At a recent Business Matters press forum held at Abreeza Ayala Malls, Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance Unit of the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC), announced the approval of four major projects that will operate in the city, with a total project cost of P3,374,584,000.00. These projects were approved last year (2024).
These four investment projects include: 1. Viking Cold Storage Inc. located in Tibungco. This agribusiness project has an aggregate cost of P700 million. 2. Monde Nissin Corp. - originally a noodles manufacturing company, it is expanding to produce cakes (mamon) and biscuits, with a project cost of P2.3 billion. 3. Golden Senoritas Inc. - This manufacturer of banana chips has an investment of P365million. 4. VA for Professional - A BPO Virtual Assistants Technology firm, with a project cost of P9.584 million.
For this year (2025), the DCIPC has already approved two additional investments with a total project cost of P237,175.302 million. These projects are: 1. Aerwall Philippines, Inc. based in Tugbok. This company manufactures expanded polystyrene system wall panels, with a total project cost of P211,010,302 million. 2. Nakashin Davao International, Inc. located in Malagamot, Panacan. This company exports mangoes and bananas. The project involves modernization and expansion, including the installation of solar panels for power use, with a total project cost of P26,165,000.00. The company plans to install more than 900 solar panels at its plant, which will help save on electricity costs and facilitate production expansion.
Cambay emphasized that while the local government is welcoming to foreign investors, it is also actively seeking domestic investments, especially in real estate. He cited Gatungan Steel Corporation, located in Barangay Mahayag in Bunawan District, as one of the largest projects approved by the DCIPC in 2023, producing durable steel products.
“We are open to everyone, but we are particularly counting on local projects like Monde Nissin Corp. and Golden Senoritas,” he stated.
When asked how they promote Davao City to investors, Cambaya mentioned that aside from tax incentives, they focus on providing services such as assistance in acquiring business permits, building permits, conducting business matching activities, and arranging site visits.
Importantly, DCIPC identifies safety as the top priority for investors. “Safety is our primary promotion,” he said.
Data from the Davao City Police Office indicates that the crime rate in Davao City is 3.9 percent per 10,000population, making it the lowest in the country.
Cambaya also pointed out that Davao City's affordable cost of living and doing business is an attractive factor for investors. For instance, power and water rates in the city are lower compared to other major cities in the country, making it an appealing destination for investment.
Additionally, he highlighted Davao City’s proximity to nature, including being near the country’s highest peak, Mount Apo, and the pristine beaches of Samal Island, and nearby areas. “We promote tourism in our marketing efforts and roadshows,” he said.
Christian Cambaya, head Investor Assistance Unit DCIPC (left) talks about major investments in the city. Beside him is Enriczar Tia, the president and COO of Davao Light and Power Co. who gave updates on the power supply situation in Mindanao and other related matters.
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