DAVAO CITY, Philippines—PhilConstruct Mindanao 2016, the biggest building and construction exposition in the region, formally opened Friday at the SMX Convention Center here without cancellations from any of the over 500 local and foreign exhibitors amid the September 2 deadly explosion at the Roxas night market.
Event Chair, Engineer Ramon Allada, said this year’s expo—which is the 7th—was foreseen to have higher attendance than last year, which had around 8,000 visitors.
“Up to yesterday (Thursday), exhibitors were scrambling for booth slots. So this indicated that they were not cowed by the bombing incident,” Allado said.
“There is a bigger show because there is bigger interest,” Allado said.
Davao Region Tourism Council chair Mary Ann Montemayor said the council and local officials were very thankful that the event proceeded despite the horrible blast, where 14 persons died and 70 others wounded.
Allado said this year’s construction expo will run until Sunday.
Philconstruct Events, Exhibitions and Conferences Corporation and Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PEECC) President Dante Abando said the expo is among venues that significantly contributes to economy of Davao and Southern Mindanao.
“PhilConstruct Mindanao has now become the most sought after venue for industry professionals looking for new high quality construction equipment, products and technologies,” he said. He also described the exhibition as an effective and comprehensive platform to meet new clients and establish networking.
This year’s participating brands include Boysen Phils., Holcim Phils., Jinyl Import and Export Trading Co., International Elevator and Equipment Inc., Panasonic, Republic Cement, Isuzu, A-Plus All Weather, Bestank, Bosch, Daikin, Civic Merchandising, Tosot Philippines, Tamsons Enterprises Inc., Hilti Phlippines, Hitachi, and Tomita.
Mayor Sara Duterte, in a message read by Councilor April Dayap, thanked PhilConstruct Mindanao for their continued trust and confidence in the city. She also thanked the group for helping boost the city’s economy.
Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte thanked the organizers and participants for pushing through the exhibition despite the bombing incident.
“We all know the recent bombing incident put doubts and fear in each and every one of us especially those who are not from Davao City, that such a big event like this one might not push through. However, I am grateful especially to all the participants, exhibitors and buyers who are present. It only shows that you still trust the security and order of Davao City,” he said. RAM/rga