The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) invited Davao’s key tourism stakeholders at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City, Wednesday, 08 November, for the Mindanao Cluster of “TIEZA Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises,” the annual investment roadshow series of the Authority.
This is in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region XI and supported by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) and Davao Tourism Association (DATA). It is part of the initiative of the Authority to promote and showcase investment offerings in its Assets and Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZ), as well as registration for the grant of fiscal incentives for registered tourism enterprises.
Atty. Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for the TEZ Management Sector, emphasized during her opening remarks that Davao is a key tourism destination of our country with a myriad of offerings to local and international tourists alike. And with the lifting of the state of emergency over the region, it is also an ideal destination for business and investment. Consequently, she encouraged investors to explore investment opportunities in tourism-related enterprises such as accommodation, convention centers (MICE), ecotourism and adventure tourism, as well as to address the gaps in access and infrastructure to make travel more seamless and secure.
Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta of the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) and TIEZA Board Director, extended her appreciation to TIEZA for its effort and initiative in conducting its investment roadshow in Mindanao, “On the outset, I would like to thank the whole TIEZA family for bringing the roadshow to Mindanao because it serves as a great opportunity for us to showcase the investment potential of the island region.” Acosta also stressed the need for an organized, structured Halal ecosystem in the country that is recognized by the Global Halal Economy, envisioning Mindanao Island to be the capital for Halal production which will strengthen its position in the industry.
With focus on the new and ongoing plans for tourist attractions in Davao Region, DOT-Region XI Director Tanya Virginia Rabat-Tan, showcased the tourism investment situation in the region, with its growing tourist arrivals as well as diverse tourism product portfolio. She also highlighted the unique selling point of Davao which includes its diverse agricultural landscape and rich biodiversity.
Mr. Donald Maldonado, TIEZA Manager for Evaluation and Registration Division, presented the registration process for New Business Enterprises and Qualified Expansion Projects, highlighting the incentive packages under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act that TIEZA is offering for tourism-related projects or activities. Among the priority investment activities are hotels and resorts, retirement facilities, medical and wellness facilities, and tourism and convention centers.
Maldonado also presented ways to invest in TIEZA’s designated Flagship TEZs, such as San Vicente in Palawan, Corregidor Island in Cavite, Mt. Samat in Bataan, Panglao Bay Premiere in Bohol, and Rizal Park in Manila.
Likewise, investment options in TIEZA Assets were also promoted by Ms. Ma. Zenaida Quinahan, Manager for Business Research Division, as TIEZA has been actively looking for potential partners in the operation and management of its properties including the enhancement of its several existing assets. Among these properties are Boracay Property in Aklan, Balicasag Island Dive Resort in Bohol, Balacad Property in Ilocos Norte, and Moalboal Property in Cebu, which are all available for public-private partnership.
In addition, representatives from partner financial institutions were also invited to introduce loan assistance programs to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Department Head for Public Sector, Mr. Gerard Boz Tungol, oriented the participants on its Connecting Rural Urban Intermodal Systems Efficiently (CRUISE) Program, an expanded financing program which employs medium to long-term financial support for priority infrastructure projects. Ms. Caroline Macabenta, OIC Head for Mindanao Group of Small Business Corporation, on the other hand, presented the application process and other details of the Resilient, Innovative and Sustainable Enterprises, Unleash your Powers (RISE UP) with SBCorp Program which provides soft terms multi-purpose loans to assist MSMEs to sustain their gains.
DATA Vice President Lynn Navarro expressed her support on behalf of their organization for the close collaboration between TIEZA and other participating partners in the tourism development of the region, “We would like to extend an advance invitation to TIEZA, DBP, SBCorp to partner with us because the Davao Tourism Association involves more than 150 strong tourism enterprise owners and stakeholders here in Davao City, and we are also opening our membership to the whole Davao Region. Thank you, TIEZA, for this opportunity. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and its members, we pledge our commitment to support TIEZA, the financial institutions, City Tourism Office, and Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ensuring the development of Davao City through tourism,” Navarro ended.
Mr. John Carlo Tria, DCCCII President, was also in full support to TIEZA Investment Roadshow, extending his gratitude to TIEZA for an insightful and informative roadshow. Tria emphasized the opportunities offered by the Authority and its contribution to a more resilient economy, “TIEZA’s invitation to invest in Tourism Enterprise Zones across the country is not just an opportunity, but an invitation to become co-architects of change, pioneers of progress, and contributors to our nations prosperity by participating in the development of MICE centers, premiere shopping outlets, and essentials infrastructures and utilities. We are not just investing in businesses, but we are investing in the future of our economy.” Tria stressed.
The roadshow drew participation of more than 80 tourism stakeholders and business organizations, local government units, local chambers, and other tourism enterprises in the region.
Interested investors may contact our TEZ Management Secretariat at 8249-5900 local 724 or e-mail us at tez.secretariat@gmail.com and tez.secretariat@tieza.gov.ph. You may also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tezmgmt and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/tezmgmt.