BY IVY TEJANO
DAVAO CITY – Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno wants Mindanao transformed from a mere land of potential to a region of true success.
MAGNO (FB)
“There is still a lot of potential to expand the infrastructures in the entire Mindanao to facilitate the storage and transport of our products to all the other parts of the country and the world,” said Magno.
Magno made the statement during his speech before the guests and participants of the Philippine Building and Construction Exposition and Travel and Leisure Expo (PHILBEX-TLEX) organized at the SMX Lanang Convention Center here on Thursday, May 11.
Magno at the same time expressed enthusiasm as Davao City was chosen to host this year’s PHILBEX and TLEX events.
He said he hoped the organizers, participants, and officers of the big events recognized the huge potential in Davao and Mindanao, which is why they decided to hold the event there.
He said Mindanao boasts top-quality and untouched beaches, waterfalls, caves, mountains, biota, and other tourist attractions that cater to domestic and international visitors. However, the region needs more tourists to appreciate these offerings, he added.
Magno said that the PHILBEX and TLEX present the chance for the government and private sector to collaborate in attracting more tourists and construction projects to Mindanao, as he believes this will positively impact the island’s economy and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
The OPAMINE official also urged private housing firms to participate in the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program, a large-scale socialized housing initiative under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Magno cited the Department of Social Housing and Urban Development under Secretary Jerry Acuzar in its aims to construct six million housing units by 2028.
He added that the infusion of funds from domestic and foreign sources is expected to positively impact local industries, particularly in the building, construction, and tourism sectors.
“This injection of capital has the potential to provide a much-needed boost to these industries,” he said.
Magno proposed that the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao serve as a conduit to connect the private sector to the national government to improve coordination and collaboration.
He expressed willingness to hear and address any concerns raised by the private sectors and offer support in bringing those concerns to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President and the Office of the President.
The PHILBEX and TLEX Davao event has attracted 300 exhibitors, who have set up 200 booths to showcase their offerings to the people of Mindanao.
