas Diamond Cane, are extending support to the construction of the CICC by providing free furniture and furnishings for function rooms at the convention centre.
Each of the 19 function rooms will have different yet Cebuano look, Mendoza said.
Basubas said CFIF is excited about holding the Cebu X 2015 at the CICC. Cebu X 2014 will still be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, as invitations to international buyers and visitors have already been sent.
Cebu X is an annual event organized by CFIF. Despite the need for more space, the organization has been holding the event at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino which has a large ballroom.
Basubas said CFIF believes that CICC can bring about a significant change in the look of Cebu X, especially with China’s entry into the global furniture market and its effect on local exporters.
“We have a stake in the completion of the CICC, as it will be the future venue of the Cebu X shows,” he added.
(PNA)
