SEVERAL business leaders here urged the Cagayan de Oro city government to identify and establish its own economic zone to boost investment and sustain economic growth.
Among the local business leaders is Ray Talimio Jr., former president of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) and a business coach, who called on Mayor Rolando Uy to prioritize the creation of a designated economic zone within the city.
In an interview on Monday, Talimio said putting up an economic zone is vital for a fast-growing city like Cagayan de Oro to attract more investors, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
“We can easily invite locators, especially those in the manufacturing industry, if we properly identify and establish an economic zone,” he said.
He added the initiative may be delegated to the Oro Trade and Investment Promotion Center, led by John Asuncion, but cited the need for stronger direction and focus from city leadership.
Talimio said he has discussed with Asuncion the possible identification of growth areas in the city that still have large tracts of land suitable for government expropriation and development.
Among the areas cited were Barangays Tablon, Indahag, Bulua, and Lumbia, which he described as having strong potential for expansion.
He also underscored the presence of the nearby PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, which manages the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate. The estate spans about 3,000 hectares and has operated for 51 years under its own charter.
However, Talimio observed that the industrial estate has yet to fully realize its potential to attract investors, possibly due to limited promotion and international outreach.
“For 51 years, it has largely remained the same. Growth has been very slow,” he said.
Uy has yet to respond to the business leaders’ request, as he is at Malacañang on Monday to attend the launch of Bayan Makinabang, an initiative of the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office started its first inspection for 2026 on hotels and accommodation establishments in the city.
The series of inspections aimed at encouraging business owners to comply with the requirements and operational standards in hotel and hospitality management. (PNA)
