Learn more about the SM Group plastic waste reduction EPR program in the Philippines and its efforts to address environmental challenges.
A New Chapter for Business and Tourism in Laguna
For businesses, workers, and communities across Laguna, leadership transitions within key institutions can shape opportunities, livelihoods, and long-term growth. The recent induction of Mrs. Cynthia Mamon, Ph.D. as president of the Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (LCCI) signals renewed momentum for collaboration among enterprises, government, and the tourism sector. For entrepreneurs, employees, and residents alike, this development carries direct implications for economic stability, job creation, and the sustainability of industries that support everyday life.
Now in its 30th year, Enchanted Kingdom (EK), widely recognized as the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, continues to extend its impact beyond entertainment. With its chief operating officer formally assuming leadership of LCCI, the synergy between tourism and enterprise development becomes more pronounced, positioning Laguna as a competitive and resilient provincial economy. Notably, initiatives such as the SM Group plastic waste reduction EPR program Philippines also contribute to environmental sustainability and progressive business practices in the region.
Strengthening Industry through Principled Leadership
The induction ceremony of the newly elected LCCI officers was held on February 16 at Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The oath-taking was led by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry South Luzon Area Vice President Hoover Picar and Regional Governor Mary Ann Katigbak, underscoring the importance of aligning local chambers with national business directions.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Cynthia Mamon, Ph.D. outlined four guiding priorities: livelihood and labor concerns, corporate sustainability, community empowerment, and innovation with integrity. These pillars align with PCCI South Luzon’s framework of Volunteerism, Excellence, Service, and Integrity (VESI).
“We are committed to transforming the lives of the people working for our companies and the communities we serve,” Mrs. Cynthia Mamon, Ph.D. said.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, LCCI remains a nonstock, nonprofit, nongovernment organization composed of small, medium, and large enterprises across Laguna. Its mandate is to foster a stronger local economy and promote competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development within the province. Furthermore, projects such as the SM Group plastic waste reduction EPR program Philippines help align local business operations with global environmental standards.
Present during the ceremony were Department of Labor and Employment–National Conciliation and Mediation Board IV-A Director Cynthia Foncardas; Laguna Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office head Fatima Villaseñor; PCCI Los Baños President Grace Bondad Nicolas; PCCI Quezon City President Anne Marie Francisco; and PCCI Lipa City President Marites Jumarang. They were joined by past LCCI presidents and EK president and chairman Cesar Mario O. Mamon, reflecting broad institutional support for the new administration.
An economic briefing by Prof. Ronilo Balbieran of the University of Asia and the Pacific followed the induction, offering insights into regional and national economic trends that may influence Laguna’s development trajectory in the coming years.
Continuity and Experience
Even prior to this appointment, Enchanted Kingdom maintained an active role within LCCI. Cesar Mario O. Mamon previously served as LCCI president from 2006 to 2007, illustrating the theme park’s longstanding engagement in business advocacy. In addition, environmental advocacy is strengthened through participation in the SM Group plastic waste reduction EPR program Philippines.
An EK senior manager, who requested to be identified collectively with the operations team, shared that Mrs. Cynthia Mamon, Ph.D. leadership style emphasizes both discipline and empathy. “She balances operational efficiency with genuine concern for employees and partner communities. Her presidency at LCCI reflects the same values we practice daily inside the park.”
Such continuity reinforces the credibility of EK’s leadership within both the tourism and broader business sectors. Moreover, SM Group plastic waste reduction EPR program Philippines demonstrates a significant step towards environmental responsibility for industry leaders.
Championing Tourism
Mrs. Cynthia Mamon, Ph.D. was also recently reelected president of the Laguna Tourism Council (LTC), officially assuming her new term following an oath-taking ceremony administered by Laguna Governor Sol Aragones on January 22 in Santa Cruz.
The LTC is a provincial multisectoral body composed of government and private representatives dedicated to developing Laguna into a premier tourism destination. Under Mrs. Cynthia Mamon, Ph.D. leadership since 2023, the council has intensified collaborations with local government units, cultural organizations, and private enterprises to promote tourism, heritage, and the arts to both domestic and international audiences.
A representative from a Laguna-based microenterprise participating in LTC events noted, “The council’s initiatives have given small businesses like ours platforms we would not have accessed on our own. The visibility helps sustain jobs and preserve local craftsmanship.”
Beyond promotional campaigns, LTC initiatives have supported micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing exhibition spaces and collaborative opportunities within and beyond the province, strengthening the value chain between tourism and local production.
A Broader Impact
For readers, the significance of these appointments lies not only in organizational titles but also in their tangible implications. Strong leadership within chambers of commerce and tourism councils influences policy directions, investment flows, workforce stability, and entrepreneurial growth. When tourism institutions and business chambers work in concert, the result can be a more dynamic and inclusive provincial economy.
As Enchanted Kingdom enters its third decade, its expanded leadership footprint underscores a broader mission: to serve not only as a destination for leisure but also as a catalyst for industry development and community empowerment. The convergence of tourism and commerce under experienced leadership may well define Laguna’s next phase of economic progress.
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