Davao has the ingredients of what a global city can be like: agile in its integrating technology with existing local culture, multicultural in identity, and daring in warding off undesirable elements from the periphery. It is THE center of Mindanao commerce and trade, and a catalyst in the changing landscape of the Philippine socio-political conversation. Davao’s labor force is young, intellectual, and ambitious. Its high school graduates populate the best universities in Metro Manila.
What it needs now is an economic stimulus that would increase people mobility in the form of massive rail infrastructure, airport refurbishment, and the construction of more major thoroughfares. The future Pan-Mindanao Railway System will connect every major city on the island of Mindanao. It is a much anticipated milestone in increasing people mobility.
Above all, it is relaxing place to live in. Davao’s peace-and-order schemes have been efficient. Locals trust in the police, who are tasked to ensure that people who need to walk around at night remain calm. The city of Davao raises such dauntless, intrepid individuals. Share their spirit.
Mary Jade T. Roxas-Divinagracia, CFA, CVA
Deals and Corporate Finance Managing Partner, PwC Philippines
Tel: +63 (2) 8845 2728