DAVAO CITY — July 21, 2025
Davao City took a significant step toward strengthening regional diplomacy and economic cooperation as it welcomed a high-level delegation from the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila, led by Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines.
The official visit, which marked Ambassador Sumitmor’s first to the city, included a courtesy call on Acting Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte at Matina Enclaves Residences. She was joined by Economic Counsellor Mrs. Yupawan Premchit Taniguchi and Administrative Assistant Ms. Anna Lorraine Reyes.
The meeting highlighted a shared vision for deepening Philippines–Thailand relations, with a strong emphasis on agribusiness and renewable energy—a priority for both nations. Ambassador Sumitmor lauded Mindanao as the “food basket” of the Philippines and expressed keen interest in forging agricultural partnerships in the region.
“We recognize the vast potential of Davao City and Mindanao in food production. The Royal Thai Embassy is actively exploring ways to connect Thai investors to local industries,” Ambassador Sumitmor said. She added that the Embassy is facilitating business visits for prospective Thai investors who are eager to engage with Davao’s growing agribusiness sector.
Acting Mayor Duterte warmly welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment. “We are glad to see this level of interest from Thailand. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our local economy, and partnerships that lead to job creation and sustainable growth are most welcome,” Duterte said.
The local chief executive also invited the Thai delegation to take part in Davao’s upcoming Kadayawan Festival this August, a celebration that showcases the city’s rich culture and agricultural abundance.
Also present during the courtesy call were key city officials: Atty. Rachel Zozobrado, Chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on International Relations; Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, and Tourism and Beautification; Councilor Ragde Niño Ibuyan, Chair of the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization; Ms. April Marie C. Dayap, Officer-in-Charge of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC); and Mr. Harvey James Lanticse, Officer-in-Charge of the City Information Office (CIO).
The visit concluded with a warm exchange of tokens and reaffirmed commitment from both parties to pursue stronger ties, particularly in economic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.
This landmark engagement sets the stage for a deeper partnership between Davao City and the Royal Thai Embassy, promising mutual benefits through shared priorities in sustainability, food security, and regional development.