DAVAO CITY—With the opening of the Landers Superstore in Davao City, the local government is enticing more investors to put up their businesses in the city.
“We’re very happy, the City Mayor is really happy because it is another welcome development sa city, of course we are expecting more revenues sa city government, more services and many products to choose para sa mga constituents,” says Davao City First District Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo of the store opening.
The city councilor was among the city officials along with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte who graced the pre-opening event of Landers Superstore located along F. Torres Street.
Ocampo says that the City Council together with the local government are working hard to attract more investments coming to Davao City.
“We are working to convince investors to come to Davao City because we are streamlining the process,” Ocampo said.
He said the City Hall is pursuing ways to make the processing of business permits efficient and easier for the business community.
“Naa naman gibuhat atong City Mayor as far as applying for business permits is concerned gihimo sa LGU di na maglisod mga negosyante gani dunay ginahimo na pamaagi pwede na ka mag-apply business permit pwede na ka matagaan ug provisional permit samtang padayon pang gihikotar imung mga dokyumento provided that you comply with all of the requirements,” Ocampo said.
(The City Mayor has done things as far as applying business permits is concerned. The LGU is finding ways so as not to make it difficult for businessmen. As you apply for business permits, a provisional permit can be given while the documents are being processed provided that you comply with all the requirements.)
Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance Servicing Unit of the DCIPC (Davao City Investment and Promotions Center) the city government investment promotions arm said they have given assistance to Landers when they decided to invest in Davao City.
He said they (DCIPC) informed the company of the incentives given by the City Government to those wanting to locate in the city.
“When we had initial meeting with Landers representatives, we informed them that they may apply for the fiscal tax incentives of the City through the DCIPC,” Cambaya said.
“We also extended assistance in processing their business and building permits,” Cambaya added.
He added it is not just Landers that is opening new investments in Davao City. The DCIPC recorded incentives being given to businesses with Php 3.38 B worth of investments for the first nine months of 2024.
The figure is three times higher compared to the investment amount of companies that availed of incentives in 2023. Last year the City only approved incentives for companies with a total investments of P1-billion.
Cambaya said the P3.38 billion from January to September has surpassed their year-long investment target of P3-billion.
Among these large investments include the Monde Nissin biscuit factory expansion worth P2.3-billion, and the Viking Cold Storage project worth P700-million, Banana chips producer Golden Senoritas also poured in P365-million investment.
Landers Superstore is a chain of membership supermarket in the country, the opening on December 4 makes it their first foray in Davao and Mindanao, it is also their 14th superstore in the country.
The brand is known for their wide aisles, spacious shopping area and wide array of products.
Bright Prospects
Landers Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings said the help they received from the City Government of Davao has been wonderful.
“The City Government has been a great partner in the process and obviously to make sure we follow all rules and regulations, this is a pro-business environment and we are so excited about it,” Cummings said.
The Landers official said he is also elated over the prospects of the local market.
“We are excited to be here because of the growth prospects not only of the province but of the city in particular,” Cummings said.
Proof of the prospects is that their Davao superstore their member-card applications reached 70,000 (as of December 3) making it the highest among Landers Superstores in the nation.
“It’s our 14th location but the number of members that we have already signed up is the number one we ever have in our entire history. Not only are we a little bit excited, we are extremely excited about now and in the future for this particular market,” Cummings said.
He said aside from imported goods, the store is sourcing products locally.
“We are not only supporting a local community with sourcing products, we are also providing our customers and members with outstanding member value,” Cummings said. (PIA/RG Alama)
