Davao City traders upbeat on economic recovery

DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Business Council (MBC) president Vicente Lao said last Friday’s explosion at the Roxas Night Market here “is the price we need to pay” in the quest for longlasting peace in Mindanao.

Lao acknowledged that the September 2 bombing will definitely affect the city’s businesses and tourism sector but likewise emphasized the need deter similar incidents in the future to ensure peace and prosperity.

“Let's just take proper precautions on these critical times when the President is waging this difficult but necessary war against drugs and crime. Let's support him and hope he will succeed in this very difficult endeavor,” he said.

President Duterte sent thousands of troops to combat the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group who, according to reports, denied involvement in the bombing in the city that killed 14 people and wounded at least 70 others.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Bonifacio Tan, who also noted a slight slowdown in touri9sm-oriented business shortly after the incident, likewise believes that things will get back to normal.

Former DCCCII president Antonio Dela Cruz said that bombing adversely affected the business community for several days, but noted that the scenario is quickly improving.

“So far as per observation, it was only on the first two days after the bombing that the business became slugging but as of today, it has started to be vibrant again and recovering fast,” he said.

He also cited the Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte for promptly acting on the bombing and extending assistance to the families of the victims.