MATI CITY – The city government recently held a business conference to drum up investments here.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Mati city government, hosted the first Make it Mati Investment Conference.
With the theme “Investment Opportunities in a Changing Business Landscape,” Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said the conference aims to increase investments in Mati and the entire province of Davao Oriental in agricultural-based products such as coconut, cacao, bamboo and coffee, marine products, and also in tourism after the pandemic.
DTI-Davao Oriental director Art Hermoso said agribusiness is also on the list, especially since it is the most visible in Mati City because the area is predominantly agricultural. Some are involved in the fishing industry, especially now that the city is building its fish port.
Around 240 investors attended the event and most of them are expressed interest in investing in the poultry business and tourism industry.
The city estimates to generate P500-million worth of investments from local, national, and international investors from the confab.
“Indeed, we are optimistic that this event will eventually open up new investment opportunities for local and foreign investors,” Hermoso said, adding that ‘’now is the time to invest in Mati.’’
The city also presented the Mati App to the investors, aside from business presentations, to garner more interest.
The iBPS and EPCS were also introduced to them to show that the LGU is taking action to make the city a smart city.
"We have a lot of potential here for agriculture because, as I was saying, Davao Oriental is very rich in mineral resources. We are exploring our agriculture and its natural resources, which we want to preserve and conserve,” Rabat said.
Rabat assured investors that Mati City has the highest rate of Covid-19 vaccination in the whole Davao region and the city is open to all investors interested in investing.
Meanwhile, this city celebrated the 22nd Sambuokan and 2nd Abunda Festival after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
This city organized various activities during the month-long Sambuokan and Anunda Festival, including the Adlaw sa mga IP Mandaya (IP Mandaya Day), Kabaw sa Kadalanan (Carabao Parade), and the much-awaited Indak Sayaw sa Samboukan where thousands of spectators witnessed the dance showdown.
Winners of the Indak Sayaw were:
CHAMPION:
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, which bagged a trophy, a P100,000 cash prize, Best in Choreography, Best in Choreographer, and Best in Costume
1ST RUNNER-UP:
Matiao National High School
Trophy and P75,000 cash prize
Best in Musicality
2ND RUNNER-UP:
Mati National Comprehensive High School
Trophy and P60,000 cash prize
3RD RUNNER-UP:
City of Mati National High School
P50,000 cash prize
4TH RUNNER-UP:
Mati Doctor's Academy
P50,000 cash prize