DAVAO CITY — Organizers of the annual Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) have decided to change the focus of this year’s event in anticipation of the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
Arturo M. Milan, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), said last week that the initial theme was linking Mindanao with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but business leaders thought it more pressing to discuss inclusive development within the context of a possible new Bangsamoro region as well as federalism.
The Mindanao business sector, Mr. Milan said, “wants to understand really what the BBL is all about and how the federalism” will impact the southern island.
Another key topic during the three day event would be the government’s Build, Build, Build program.
Mr. Milan said businesses want to be updated on the timetable of the projects that have been approved for implementation.
Among the major infrastructure projects lined up in Mindanao is the railway system, with the first phase covering the cities of Digos, Davao, and Tagum.
The Department of Transportation previously announced that the 102-kilometer line is targeted for completion before the end of 2021.
The DCCCII and the Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry are jointly organizing the 2018 conference, which will be held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte in September. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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