THE Department of Trade and Industry–Davao Region (DTI-Davao) reported that most foreign investments in the region during the first quarter of 2025 came from South Korea and Japan.
According to DTI-Davao, South Korean investors accounted for 31 percent of the total, followed by Japanese investors at 25 percent. The remaining 44 percent came from various other countries.
Foreign investors contributed nearly 58 percent of the region’s total investments, while local investors made up just over 42 percent. Top investment areas included processed fruits and nuts, wearables and homestyles, and coconut-based products.
Through the Industry Cluster Enhancement program, DTI-Davao assisted 172 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), generating approximately 1,756 jobs.
In Q1 2025, the department recorded ₱27 million in investments, US$221.87 million in exports, and ₱30 million in domestic sales.
Additionally, 164 MSMEs availed of loans, and the agency registered 19,939 new business names.
DTI-Davao also expanded its services by launching the 1,045th Negosyo Center in the Philippines—located in Sarangani, Davao Occidental—on March 17, 2025. This marks the 54th Negosyo Center in the Davao Region.
Two new Shared Service Facilities (SSF) were launched: the "Made in Davlab" Fabrication Laboratory in Davao Oriental on March 5, and the Mafamco Banana Chips Processing Facility in Davao Occidental on March 28.
“From boosting local businesses to empowering consumers, the team, along with its collaboration and partnership with other agencies, has significantly impacted its success during the quarter,” DTI-Davao shared in a Facebook post on May 2. RGP