The provincial government of Davao del Norte recently bested other provinces in the country as it won the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit Award (Provincial Level) from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Under the leadership of Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, Davao del Norte for exemplifying commendable initiatives towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contributing to local economic development.
The PCCI award was given to Jubahib by no less that President Rodrigo Duterte during the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel on Oct. 17.
Rosanna Tuason-Fores, President and CEO of Davao-based Hijo Resources Corp., said the new trade and economic policy of the Jubahib administration “inspires us and other major economic players to be more aggressive.”
“He considers the business sector as partners for development, there is a major shift in the economic agenda here since he assumed office, it has been opened to investors,” she added.
On September 15, Tuason-Fores led the launching of Hijo Central, which is building projects in agribusiness, port and logistics, property development, leisure and tourism, and renewable energy.
Aside from being the Most Business Friendly LGU, the Department of Interior and Local Government has also bestowed the Seal of Good Local Governance to the province.
Davao del Norte is the only province in Region XI to receive the award. The DILG awarding has yet to be scheduled.
The Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc nominated Jubahib and the provincial government, as they witnessed the transformation of the economic policies and directions of the new administration.
Jubahib said that since assuming office, he opened the doors of the province to all investors and has instituted measures and programs that would entice capitalists to come, including the tax holidays and other incentives.
During the panel interview last September in Manila, the PCCI evaluators, asked Jubahib what his economic policies and directions would be. The governor then submitted all documents and audio-visual presentations relative to his socio-economic policies as the new leader of the province.
“I share my first national award to the people of Davao del Norte, it reaffirms our dedication and sincere effort to uplift the economic condition of our people and pump prime the local economy,” Jubahib stressed.
Dialogues among economic stakeholders have been Jubahib’s guide to attain inclusive economic growth and development.
Investor confidence and dynamic local governance, the governor said, are the key to economic growth.
Duterte spent a few minutes with Jubahib during the awards night. “The President is so impressed with the performance of Davao del Norte, and he promised to provide me full support as he gave suggestions on how to be more enticing to the business community,” he added.
