The energy problem in Davao City, considered as the biggest headache of the business sector these days, cannot be completely solved in the next three years. It is a long-term problem, one that needs to be prioritized by the city’s newly-elected members of Congress.
That’s what the president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), Engr. Robert Quinto, told Edge Davao on Friday.
Peace and order in the city is fine, according to Quinto, that’s why the business sector would want the new congressmen to introduce laws that will be more conducive to business without disregarding the environment and other aspects. He said they would like the legislators to focus more on the development of industries so that there will be more jobs generated in the city.
“More people will earn a living and, as a whole, gaganda ang economy natin,” he added.
In terms of job generation, Quinto ranked three industries to be prioritized. Banana exportation, including other agri-businesses, is first in the list. He said they (solons) should resolve the issue on aerial spraying and initiate more projects like building farm-to-market roads.
Quinto considered tourism as the next priority, saying Davao City has a lot of potentials in the tourism industry. However, he said, the government should help organize the different sectors involved in tourism.
He also mentioned that Davao city is not lumped with better tourism destinations because of the airport facilities or its security system. “There is one thing in our airport na hindi naka-comply sa international standards,” he said. But, he went on to say that new Tieza board member, Domingo Duerme of the Philippine Airlines, is more knowledgeable about the issue.
Since Davao City was cited as the “top next-wave city” for 2010, the DCCCII also considers Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as the third priority for job generation. He said that although Davao is the foremost destination of business process outsourcing, particularly in ICT-related services, other cities in the list cannot be disregarded. Other places included in the list ranked by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines are Sta. Rosa, Metro Cavite, and the cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, Lipa, Cagayan de Oro, Malolos, Baguio and Dumaguete.
“I hope the government will do its part in making Davao a business friendly city,” Quinto said, adding that there should be streamlining in government processes in the application for business permits, and the like. Taxes should also be reviewed, citing the fact that real estate taxes are higher in Davao than in other cities of the country. [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro]
