THE EUROPEAN Chamber of Commerce (ECCP) in the Philippines said the Canada travel advisory might quite impact foreign investments pipelined in Mindanao.
During the Kapihan forum on Jan. 22, ECCP chairperson Antonio Peralta said one of the major investments of Canada in the Philippines was in the mining sector and some pipelined investments for food processing.
“What I don’t understand is this entire business of the travel advisory should have really considered inputs coming from the government, as it’s not just hearsays,” Peralta said.
Peralta added there have been no worries expressed about the current state when it comes to the peace and order on the island by any of the ECCP members, foreign chambers in Mindanao, or the consulate offices in Davao City.
Adrian Tamayo, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) public relations division chief, shared their exploratory business mission with the Leading Edge Air Corporation (LEASCOR), the aviation arm of ACDI Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a possible revival of Davao-Manado connectivity.
Tamayo said this implies that Mindanao “is ready for foreign businesses.”
He also shared the discussion of developing renewable energy along Maria Cristina Falls situated in Misamis Oriental.
“Last December, the investment promotions agency of the government conducted the planning in Misamis Oriental, in order to develop a marketing plan to promote Mindanao in the lands of renewable energy. But with this travel advisory, it would hurt this kind of investment,” Tamayo said.
He pointed out that “Peace, Safety, and Security on Mindanao” showed a trust and safety rating of 86% and 88%, implying that Mindanao is “a good source for telling investors and travelers to come.”
MinDA also said they will soon seek an audience with the Canadian ambassador to the Philippines along with security sectors, in connection to the recently released travel advisory on the southern island.
The travel advisory of Canada, posted on its official website, which was updated last January 10, advised citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories), due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping in the Philippines.”
The advisory also mentioned the risk in traveling to some parts of Mindanao island, as “clashes may occur between insurgent groups and security forces.”
