LEADERS of various sectors from the shipping and logistics, mobility, and e-commerce have agreed that Davao is the next hub that can create a seamless supply chain nationwide.
According to Davao ICon 2021 Chairman Ricardo Lagdameo, Davao has a strategy to efficiently tap into the huge, vibrant, and important markets.
“With an economy that’s consistently growing at a higher rate than the national average every year, coupled with a large population, the Davao region presents numerous possibilities for all investors,” J&T Express Vice President for Philippines Global Zoe Chi noted, adding the potential that lies in Mindanao, especially Davao. J&T Express earlier recognized Davao as a prime location for expansion despite only starting operations in the country in 2019.
“The Mindanao region presented a significant opportunity for J&T to invest in building more branches and warehouses and further spur the growth of the logistics industry,” Chi said.
Attorney Dino Austria, district collector at the Bureau of Customs in Davao, admitted that the public sector often hinders commerce and trade, especially when processes are outdated and inconvenient.
“This is exactly why we’ve been pressured to keep up in government: because the world, the private sector has been evolving quite fast around us. We don’t want to pose as a barrier for economic activity, for the movement of goods. We realize and fully understand the very crucial role that we play. Heavy investments have been made for us to be at par, for us to be responsive to your needs,” he said.
Etaily Chief Operations Officer Tatiana Cziomer pointed out the work ethic of Davaoeños and the advantage of being information technology-enabled as e-commerce keeps on booming in a post-pandemic economy.
“I see Filipinos and Davaoeños as people who will do everything they can to serve the customers. That’s something we’ll continue to use to provide great service,” she said.
OneLGC Lina Group of Companies Executive Board Director Donna May Lina enumerated the factors present in Davao that make it a viable logistics hub. “One is lower cost of living and transactions, there’s also less congestion.
There are also less typhoons going around in the Davao region, which means less disruptions in moving goods. Of course, there’s also the great people who are highly trainable and warm,” she said.