(Photo courtesy of PIA)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Davao City government has approved investment incentives for three major projects worth a combined P48.9 billion, covering power generation, tourism infrastructure and parking facilities.
Through the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC), the local government granted incentives to projects expected to strengthen the city’s infrastructure, attract businesses and generate employment.
The largest investment is the P47.946-billion expansion of Therma South Inc.’s coal-fired power plant, which will add 300 megawatts (MW) to its existing 300-MW capacity. The project is expected to increase baseload power supply to support the city’s growing energy demand.
Another major development is the P834-million Davao Convention and Trade Center, a project of DavCon Events Center.
According to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the planned 17,835-square-meter facility will accommodate up to 10,000 guests and cater to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
Once completed, it is expected to become the largest MICE facility in Davao City.
The third approved project is a P181-million paid parking facility by Alsons Development and Investment Corporation, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for parking spaces as vehicle numbers continue to rise.
The investments are also expected to create thousands of employment opportunities for Davao residents.
Therma South’s expansion could generate at least 2,150 jobs, including approximately 2,000 during construction, while the convention center project is projected to create at least 430 jobs.
DCIPC head April Marie Dayap said the approved projects represent the largest investment value secured by the city in 2026.
Under the incentives approved by the Davao City Investment Incentive Board, qualified investors will receive five-year business tax exemptions, three-year real property tax exemptions and five-year exemptions from mayor’s permit fees and licenses.
The incentives are available to businesses operating in priority sectors, including agribusiness, tourism, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, property development, healthcare, education, eco-industry and inclusive business activities.
Dayap said more companies have expressed interest in establishing operations in Davao City, with additional property development projects anticipated in 2027.
“We have more coming, probably dili nato na mahabol this year, but definitely next year in 2027 we will see more property developments,” Dayap said.
The city government expects the investments to support economic activity, improve infrastructure and expand employment opportunities in Davao City.
