An official of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) urged entrepreneurs in the Davao Region to set sights for their franchise expansion in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Chris Lim, chairman of PFA, said in an interview on the sidelines of the opening of the Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region 11 held at SM Lanang Premier Atrium on Friday, that franchising continues to be strong in Davao Region.
The expo gathered 40 exhibitors and more than 200 brands from food and retail to services and financial support.
“Part of the reason we’re here today is to encourage entrepreneurs na mag franchise properly, to set their systems right. I want them to look now at BIMP-EAGA, that whole area at gawin lang nila is to do a proper franchise system para mag-expand,” Lim said.
Lim said food is still a very strong business, as well as service, health care, and beauty care.
“But for me, the biggest opportunity for Davao brands is yung mga local brands dito na mag-e-expand nationally, and I know there is a big push for BIMP-EAGA right now. Unahin na natin diyan instead of going to Manila, unahin na natin ang Malaysia because the Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11) is so supportive of that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lim said this year’s participating brands have increased from last year’s 30 brands to 40 brands this year.
“Everyone wants to enter Davao as they know Davao is the gateway to Mindanao and the Davao Region, so a lot of our members want to enter here. In fact, we wanted to bring more members, pero kulang na ang space. In Davao, a lot of brands want to enter here, I think services will continue to grow here,” he said.
Considered as Davao Region’s most awaited franchising event, the Franchise Negosyo Regional Events featured free seminars, including “How to Invest in the Right Franchise” and “How to Franchise Your Business,” crafted for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Attendees can also gain valuable insights at the Franchise Forum, themed “Franchising: The Proven Growth Strategy You Can’t Afford to Ignore”, where leading industry experts will share their success stories and expansion tips.
“This event is about creating access to opportunities, to education, and inspiration. Franchise Negosyo is our way of helping Mindanaoans tap into the power of franchising as a driver of growth and inclusive development,” Lim said.
The event was held in partnership with SM Supermalls, SM Lanang Premier, PLDT Enterprise, GCash, Carrier – The Air Authority, UnionBank, BDO, Grainsmart Café, Villa Tuna, Francorp, and U-Franchise, and is supported by DTI 11, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 11 (OWWA 11), and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
