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The European Union (EU) to the Philippines Ambassador Mariomassimo Santoro, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, with his intent to discuss EU-Philippines relations and explore potential areas of mutual interest.
The courtesy meeting took place at Arcadia Event Center, Matina, Davao City, on February 26. It was also attended by Mr. Frederic Grillet, Political Officer at the EU Delegation to the Philippines; Ms. Ada Pesämaa, Attaché in the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines; and Ms. Maui Tobias, Assistant to the Head of Cooperation (EU).
During the meeting, Ambassador Santoro said they pledge to support the city and the whole Mindanao not just in development assistance but to provoke and attract investors and tourists to go in the region.
“We also wanted to help clarify the usual issue of European countries such as the negative advisory given in specific areas in Mindanao,” Mr. Santoro said.
He also emphasized the push for initiatives towards a ‘circular economy’ in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), just as the former European Union ambassador Luc Veron highlighted, remarking that as a developing country with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, “the Philippines is uniquely positioned to leverage the opportunities presented by the circular economy and become a champion in sustainable business practices.”
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte underscored the rapid growth and economic development of Davao which resulted to issues related to the same. However, the local government had considered it as a “good problem” as it signifies the flourishing and progressive industry the city has at present.
“The people of Davao right now are battling with congestion, it used to be a ‘laid back’ city with just the right amount of people, but ever since economic activities stimulated ever since the presidency of the former president, so a lot of people got interested in investing and goes here for job opportunities,” Mayor Duterte said.
Ambassador Santoro also said they eye to invest in agriculture such as assistance in value-adding and other processes, which is beneficial for Davao City for its vast area of land. He also discussed pushing for a ‘green economy’, which is an alternative to today’s dominant economic model, which exacerbates inequalities, encourages waste, triggers resource scarcities, and generates widespread threats to the environment and human health.
Mayor Duterte said that the area of Calinan, Davao City could be a good start as an agricultural land to invest in as the area produces cacao and other agri-commodities.
In a separate note, Ambassador Santoro said he was well-impressed with how the students in Davao City universities have been knowledgeable and educated when it comes to politics and the governance in the country.
Mayor Duterte also expressed its support with the delegation’s plans to invest in Davao City’s agriculture sector, stating that the initiative will develop strong mutual cooperation among the two parties.
