First woman MCCI prexy takes oath

Local

A GLASS ceiling quietly cracked as the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) inducted its first woman president in its 60-year history.

Barbara “Bambi” Gothong-Tan, President and CEO of A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corp., took her oath before members of the business community, local officials, and past chamber leaders.

She assumed leadership alongside the newly inducted Board of Trustees during ceremonies held on Thursday night, Feb. 12, at Oakridge Pavilion in Mandaue City.

Gothong-Tan is widely recognized for leading the "Bambi Cooking Oil" brand and expanding her family business into real estate, healthcare, and hospitality.

In her acceptance speech, Gothong-Tan reflected on her journey into entrepreneurship and leadership.

“The path of entrepreneurship was not the road I initially intended to take. Yet destiny has a way of gently guiding us toward what we are meant to be. In my case, it led me to continue a legacy that has long been intertwined with service to business and community,” she said.

Gothong-Tan acknowledged that assuming the presidency is both a profound honor and a humbling responsibility.

She expressed gratitude to her family for their support as she balances chamber duties with her personal life. She also outlined plans to open the chamber’s new office at Oakridge, from which the organization will conduct a series of seminars, programs, and activities for its members.

She emphasized that these initiatives are aimed at strengthening collaboration among the chamber’s members, staff, long-time partners, and the local government under Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano.

Gothong-Tan acknowledged the legacy of previous presidents, noting how she steps into a role shaped by visionary leaders who balanced experience with fresh ideas.

She emphasized that her presidency will continue the chamber’s mission of uplifting the local business community and leaving a lasting positive impact.

The new initiatives, she said, will provide members with opportunities for professional growth, knowledge sharing, and engagement in projects that benefit both business and community.

Under her leadership, MCCI plans to roll out programs that include business seminars, skill-building workshops, and collaborative projects with city government and long-term partners.

Gothong-Tan also signaled her commitment to maintaining the chamber’s strong international presence, building on past trade missions, while ensuring that its operations remain inclusive, ethical, and responsive to local business needs.

Outgoing president Mark Ynoc formally handed over the position after a two-year term in which he strengthened partnerships within Mandaue City and beyond.

Ynoc, in his valedictory speech, took pride in expanding the chamber’s global engagements, and led trade missions to countries including Russia and China.

Ynoc credited the achievements of the chamber to the collective effort of its members, board, officers, and secretariat.

“This role has changed me. It has taught me that leadership is not about position, but about responsibility. Not about recognition, but about service. And not about standing in front, but about walking together towards something greater than ourselves,” he said.

The business leader also acknowledged the Mandaue City Government for its partnership in ensuring that business and government move forward together.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Emmarie 'Lolypop' Ouano-Dizon, who adminestered the oathtaking, described the induction as a historic milestone for the chamber.

She noted Gothong-Tan’s recognition as the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year given during the Grand Chamber Awards and highlighted her track record in business leadership, social responsibility, and discipline.

Ouano-Dizon said the new president is expected to strengthen collaboration among businesses, advocate for policies that enable growth, and ensure that progress in Mandaue remains inclusive and sustainable.

Additionally, Mayor Ouano administered the oath of office to the new Board of Trustees.

Past presidents, including Vice Governor Glenn Soco, were recognized, along with members of the city’s business community who gathered to witness the leadership transition.(MyTVCebu)