Business leaders in Davao Region urged investors to “play their cards right” by investing in the region and Mindanao highlighting the diverse and fast-growing market and abundance of natural and human resources that will help them expand and rebuild economically in 2022 and beyond.
Lafayette Alvarez Lim, President of the NCCC Group of Companies, said Mindanao is ripe for business and investments.
“The saying ‘Give Mindanao a chance’ is outdated and no longer true. Overlooking Mindanao and taking it for granted is a bad business decision. If you want to play your cards right, join us here in Mindanao, and let’s grow and prosper together,” Lim said during the second installment of the Davao Investment Conference 2021 Innovation Series, “The Potential of the Mindanao Market,” which took place virtually on October 13, 2021.
Gina Espejo, General Manager of DMI Medical Supply Co. Inc, shared her learnings about building a well-known company based on products made from the Davao-grown mangosteen (MX3).
“It is such a wonderful blessing from the Lord to have a business in the land of promise where opportunity and supply are abundant – truly a food haven,” she said.
Nicole Bian-Ledesma, co-chairperson of the Davao Investment Conference (Icon) cited the strengths of the region like the competitive labor force as exemplified by homegrown companies who are leaders in their respective industries; access to natural and human resources; and complemented by active and strong public and private partnerships that make Davao City and Mindanao a magnet for global investors.
Meanwhile, big corporations in the country described Davao Region and Mindanao as a powerhouse that can influence possibilities not just on a regional level, but also on a national level.
Ella Gonzales-Batingan, National Shopper Marketing Manager of Alaska Milk Corporation, described Mindanao as a promised land amidst the wilderness.
“It is blessed with incredibly rich resources, human capital, and favorable conditions enough to propel exponential growth when tapped with the right governance, focus and support,” she said.
On his end, Arsalan Khan, National Sales Director of Nestle Philippines, Incorporated, was bullish about the Mindanao market and its power to spur the FMCG industry.
“Mindanao offers endless business possibilities. For fast-moving consumer goods, the retail infrastructure is rapidly evolving which provides organizations a strong platform to launch new concepts,” he said.
Khan said the business community in Mindanao is very dynamic and the consumers appreciate good value for money products and services.
“This is indeed the right time to be part of the Mindanao business landscape,” he said.
Wilhelmino Nicolasora Jr, Vice President for Domestic Sales at Century Pacific Food, Inc., highlighted Mindanao’s potential as a global economic player despite the challenges faced by the region.
“We have to break through the negative image of Mindanao painted by local and international media over the years. If its potential is unleashed, Mindanao is a powerhouse that can influence possibilities not just on a regional level, but on a national level too,” he said.
