For nearly a decade, Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) in Panabo City, Davao del Norte has been more than just a cluster of factories and warehouses; it has become a hub of opportunity and growth for Mindanao.
From creating thousands of jobs to linking local farmers to global markets, AIE demonstrates how industrial investment and community development can go hand in hand.
Developed by Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), the 63-hectare estate has attracted 24 companies from six countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, Austria, the United States, and China, offering a diverse mix of manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, and support services.
For DLI President Ricardo “Cary” Floirendo Lagdameo, AIE represents more than just a business park.
“Our goal has always been to make Anflo Industrial Estate a premier destination for investors while strengthening local agriculture. We are proud that our locators source raw materials directly from Mindanao farmers, supporting both economic growth and livelihoods,” Lagdameo said.
AIE’s locators illustrate its international reach and local impact.
HEAD Sport, the world’s largest tennis ball manufacturer, operates on a 5-hectare site and is set for its official launch this year. The company is transferring its operations from China to the Philippines, producing tennis balls made from 100% locally sourced Mindanao rubber.
At full capacity, HEAD Sport will manufacture 14 million dozens annually, sourcing 6,000 to 7,000 tons of rubber from local farmers, strengthening both the regional rubber industry and rural livelihoods.
Another key tenant, ThaiCoco, is finalizing a facility to process coconut products sourced from Mindanao farmers, enabling local agricultural goods to reach international markets.
Together, these companies show how AIE bridges industrial growth with community development, providing farmers and small producers a direct link to global supply chains.
Infrastructure investments further enhance the estate’s value to both companies and residents.
Davao Light and Power Company recently broke ground on a 43 MVA substation to ensure stable electricity. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 11 substation in the park strengthens emergency response capabilities and proved valuable during the recent fire incident in a neighboring community. And the 25-year partnership with Manila Water Philippine Ventures delivers 1,300 cubic meters of high-quality treated water daily, securing a reliable water supply within the park.
Since its launch, AIE has created over 1,650 jobs, benefiting residents of Panabo City and neighboring towns.
With several major locators preparing to start operations this year, employment and economic activity in the region are expected to grow even further.
AIE recently celebrated another milestone with the grand launch of one of its major locators, GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corporation, a joint venture between AC Logistics of the Ayala Group and Glacier Megafridge, on March 10. The facility, with 11,728 pallet positions, is now considered the largest cold storage in Mindanao, helping banana and other crop exporters meet international quality standards. The facility is projected to employ 119 workers across operations, engineering, quality control, and logistics.
“As one of the premier logistics companies in the country today, we aim to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers. We want them to know that they can come directly to Davao del Norte if they are servicing Mindanao, because we have very efficient port facilities, this industrial park, and this new cold storage facility. Putting all of these things together, we think that the future is really bright for Panabo City and Davao del Norte” Lagdameo said.
As it approaches its 10th anniversary, AIE continues to drive industrial growth, strengthen agriculture, and attract both local and foreign investments, delivering tangible benefits to Mindanao communities through jobs, infrastructure, and sustainable sourcing practices. It also stands as a shining example of how industry and agriculture can grow together, creating opportunities that reach beyond business into the lives of ordinary people, not only in Davao del Norte but across Mindanao.
