TAGUM CITY – Davao del Norte 1st District Representative De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy reaffirmed his commitment to champion policies that will advance Mindanao’s inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability during his keynote address at the 34th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) held on August 29, 2025, at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City.
In his speech, Rep. Uy emphasized that Mindanao’s progress hinges on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, aligning with the conference’s focus on strengthening regional connectivity, investing in the digital economy, and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“The progress of Mindanao depends on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. These themes are not mere abstract concepts but real goals that we in Congress are working to realize through laws that expand digital infrastructure and empower MSMEs in every corner of the country,” Uy said.
He praised the startups showcased during the WEN Ignite Demo Day, calling them “trailblazers of the new economy,” and highlighted their role in proving that creativity and courage drive regional competitiveness. Uy also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships as the cornerstone of sustainable development.
“The government must be the enabler, the private sector the driver, and our communities the beneficiaries of growth. That, to me, is the real spirit of Bayanihan in business,” he added.
Rep. Uy shared that District 1 of Davao del Norte is being positioned as a growth hub for agribusiness, logistics, and technology-driven industries. However, he stressed that this vision requires collaboration, resilience, and adaptability in the face of challenges.
The lawmaker concluded by pledging to bring the voices of Mindanaoan business leaders and communities to the halls of Congress and to pursue policies that will secure Mindanao’s rightful place in national progress.
“I reaffirm my commitment to bring your voices to the halls of Congress and to work for policies that will secure Mindanao’s rightful place in our nation’s progress. It is my only hope that after today, this gathering has inspired more collaboration, more innovation, and more milestones for the 1st District of Davao del Norte and for the whole of Mindanao,” Rep. Uy concluded.
The 34th MinBizCon gathered business leaders, government officials, local and foreign delegates, and awardees, aiming to connect and build a network to pursue the conference’s business agenda including Plenary 1 – International Solidarity and Business Synergy in Mindanao, Plenary 2 – Agriculture 4.0: The Future of Farming in Mindanao, Plenary 3 – Halal Economy And Opportunities For Mindanao, and Plenary 4 – Advancing Renewable Energy For A Sustainable Mindanao. (1st District Congressional Office Davao del Norte – EMCJr)
