Davao City—The European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines, Mariomassimo Santoro, paid a courtesy visit to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte on February 26 to discuss EU-Philippines relations and explore potential areas of collaboration. The meeting, held at Arcadia Event Center in Matina, was attended by key EU officials, including Frederic Grillet, Political Officer at the EU Delegation to the Philippines; Ada Pesämaa, Attaché in the EU Delegation; and Maui Tobias, Assistant to the Head of Cooperation.
Ambassador Santoro reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Davao City and the wider Mindanao region through development assistance, investment promotion, and tourism initiatives. He also addressed concerns regarding travel advisories issued by some European countries, particularly in certain areas of Mindanao.
“We want to help clarify these issues and encourage investors and tourists to explore the region’s vast potential,” Santoro stated.
One key focus of the discussion was the EU’s push for a circular economy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a concept previously highlighted by former EU Ambassador Luc Veron. Santoro emphasized that the Philippines, with its dynamic entrepreneurial landscape, has the opportunity to become a leader in sustainable business practices.
Mayor Duterte, in turn, highlighted Davao City’s rapid economic growth, which, while beneficial, has led to challenges such as congestion. However, he described these as “good problems” that signify the city’s expanding economic opportunities.
“The people of Davao are experiencing urban congestion, something that was uncommon in the past. The economic activities, which significantly increased since the former president’s administration, have attracted investors and job seekers alike,” Duterte noted.
Ambassador Santoro also expressed interest in investing in the city’s agricultural sector, particularly in value-adding processes. Mayor Duterte identified Calinan as a potential area for investment, given its production of cacao and other agricultural commodities.
Another topic of discussion was the promotion of a green economy as an alternative to traditional economic models that contribute to environmental degradation and resource scarcity.
In a separate remark, Santoro commended the high level of political awareness among university students in Davao City, praising their knowledge and engagement in governance issues.
Mayor Duterte welcomed the EU delegation’s initiatives and assured his support for their planned investments, emphasizing that such collaborations would foster stronger economic ties between Davao City and the European Union.
