HISTORY (continued)

We have come a long way since that time when Don Vicente Dy Secko was the acknowledged leader of the Chinese businessmen. But before its formal registration, Hon Li Chio also served as its president. This was followed by Hon. Juan Lim, then Hon. Sancho Dy Suat Hong, Hon. Chiu See Kiat and finally by Hon. Uy Tiong Lu.

According to Mr. Ong Thian Chit who had served as Recording Secretary for some time, under the SEC registered Chamber, the first president was Hon. Santiago Tan (Jan. 1965 - Dec. 1967), followed by Hon. Bonifacio Tan (Jan. 1968 - 1969), Hon. Nge Se Tick (Jan. 1970 - Dec. 1971) and again Hon. Uy Tiong Lu (Jan. 1972 - Nov. 1980).

Those were the years of Martial Law under Hon. Uy when Chamber officers and members kept a low profile because of the abuses of the military. In Nov. 1980 Hon. Jose T. Ching assumed office as president. It was during his term (Nov. 1980 - Sept. 1984) that the Chamber returned to the limelight.

From his own pocket, Hon. Jose T. Ching donated 10 units 2 room school buildings to Butuan City and the Agusan Provinces . In grateful appreciation, the City of Butuan conferred on him the distinct honor of "Adopted Son of Butuan City" in 1981.

Hon. Florante "Dante" C. Dy (Sept. 1984 - Dec. 1989) succeeded him and sustained the Barrio School Program by donating 4 units 2 room school buildings under the name of his family corporation, the Dy Teban Hardware.

Hon. Ewa Go Ching San (Dec. 1989 - Feb. 1992), Hon. Peter C. Dy (Feb. 1992 - Jan. 1993), Hon Felix Khe (Apr. 1993 - Mar. 1995) and Hon. Leo C. Dy (Apr. 1995 - Dec. 2000) took over the presidency in quick succession. Under Hon. Leo Dy, more active participation in the affairs of the City Government became evident.

In 2001, Butuan City celebrated its 1000th Anniversary of Trade / Tribute Mission to China , the first recorded history of any Filipino delegation to China. This is recorded in the Annals of the Sung Dynasty. Hon. Victor Chan (Jan. 2001 - June 2003) was then president and the undersigned was his Executive Secretary.

We were assigned to represent the Chamber in all the activities of the City, including the delegation to invite the Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Wang Chun-Gui. The celebration, from independent accounts, was a most successful affair and our guests, Ambassador and Mrs. Wang and the other embassy officials and staff were very impressed with the reception.

Another very important guest, Ms. Teresita Ang See and her daughter, Meah, even featured the Butuan affair in an issue of the Tulay Magazine with one of the cultural presentations gracing its cover. The celebration took place during the administration of the lovely, lady Mayor, Hon. Leonides Theresa "Daisy" Borja-Plaza.

This humble representation was elected president on July 1, 2003 to serve a term of two years. The exemplary cooperation and active participation of the team of officers, namely: Exec. Vice president Aniceto Bonpin, Jr., who is also area representative to the Federation, 1st vice pres. Peter C. Dy; internal vice president Renato Q. Keh; external vice president Laurence C. Ting; secretary Jorge G. Uy and William Go for English and Chinese respectively; treasurer Terence Yu and his assistant, Joseen Kho, auditor Jasmin O. Burgos; PIO Jocelyn Yee; directors Felipe Gumagay, Hugo Un, Robert Ty, Rene Balibrea, and Roberto Yu.

Also worthy of emulation are immediate past President Hon. Victor Chan, Hon. Ewa Go, Hon. Leo Dy, the late Hon. Felix Khe, the late Madame Tsai Yu Chia-Chiu and our President Emeritus, Hon. Jose T. Ching. Without their advice and financial support, we could not have reached the new heights that the Chamber had reached. (These accomplishments will be eventually high-lighted in other windows.)

CL Young