The Philippine Building and Construction Exposition (PHILBEX), the largest and the most comprehensive building and construction trade show and Travel and Leisure Expo (TLEX), opened Thursday at the SMX Convention Center here.

Some 300 exhibitors of building and construction materials, equipment, and services; interior designs, renovation products; mechanical and electrical engineering systems, among others, are being showcased in the event until May 14.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao (OPAMINE) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, the guest speaker, said he was elated that PHILBEX and TLEX chose this city as a venue for this year’s event.

“I hope that I am correct in saying that you guys PHILBEX and TLEX organizers, participants, and officers, see a big potential in us here in Davao and in Mindanao, thus you are here,” he said.

He noted that Mindanao has a lot of potential in terms of infrastructures “to facilitate the storage and transport of products to all the other parts of the country and the world.”

“On the tourism side, we have the best and most pristine beaches, falls, caves, mountains, and other destinations we could offer to tourists. What we lack are the tourists to come in and enjoy them,” Magno said.

He said PHILBEX and TLEX are an opportunity for the government and the private sector to work hand-in-hand in bringing more tourists and construction projects to Mindanao as this will improve the livelihood and economic situation of the island. (PNA)