DAVAO CITY - Several Mindanao and Davao City-based businessmen, representatives from local chamber organizations and local government officials gathered during the Thrive Summit held at the Dusit Thani Davao on Aug. 26.

Organized by Eastern Telecommunications, the Thrive Summit is a one-day gathering of business leaders that aim to forge connections with current and potential clients and partners situated in the southern areas.

The first of a two-part series brings industry leaders to speak about best-in-class digital solutions and technological trends.  There were also experiential booths from partners Kacific and Packetworx, where top-selling products and services were demonstrated.

“In today’s environment, digital transformation poses great ease to the business sector around the world as it helps sustain various operations, especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we further explore and utilize what the digital world offers, may this summit serve as a useful linkage for our Dabawenyo entrepreneurs to attain the goal of boosting the productivity of their respective businesses,” reads the written message of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte for the opening of the summit.

During the Thrive Summit, Business leaders also cited the necessity of digitizing the way businesses are run.

“The best way for businesses affected by the pandemic to adapt is by transforming to an online platform and at the same time digitalizing their business processes, which is very important not only in being able to do business again, but more efficiently, reducing the cost of doing business,” Tony Peralta and Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said as he discussed the collaboration of Davao’s agricultural and digital landscape.

Meanwhile Davao City Councilor Bernard Al-ag, chair of the City Council committee trade commerce and industry spoke of the City Government’s efforts in digitization.

“The whole world now is gearing towards digitalization, and Davao city is not an exception. That is why the city government right now, with the city council and department heads are very busy to realize this transformation. And I hope that with the presence of Eastern Communications, it can help us in digitalizing the transactions of the city government, ” Councilor Al-ag said.

The Dusit Thani Davao event is the first leg of the Thrive Summit. Eastern Telecommunications will he holding the second leg in Savoy Hotel, Boracay on Sept. 23.

Eastern Telecommunications is one of the country’s premiere  telecommunications companies, providing an extensive portfolio of services that include Connectivity Solutions, Network Solutions, Security Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. One of its target expansion areas is in Mindanao. (PIA/RG Alama)