Sam Ramos
The Innovation Summit 2024 opened at the SMX Convention Center on Thursday, convening leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across the Philippines and abroad to explore technological advancements and investment prospects in Mindanao. The three-day summit, organized by the Davao Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. in partnership with ICT Davao, Inc., features 33 exhibitors presenting innovative solutions for sustainable development across various sectors.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, in a video address, underscored the summit’s role in positioning Mindanao as a prime investment destination within the emerging digital economy. He noted that innovation has been a driver of growth in leading global economies and expressed optimism about Mindanao’s potential to follow a similar trajectory.
“The opportunities before us are limitless, with innovation opening up new avenues for growth and advancement in every sector. It has always been the engine behind the success of leading economies,” Magno said.
Magno also highlighted the region’s transition from a past marked by conflict to a present defined by stability and economic opportunity. He attributed this transformation to the efforts of the “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) agenda, which prioritizes peace and development in Mindanao.
“Mindanao has evolved from a conflict-ridden area into an island of peace, beauty, and abundance, reflecting the stability achieved under Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
In support of this vision, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonah Presto from the Davao City mayor’s office introduced a six-year roadmap aimed at establishing Davao City as a central innovation hub. The roadmap includes plans to develop an innovation center, support local startups and inventors, and foster a vibrant, inclusive tech ecosystem in the city.
The summit provides a platform not only for investment in technological infrastructure but also for aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Exhibits from both local and international participants showcase advancements in clean energy, agritech, fintech, and digital health, aligning with Mindanao’s broader goals for sustainable and inclusive development.