Davao to focus on farm, IT, tourism in ’09

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The city’s business chamber plans to promote investments in agriculture, tourism, as well as information and technology in 2009. Simeon P. Marfori II, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said his group has drafted programs to develop further these sectors through assistance from the Philippines-Australia Human Resources Development Facility. Milalin S. Javellana, facility director, said the Australian government-funded program has helped the chamber in the last five years. Ms. Javellana said the facility has set aside A$86,000 for the program. On Wednesday last week, the chamber presented its 2009 programs to Vice-Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. Mr. Marfori said his group is helping to form the city’s Agricultural Development Board. He said the city already has an Information and Communications Technology Association, as well as the Davao City Tourism Council and the Davao Tourism Association to lead these thrusts. — BusinessWorld