Duterte, an ‘unorthodox president’

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo R. Duterte is an “unorthodox president,” who deals with non-traditional markets for the Philippines like Russia and China that opened more opportunities for local businessmen, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Ronald Go said.

“I think the President has been good for this country. He is, of course, (an) unorthodox president. He has broken the mold compared to the previous presidents and obviously he has been dealing with non-traditional partners, such as trading partners like China, Russia,” he said.

Duterte said his administration’s efforts have “shaken up the market for businessmen, giving them more options where to probably source our inputs, where to sell our products.”

“We have a bigger market now,” he said.

Go added the President has also generated interests from investors and ambassadors, “who never used to come (before but) are now coming (to Davao City).”

“We only hope our fellow countrymen, not only Dabawenyos but the whole country continues to support our President,” he said.

DCCCII vice president Belinda Torres said they also want other areas outside of Davao City to experience the kind of interests the city has been getting from prospective investors.

“I don’t see any reason why investors would not come over and take a second, third, or fourth look at Mindanao. It does not stop in Manila or Luzon but there are more prospects. As they say, Mindanao is a land of promise,” Torres pointed out.

She added: “That’s what we’re really hoping for aside from Davao City, the local government unit would come and join us and have a look at what we’re doing and obviously what we can share is our best practices, so we can achieve something that is good for the entire Mindanao.”