President Rodrigo Duterte is impressed with the performance of Davao del Norte in terms of attracting businesses into the province, Gov. Edwin Jubahib said.

Jubahib said President Duterte gave the accolade during the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Award in Manila on Thursday, in which the province was an awardee for the provincial category.

Duterte was the guest of honor at the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel, where the award was given. It was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCII).

Jubahib said the award recognizes the province’s “commendable initiatives towards good governance reforms that promote trade and investments and significantly contribute to local economic development.”

“He promised to provide me full support as he gave suggestions on how to be more enticing to the business community,” Jubahib said.

Aside from being the Most Business-Friendly local government unit, Jubahib said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also bestowed the Seal of Local Good Governance to the province.

The governor said Davao del Norte is the only province in Region 11 to receive the DILG award, which has yet to be scheduled.

The Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TCCCII) said it nominated Jubahib and the provincial government after witnessing the transformation of the economic policies and directions of the new administration.

Jubahib said that since his assumption to office, he opened the doors of the province to all investors and has instituted tax holidays and other incentives to entice more businesses to come.

The governor said regular dialogue with economic stakeholders has been his guide to attain inclusive economic growth and development.

“Investor confidence and dynamic local governance are the keys to economic growth,” the governor pointed out. (PNA)