“We extend heartfelt greetings to all our Filipino-Chinese friends and to the entire Fil-Chi community for a prosperous New Year. We also humbly express our deep gratitude for their unwavering support and fervent commitment to economic prosperity and good governance.”
Former Davao City representative and Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles made these remarks on the eve of Chinese New Year 2025 under the Wood Snake. The animal, according to Chinese lore, symbolizes good fortune, harvest, spirituality, and procreation.
Nograles cited the invaluable contributions of Filipino-Chinese businesses to Davao City’s economy, emphasizing their crucial role in the city’s continuing evolution as an economic and entrepreneurial hub in Mindanao.
“Our Fil-Chi friends have always been indispensable in driving Davao City commerce forward. You cannot overstate their contributions to the local economy.”
He stressed, however, that “the best token of our appreciation to those who invest financial and human capital in Davao City is to improve the business environment — to make doing business even easier and more convenient, to lay down a comprehensive economic plan, and to modernize every aspect of Davao’s economy.”
The former legislator has repeatedly stressed the urgent need to computerize and automate the issuance of business licenses and permits, improve the City’s database, streamline and decongest the flow of goods through a better transport and road network, and boost investments through more infrastructure spending and education training.
Nograles pointed out “pag buhay ang negosyo, nakikinabang ang Dabawenyo. When businesses succeed, they create jobs, generate revenue, and bring in investments that uplift our communities. As we look to the future of Davao, we must ensure that our city remains a place where businesses—big and small—can grow and thrive.”
“Davao has always been a powerhouse in Mindanao, and with the right policies and the appropriate programs, we can take it to the next level—attracting more investors, supporting homegrown entrepreneurs, and creating more opportunities for our people. By improving our business climate, we don’t just help companies—we create a vibrant, more prosperous Davao for everyone.”
