PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived in Davao City Tuesday morning to launch multi-million projects in the city that will boost economic growth in Davao Region.
The two projects, both focused on agriculture, had a combined worth of P565 million.
The P500 million Saba Banana Integrated Development program, which is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will process fresh Cardava bananas into microwaveable chips, fries, and spring rolls targeted for both domestic and international markets.
Operated by Sagrex Food Incorporated, the company that pioneered microwaveable banana products, the project aims to target over 300 people who will directly benefit from the program.
Another project is the P65 poultry-raising project of Maharlika Agro-Venture Corporation and North Star Asia Holdings Corporation, which seeks to attract investments from overseas Filipino workers.
Arroyo arrived at 10 a.m. and left shortly before noon. She was accompanied by Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Labor Secretary Maraianito Roque.
During the program, the President also handed out 19 Kabuhayan starter kit certificates for the Saba program to nine indigenous farmers and 10 sugar workers, 16 training certificates to the participants of the Trade Department's Training to Enhance Capacities in Harnessing Innovative Entrepreneurs.
Micro Financing Checks were also awarded by the President to micro, small, and medium enterprises. (CPM)