Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has commended business tycoon Hans T. Sy and the SM Group for their planned expansion in Davao and other parts of Mindanao, emphasizing that the move will further accelerate economic growth in the region.
Confidence in Mindanao's Potential
Escudero expressed hope that Sy’s confidence in Mindanao’s economy will encourage other major investors to follow suit, bringing fresh ventures to the island to generate jobs and boost economic activities. He noted that Sy’s remarks during a recent visit to Davao City, where he highlighted Mindanao’s promising growth and pledged additional investments, “reflect the kind of private-sector engagement needed to spread development beyond traditional economic centers.”
“Hans Sy’s decision to expand further in Mindanao shows clear confidence in the region’s potential. If we want development to be truly national, we need more tycoons and major business groups to look toward Mindanao and the Visayas, not just the usual economic centers,” the senator said.
National University Davao Inauguration
Sy, who chairs the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, was in Davao City to inaugurate National University Davao, the group’s first campus in Mindanao and the 15th nationwide. He stated that he was “more encouraged” to expand SM Group’s footprint in the island after witnessing the rapid transformation of Davao City and the strong performance of several Mindanao regions.
Call for Government Support
Escudero urged the government to actively support investors who choose to build outside Metro Manila by ensuring stable policies, reliable infrastructure, and predictable regulatory processes. He reiterated that broad-based development requires commitment from both the public and private sectors, adding that Sy’s announcement is a “positive signal” that should inspire similar initiatives from other major business groups to generate jobs and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
