The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9 shares their accomplishments in 2024 during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas Press Conference
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted Zamboanga del Sur’s strong economic potential, with key industries driving growth and new investments, during the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held in Zamboanga City.
DTI Regional Director Al Zamir I. Lipae said, “Business as usual, it’s good in Zamboanga del Sur because of the active members of the Chamber [of Commerce].”
DTI-Zamboanga del Sur reported that more than 3,000 new business names were registered, signaling strong entrepreneurial activity in the province. Major industries contributing to this growth include coconut, rubber and seaweed, with rising demand for coffee and cacao.
Provincial Director Marlon A. Alabata of DTI-Zamboanga del Sur said, “This shows the vibrancy of the [business] environment in Zamboanga del Sur,” noting contributions from the coconut industry reaching P307 million in investments and rubber, as an emerging industry, with P141 million, respectively.
He said Zamboanga del Sur also has been strengthening its cacao industry, with events such as the Kakao Festival highlighting its potential.
According to Lipae, Zamboanga del Sur has been very active in activities like marketing events. In fact, he said, they are in their fifth year of the Kakao Festival because they really want to be known for their cacao industry.
Looking ahead, the province anticipates significant economic developments in 2025. A major investment by Cintegral Global Solutions will see the establishment of an integrated coconut processing plant in San Miguel town. It is expected to generate 5,000 jobs and significantly boost the income of coconut farmers in nearby areas.
“We are expecting at least double or triple the income of coconut farmers in the neighboring places,” Alabata said.
Further economic prospects include the transformation of Pagadian City Port into a BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) international port, in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Pagadian City local government.
“We are expecting an influx, and perhaps this is where DTI’s expertise will come in, to determine whether any of these goods that are coming in are passing Philippine standards as well,” Alabata noted.
With these developments, the province is poised to solidify its position as a key player in regional trade and industry, bringing more opportunities for businesses and local communities. (EDT/HTB/PIA9 Zamboanga del Sur)
