The meeting follows MinDA’s investment mission to South Korea last December, which aimed to convert diplomatic and business leads into concrete projects for Mindanao. Magno assured the delegation of MinDA’s full support in coordinating with government agencies and local stakeholders. “MinDA will assist you in your endeavor. If there is anything else we can do to help, we are very excited about the prospects for your group,” he said.
The Korean delegation was led by Han Jong-wan, CEO of Ecoscorea, a biogas treatment company. Other members included Lee Ho-yeon, President of Ecoscorea; Kim Yong-tae, CEO of Smart E&A (power generation); Kim Yong-woon, CEO of Cheongwoo E&A (water treatment); Cho Jung-mu, Director of Cheongwoo E&A; and Lee Woo Weon, CEO of SSKK Solution, an environmental solutions firm. Officials from Daijin Pump International also joined the delegation, including Seo Beom Seok, Director; Ronnie R. Liangcungco, Chief Engineer; and Managers Lee Seonguk and Lee Sangran, all engaged in civil engineering and construction.
Smart E&A CEO Kim Yong-tae said their visit to Davao del Norte strengthened the group’s interest in pursuing long-term projects. “I think very positively about the potential of Mindanao and Davao, and I hope we can build a long-term partnership so we can continue discussions on future cooperation,” Kim said.
On Wednesday, the group paid a courtesy visit to the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte and met with Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, who encouraged the group to invest in the province. “We value this courtesy call not only as a symbol of goodwill, but also as a significant opportunity to explore partnerships that can bring mutual growth and shared progress,” Jubahib said.
During the meeting, the governor emphasized the viability of establishing solar farms, noting that increased power supply could help lower electricity rates. He said attracting renewable energy investors aligns with the provincial government’s goal of drawing more investors to Davao del Norte and assured the delegation that the province has sufficient land for solar projects.
Jubahib also discussed potential water treatment facilities, noting that existing dams could be used to store water and that projects could be implemented through public-private partnerships (PPPs). On biogas initiatives, he cited the availability of agricultural and domestic waste throughout the province, adding that each municipality has its own landfill and that the provincial government is preparing to establish a centralized landfill to support waste-to-energy projects.
“Our message is clear: Davao del Norte is open for business, open for partnerships, and ready for shared success,” Jubahib added.
MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro highlighted the province’s strong investment profile, saying, “Davao del Norte is one of the most dynamic and probably one of the richest provinces in the country; it has, in fact, consistently ranked among the most competitive provinces in the Philippines, making this a perfect opportunity for Korean companies to explore investments here.”
The delegation later conducted site visits and met with officials of Hijo Resources Corporation at the HPI Compound in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City, and with officials of Anflo Industrial Estate in Barangays San Pedro and San Vicente, Panabo City.
As part of the visit, the delegation also presented a proposal to Davao city officials to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a biogas facility at the city’s sanitary landfill. The proposal came at an opportune time, as the landfill is nearing capacity and is scheduled for closure, highlighting the need for sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.
The visit supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s priority agenda to expand renewable energy, attract foreign investments, and strengthen public-private partnerships as drivers of economic growth. The Marcos administration has been promoting clean energy projects, including solar and waste-to-energy initiatives, to ensure a stable power supply and lower electricity costs nationwide.
President Marcos Jr.’s priority reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and fast-tracking strategic investments have been implemented to encourage foreign participation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and environmental management. These efforts are intended to make the Philippines more competitive as an investment destination while supporting sustainable and inclusive development.
The interest shown by South Korean companies in Davao del Norte reflects growing investor confidence in the country’s policy direction and Mindanao’s role in national development. Despite lingering narratives linking Mindanao to security concerns, the continued interest of foreign investors underscores confidence in the region’s stability and readiness for investment.