SOME 300 booths and around 180 firms showcased their products and services during the opening ceremony of the Philippine Building and Construction Expo (Philbex) and the Travel and Leisure Expo (TLEX) on Thursday, May 9, at the SMx Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City.
Worldbex Services International managing director Jill Aithnie Ang said that they chose the city as the venue of because of its upsurge in growth and development.
“We feel that Davao is the next hub when you talk about Mindanao. This is the gateway talaga. The market is good, Manila market really want to penetrate the Mindanao market because it is really a booming market and there’s a lot of development happening. And the support of the local government here also encourages investors and tourists to come in,” Ang said.
Department of Tourism regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan said they support the event for it is an opportunity for Davao to become a premier Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination so we highly encouraged them to bring this event here every year,” she said.
The 5th Philbex Davao will highlight 219 booths and over 100 exhibitors from the construction industry.
One of the highlights of Philbex is the Architect’s Gallery, which showcases unique design perspectives and insights to the latest design trends from the region’s architects and their respective firms.
Far East Architects, the Philippine Institute of Architects – Greater Davao, the Raid Builders, UAP Balajaw Davao, UAP Datu Bago, and ILI Architects are just among the participating architectural firms.
There are also Mindanawon designers that will showcase interior spaces at the Interior Designer’s Gallery.
Among the exhibitors from the city during Philbex is the Kone Company, which provides elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization.
Kone representative Julius Arriaza said they have been joining the expo as it helps them in their local and foreign market and promotion of their products and services especially with the growing competition.
For TLEX, there will be over 90 booths and over 40 exhibitors that will showcase the latest products and services from those in the tourism industry. These exhibitors include hotels, travel agencies, airlines, couriers, cruise lines, resorts, shipping companies, and recreational destinations.
Department of Trade and Industry Davao regional director Maria Belenda Ambi said the agency supports the small and medium enterprises which are participating in event by showcasing their local products.
The back-to-back trade shows will run from May 9 to 12, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.