BUSINESS

NDC inks P4O-M venture with Davao waste management firm

The NDC’s approved P40-million investment granted Davao-based DTBC will fuel the environmental solutions company’s expansion plans, which include the installation of a state-of-the-art dashboard at the plant that will monitor air quality and composting activities, among others, by 2024.

Raffy Ayeng · Dec 10, 2023, 12:02 AM

(Standing, from left to right) Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation director Masanori Sugiura, DTBC chairman of the Board Francis Estrada, development general director and Board Member Yasuhiro Matsuzawa, director for Overseas Development Kiyonori Nakamura, DTBC CFO Thaddeus Acuña, DTBC director for Local Government Engagement Rene Paraba, matriarch and shareholder Charita Puentespina, DTBC financial consultant Jose Santillan, DTBC corporate secretary Atty. Hector Belisario; (seated left to right) National Development Company general manager Anton Mauricio and DTBC president Olive Puentespina during the signing of the investment agreement in Davao City last Thursday. | photograph courtesy of NDC

The National Development Company, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, has recently sealed strategic investments worth P40 million with the Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation. This was seen by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual as a development that adheres to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s eight-point socio-economic agenda.

During the signing of the investment agreement between the NDC and Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation held in Matina Aplaya, Davao City last 7 December, Pascual emphasized that the strategic investment is aimed at championing the country's economic agenda through partnerships with business activities that advocate for innovation and sustainable development.

"Led by our investment arm NDC, this strategic investment agreement with the DBTC is aligned with President Marcos Jr.'s comprehensive eight-point socioeconomic agenda, particularly on ensuring affordable and clean energy," said Pascual.

He continued, "As we foster innovation and sustainable development, we are actively working towards attracting quality investments that will generate better-paying jobs and other employment opportunities for Filipinos."

Fuel environmental solutions

The NDC's approved P40-million investment granted Davao-based DTBC will fuel the environmental solutions company's expansion plans, which include the installation of a state-of-the-art dashboard at the plant that will monitor air quality and composting activities, among others, by 2024

The signing ceremony between NDC General Manager Anton Mauricio and DTBC President Olive Puentespina was held in the presence of DTBC's top management and DTBC's key Japanese technology partner, Kyowa Kako.

Further, Pascual commended DTBC's innovative approach to converting biodegradable waste into biofertilizers.

Significant practices

He also highlighted the significance of environmentally sustainable practices for the country's agricultural landscape as well as the DTI's active role in supporting such initiatives.

In addition, the DTI chief recognized how government-led investments through investment promotion agencies, like the NDC, exemplify the administration's commitment to diversifying investments and promoting growth in various regions of the Philippines.

"As the DTI leverages science, technology and innovation-driven initiatives to propel the Philippines' economic landscape, we are steadfast in advancing the national government's eight-point socioeconomic agenda, through collaboration with private firms such as the DTBC. Through forging strong public and private partnerships, we aim to make significant strides in nurturing investments that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals," Pascual said.

Established in 2015, DTBC champions biodegradable waste management through patented Japanese technology.

With more than 30 million kilos of waste diverted from landfills to its composting plant in Davao City, DTBC contributes significantly to environmental sustainability while supporting agricultural productivity through biofertilizer production.