As the Philippines continues to expand its trade and industrial capabilities, regional economic centers are becoming increasingly important in connecting businesses to domestic and international markets. In Davao del Norte, Panabo City is strengthening its position as an industrial and logistics hub, supported by strategic investments from homegrown conglomerate ANFLOCOR Group of Companies.

Located along the Davao Gulf growth corridor, Panabo benefits from an established export economy, port connectivity, and expanding industrial infrastructure. These advantages make the city an attractive location for businesses looking to strengthen supply chains and establish operations beyond the country’s traditional economic centers.

“Strengthening the country’s trade competitiveness requires continued investment in industrial and logistics infrastructure across the regions,” said Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI), the property development and management arm of ANFLOCOR Group. “Mindanao has the resources, talent, and infrastructure to play a greater role in Philippine trade, and developments in Panabo City demonstrate how regional industrial hubs can support business expansion while contributing to more balanced economic growth.”

Building On Mindanao’s Export Strength

Panabo’s investment potential is supported by the expanding trade activity of the Davao Region. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the region recorded US$1.98 billion in total external trade in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 19.18% year-on-year. Export earnings reached US$1.01 billion, representing a 37.67% increase over the same period.

A key part of this trade network is the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT), an ANFLOCOR Group company that handles an average of 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units annually. Major shipping lines, including CMA CGM, SITC, Wan Hai, and ONE, connect the port to key ports and transshipment hubs in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Around 300 meters from DICT is Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE), a 63-hectare, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered industrial development by DLI. Its proximity to the port gives businesses convenient access to maritime logistics infrastructure, helping reduce inland transport requirements and support operational efficiency.

Now marking its tenth year, AIE and its locators have attracted an estimated ₱8.5 billion in combined capital investments. The estate accommodates manufacturing, processing, warehousing, and export-oriented businesses, with facilities and infrastructure designed to support long-term industrial operations.

Its industrial ecosystem continues to expand in 2026 with the addition of GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corporation’s cold storage facility and the anticipated launch of another international manufacturing operation toward the end of the year. The upcoming facility is expected to tap into Mindanao’s agricultural resources, further strengthening the connection between local production, value-added manufacturing, and international markets.

Expanding Regional Investment Opportunities

Beyond AIE, ANFLOCOR is contributing to Panabo’s industrial development through its partnership with PHINMA’s Philcement Corporation. The joint venture involves a cement manufacturing facility with a planned annual capacity of two million metric tons, alongside dedicated bulk cargo-handling infrastructure near DICT.

The project is expected to strengthen the regional supply chain for construction materials and support Mindanao’s infrastructure development.

These investments build on the region’s agricultural strengths, particularly its production of bananas, coconuts, and other high-value crops. By bringing together port facilities, industrial estates, manufacturing operations, and strategic partnerships, ANFLOCOR aims to create opportunities for employment, local enterprise development, and greater participation in regional and global value chains.

As businesses explore opportunities beyond established economic centers, Panabo offers a strategic location supported by existing trade activity and growing industrial capacity. Continued investment in infrastructure, transport connectivity, and workforce development will be important in sustaining the city’s momentum.

“Strengthening Philippine trade competitiveness means creating opportunities for businesses to grow beyond traditional economic centers. Through AIE, we want to demonstrate how strategically planned industrial developments can attract investments, support local industries, and contribute to Mindanao’s long-term economic progress,” Lagdameo concluded.

With continued investments in industrial facilities, port connectivity, and strategic partnerships, ANFLOCOR is helping position Panabo City as a key contributor to a more connected and competitive Philippine economy.

Discover how Anflo Industrial Estate supports Mindanao’s growth at anfloindustrialestate.com.