Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Foreign expert optimistic on Davao branding system By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE Dutch PUM consultant of the Davao Branding System said Monday the program can bring positive impact not only to the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), but for all other business groups in Mindanao.
"I found very positive opportunities with the program. A lot of improvement can always be made. It is a program that will provide the chamber the opportunity to reach the horizon. What have been done now is just setting the first step in building an image of Davao and the chamber," Chris Antonissen, PUM consultant, said during an exit conference held at the DCCCII boardroom.
Antonissen said the Davao chamber should now look into bigger perspective and "think out of the box."
"Of course this should not be done immediately you need years to establish the branding system completely. Just think out of your box, think export market, the branding will have to become national, and eventually, internationally," he said.
Antonissen has been working with the Promoting Regional Opportunities for Enterprise and Livelihood Development (Propel) since March 2007 with the Propel team headed by Leny V. Castillo, member of the board of trustees of the DCCCII.
One of the Propel's project is the initiation of the branding system for Davao.
The Davao Branding System's advocacy is to set standards of quality and excellence in products produced by the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Davao.
The setting of standards, Antonissen said, can improve marketability at all levels.
Meanwhile, the SMEs that were accredited with the branding system are the Chua's Orchid Garden, SUL Orchids, Puentispina Farms, Belfiz Fruit Nursery, the Himmels Blumen, Edesy Shredded Fish, the Porky Best Chicharon, and the Dolphin Golden Bihon.
