𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), in partnership with the Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation, Inc. and COHARA (Cagayan De Oro Hotel & Restaurant Association) successfully conducted the TIEZA Investment Roadshow on Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises – Northern Mindanao Region. The event held at Emerald 1, Limketkai Luxe Hotel on 18 June 2025, brought together local government leaders, tourism industry stakeholders, and potential investors for an in-depth discussion on tourism investment prospects in Northern Mindanao.
In his welcome video message, Mr. Mark Lapid, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer, underscored TIEZA’s pivotal role as the Infrastructure and Investment Promotions Agency for the tourism sector, highlighting the Authority’s continuing efforts to drive sustainable development and stimulate economic growth through incentives and strategic partnerships.
Hon. Leo Tereso A. Magno, Secretary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), also expressed strong support for TIEZA’s initiatives thru a video message, stressing the vital role of inter-agency and private sector collaboration in unlocking the region’s tourism potential.
One of the key program highlights was the comprehensive presentation on Investment Opportunities in TIEZA, delivered by Mr. Francis Randy J. Hortelano, Manager of TIEZA’s TEZ Assistance and Monitoring Department. This session emphasized TIEZA’s mandate as the designated Investment Promotions Agency (IPA) for the Philippine tourism industry under the Tourism Act of 2009 or RA 9593, showcasing priority projects, flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs), and incentives available to qualified investors. The presentation served as a call to action for stakeholders to leverage TIEZA’s support in developing world-class, sustainable tourism destinations in Region 10.
Ms. Marie Elaine S. Unchuan, Regional Director of DOT Region 10, further reinforced this by providing an updated situational analysis of the tourism landscape in the region, underscoring areas with high investment readiness and untapped potential. RD Unchuan also emphasized the vast tourism opportunities, including Muslim-friendly offerings, all aligned with their regional branding, Northern Mindanao: Limitless Adventures.
Technical discussions on TIEZA’s streamlined business registration process and the availment of tax and duty incentives under the CREATE MORE Act were thoroughly presented by Ms. Retz Mara S. Fernandez of the Evaluation and Registration Division. Meanwhile, Ms. Zenaida R. Quinahan, Manager of the Business Research and Development Division, provided an in-depth presentation on the various TIEZA-owned assets and properties available for investment and development opportunities.
Resource speakers from the Development Bank of the Philippines Ms. Anova C. Renconada and Small Business Corporation Mr. Jade M. Montero likewise shared financial solutions and loan programs designed to empower MSMEs engaged in tourism ventures.
Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, City Administrator of Cagayan de Oro, delivered a message of support on behalf of Mayor Rolando A. Uy, affirming the City Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment for tourism growth. Mr. Jerome F. De La Fuente, President of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association, likewise assured TIEZA and DOT Region 10 of the local hospitality sector’s unwavering cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Almarco C. Brito, President of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., expressed appreciation for TIEZA and DOT Region 10’s collaborative efforts to bring timely investment discussions directly to stakeholders in the region. He emphasized the Chamber’s continued support in strengthening public-private partnerships and encouraged participants to transform insights from the roadshow into tangible projects that will generate local jobs, elevate tourism standards, and contribute to inclusive growth in Northern Mindanao Region.
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