Cecilio Pedro, the president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), is thankful for the support of renowned singer-songwriter and businessman Jose Mari Chan.
Their connection is rooted in a shared commitment to uplifting the less fortunate through various socio-civic charitable endeavors.
At a recent press conference, Pedro lauded Chan’s contributions, stating, “Jose Mari Chan has been a pillar of support for our initiatives. His dedication to helping others resonates deeply within our community.”
Pedro and Chan’s share a commitment to education through their involvement in the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation. Pedro remarked, “We’re both served in the Ateneo scholarship foundation. We help provide scholarships because many want to study at Ateneo, but tuition is expensive.” This initiative has been instrumental in supporting students, with approximately 21% of the university’s population benefiting from the scholarship program over the years.
Their philanthropic efforts extend beyond education. Jose Mari Chan, who comes from a prosperous background due to his family’s involvement in the sugar business, has also contributed significantly to various government programs, particularly in education. Pedro noted, “We have been building classrooms for the last thirty-five to forty years. As of now, we have built six thousand five hundred classrooms. Many schools are in dire need of facilities, and we step in to help.”
The FFCCCII, with its extensive network of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers and diverse industry organizations from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi, has been a partner in nation building through economic advocacy, calamity relief, and educational support.
The federation’s projects include free medical missions and assistance to rural public schools, as well as providing aid to Filipino Chinese volunteer fire brigades that help victims of fires and disasters.
In response to the recent devastation caused by six significant typhoons, the FFCCCII, in collaboration with the Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation, promptly delivered emergency food relief supplies to the hard-hit Bicol region, flood-affected areas of Metro Manila, and other provinces.
The FFCCCII also extended its support to the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) in its fundraising efforts for survivors of the recent typhoons that devastated parts of Luzon. Pedro, along with FFCCCII officers Wilson Flores and Eddie Cobankiat, presented a cash donation to SPEEd president Salve Asis last Friday.
Pedro emphasized, “Our commitment to assist fellow Filipinos affected by disasters is unwavering. We believe in uplifting underprivileged communities across the nation.”
