The kick-off event for The Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon 2021) was virtually held on August 18, 2021. With this year’s theme “Davao Region: Strong Today, Stronger Tomorrow,” Davao ICon convenes industry experts and potential investors to present and explore strong partnerships and business opportunities in the Davao Region. The event was organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio gave the opening speech for the event. With its abundant resources; robust development through the years; international airport, seaports, and fish port complex; a burgeoning hub for tech and innovations; highly-skilled workforce; and rising agri-businesses and other industries; the Davao Region has become a key investment gateway to the rest of the world.

Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, Jr. was invited as a keynote speaker along with other honorary guests — Mr. Cary Lagdameo of Damosa Land Inc., Ms. Joji Ilagan-Bian of JIB group of companies, Mr. Rex Puentespina of Malagos Agri-Ventures Inc, Ms. Michelle Lim Gankee of SL Agritech Corporation, Mr. Marvin Tiu-Lim of Mega Global Corp, and Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others. The keynote speakers and panelists discussed a range of topics covering Davao’s innovations in learning, infrastructure and tourism, and agri-industry.

Architect Palafox discussed the components of the Metro Davao Urban Master Plan, which was completed in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority, local government units, other government agencies, and partner university institutions. The Metro Davao Urban Master Plan was formulated to create a more livable, sustainable, resilient, smart, green, environment-friendly, diverse, innovative, and creative metropolis. At the center of this development are eight local government units: Digos City, Sta. Cruz, Samal Island City, Panabo City, Carmen, Tagum City, Maco, and Davao’s regional center — Davao City.

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