Mindanao Rising: Tapping Growth Amid Logistics Challenges

Mindanao is rapidly establishing itself as one of the Philippines’ strongest growth centers, opening up new markets for businesses traditionally centered in Metro Manila and Luzon. 

Northern Mindanao has officially crossed the trillion-peso economy mark in 2024, boasting a 6.0% growth rate that exceeds the national average. The region’s 42 ecozones and over 100 active enterprises highlight its growing appeal to investors, while consumer demand is surging – NielsenIQ projects Mindanao as the frontrunner in FMCG growth by 2025.

Yet for businesses outside the region, growth potential alone is not enough. Significant geographical distance, fragmented supply chains, limited visibility, and the need for operational precision make expansion a challenging and daunting task. This creates a crucial gap between opportunity and reality that needs to be bridged by a reliable logistics partner.

"Mindanao’s market offers a massive opportunity, but it has to be earned," said Vin Perez, Ninja Van Philippines Country Head. “Those who can consistently deliver across the region will be the ones to benefit as demand accelerates.”

Coverage to Unlock Growth

Infrastructure investments such as the Davao International Airport and Davao International Container Terminal have created favorable conditions for trade, but a logistical divide remains. Mindanao's varied geography and dispersed population present unique challenges for consistent and comprehensive delivery. 

Only a handful of logistics providers can operate at scale in Mindanao. Ninja Van Philippines is among them, complementing infrastructure developments with a robust multimodal transport system to cover 95% of the region, excluding only Basilan. A combination of dedicated air and land haul services feeds parcels to Mindanao, while a fleet of around 2,500 active riders ensures localized last-mile delivery across communities.

"In a market where speed and reliability are paramount, a logistics partner is more than just a delivery service—they are the competitive advantage businesses need to serve the region and keep pace with its rapid economic growth," Perez noted.

From Visibility to Local Know-How

For businesses managing operations from Metro Manila, distance often means blind spots. Limited visibility, long transit times, multiple handoffs, and inconsistent data can lead to delays, errors, overstocking, or missed sales. 

Ninja Van's advanced end-to-end tracking system addresses this by providing continuous visibility into every stage of the product's journey, giving shippers a single, centralized view of their operations. 

“Transparency empowers businesses to make informed decisions and react quickly to any potential delays, providing a single source of truth for all parcel data,” Perez explains.

But while infrastructure and technology are essential, deep local knowledge is what truly differentiates a logistics partner, especially for last-mile deliveries. Ninja Van riders and operations staff are hired from the communities they serve, giving them a firsthand understanding of the area's geography and cultural nuances. In communities without house numbers or mapped streets, this hyperlocal familiarity becomes crucial in the face of obstacles like weak network signals or incorrect pins.

“Fast delivery, reliable routing, and lower rejection rates all stem from one key differentiator: people on the ground,” notes Perez. “In last-mile logistics, having a local know-how makes all the difference. Our people know which barangay captain to ask, which landmarks matter, and how to adapt when the map does not match reality.”

To scale operations quickly without losing local nuances, Ninja Van also partners with regional service contractors. Ultimately, this combination of advanced visibility and deep local knowledge creates a supply chain that is not only reliable but also adaptable, enabling businesses to maintain operational precision, reduce costs, and ensure a seamless customer experience, which are all crucial for building a strong brand in a new market. 

Bringing Reliable Connectivity to More Communities: Eastern Communications Furthers its Reach in Mindanao

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, continues its mission to bridge the digital divide by officially expanding its services in two key cities in Mindanao: General Santos City and Dipolog City. Through its signature Via Eastern launch events, the telco celebrates its growing presence in Southern and Western Mindanao—empowering local communities, driving innovation, and supporting regional growth.

Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan said, “We’re excited to officially launch our services in General Santos and Dipolog, and to expand to more areas across Mindanao. Our presence in these key digital cities reflects Eastern Communications’ continued mission to transform how businesses in manufacturing, retail, IT-BPM, and MSME sectors operate, helping them better serve their communities and drive inclusive progress across the cities. By equipping enterprises of all sizes with reliable connectivity and future-ready ICT solutions, we’re building a digital foundation that empowers communities, fuels regional economies, and drives long-term, inclusive development.”

Empowering General Santos: The Tuna Capital of the Philippines

lyf Cebu City: Paving the Way for Co-Living in the Visayas Mindanao Region

Philippines, 21 December 2023 – Following the launch of the first lyf property in Malate, Manila, The Ascott Limited is thrilled to announce its expansion into the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) region with the opening of lyf Cebu City, the first international co-living serviced residence in the city. The latest property sets the tone for lyf’s continued growth and commitment to providing the new generation of travelers with a unique and vibrant co-living experience.

lyf Cebu City aims to bring its unique and distinct brand of co-living spaces and community-centric service to the Queen City of the South. Last December 16, 2023, lyf Cebu City extended an invitation to local media and influencers from Visayas, treating them to an unforgettable experience at "lyf of the City." The event offered an exclusive sneak peek into the property through fun activities, live entertainment, an interactive tour, and a delicious spread of food and drinks. 

Among the key personalities present were Rey Vergel Mulat, lyf Cebu City’s POP Champion, and Eunice Lodripas, the Director of Communications at The Ascott Limited, who shared insights into the brand's vision.

Mathias Bergundthal, the Cebu Landmasters Director of Hotels and Assets, was also in attendance along with Denise Olegario, the Director of Sales and Distribution at The Ascott Limited. Their presence highlighted lyf’s commitment to delivering an exceptional co-living experience in Cebu City.

Strategically located in the heart of Cebu, lyf Cebu City adds to the spirited atmosphere that the city made its name out of. The property will be located at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu and is only a car drive away from Cebu CBD. It’s well-connected in terms of transport infrastructure and roads, making it a prime spot for both residents and businesses.

Moreover, being at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu means guests are likely surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. This area offers a mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, creating a dynamic environment, which can be attractive for individuals seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. Such strategic locations also often witness ongoing urban development, adding to the value of the property over time. It's not just about the present amenities but also the potential for future growth and expansion.

A glimpse of lyf Cebu amenities

Stepping inside the interior of the property, lyf Cebu City presents a wide range of amenities designed to foster a sense of community and offer an incomparable level of living experience. Guests can choose from a selection of One of a Kind (Studio), Side by Side (Twin), and All Together (Two-bedroom and Four-bedroom) apartment units to suit their preferences. The Connect (Coworking Space and Communal Lounge) provides an inspiring environment for collaboration, networking, and a sense of community, while Nook (Private Working Spaces) offers a peaceful and quiet sanctuary ideal for focused work.

In addition, lyf Cebu City’s Bond (Social Kitchen) is an amazing area where guests can unleash and let out their culinary creativity and build connections with fellow professionals that extend beyond work. The Wash and Hang (Social Launderette) ensures convenience and cleanliness, while the property’s pool offers a space to relax and share stories while taking in breathtaking views of the city. Health enthusiasts can also stay on track with their fitness goals without leaving the premises of the lyf with the Burn (Social Gym), a 24-hour fully equipped fitness center.

Complementing the vibrant environment of lyf Cebu City, the lyf Crew is the missing piece to complete every guest’s experience. Comprising of the lyf Champion (Residence Manager), lyf Guards (Multitaskers), and Ambassadors of Buzz (Community Manager), the lyf Crew are all dedicated to providing every guest with an exceptional experience throughout their stay. The crew is readily available to give local insider information, assist with inquiries, facilitate community-building activities, and foster a sense of belongingness and camaraderie among the guests.

“The expansion of our lyf property into Cebu marks an exciting milestone not only for lyf but also for The Ascott Limited as a whole. lyf Cebu City is only the beginning as we are determined to bring our innovative and community-focused properties to new locations,” said lyf Champion (Residence Manager) Rey Vergel Mulat.

lyf Cebu City is set to open its doors soon, and the opening will be the beginning of The Ascott Limited’s expansion plans into the VisMin region. 

Explore the advantages of becoming a member of the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) program, where guests can unlock a world of exclusive benefits, rewards, and the most competitive rates. To learn more about the Ascott Star Rewards program, please visit this link.

For more information and updates about lyf Cebu, follow the official social media pages ( Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

Smart ‘Creativity Camp’ Inspires Artistry, Love for Sustainability among Mindanao Students

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) helped welcome students to the school opening activities at the University of Mindanao (UM) and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), with its Smart Creativity Camp. The fun-filled events, run by Smart as part of a broad program to engage young people nationwide, enables students to bring out the artist in them as they learn more about sustainability.

University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony "Ernald" Andal, SJ, shared, “ADZU has been active in promoting sustainability, and one of our efforts is encouraging students to bring reusable water containers. We are happy that Smart hosted this Creativity Camp, enabling aspiring artists to personalize their water containers, showcase their creativity and learn the value of our sustainability programs at the same time.”

Bringing their own metal beverage containers, students trooped to the colorful booths to join the camp. Using their own tumblers as canvas and art materials provided by Smart, the students personalized their beverage containers with designs that represent their passions and their vision of a sustainable future.

“Smart empowers the youth to pursue their passions. Our creativity camp allows them to express their emotions through visual arts. Through their creations, they tell us about their passion for sustainable practices,” said Melvin Consunji Nubla, FVP and Head of Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management.

“Art is very important and joining this camp has enhanced my creativity. It also made me realize that we can create art using non-hazardous materials which are safe for the environment,” said 18-year-old UM Fine Arts student, Marylove Eclarinal.

To motivate students, especially those who feel intimidated handling a paintbrush, Smart invited Davao-based multi-disciplinary artist, Goldie Siglos, to hold a workshop on basic design techniques for the UM students. In Zamboanga, resident artist Bel Garcia conducted an art class for the ADZU students. With their help, the students crafted unique artworks using water-based paint and custom stickers from Smart.

Smart will continue to roll out its Creativity Camp to more schools, to encourage more students to unleash their passion for the arts and at the same time, raise awareness on sustainability. The Smart Creativity Camp is part of the PLDT group’s broad range of activities that empowers and builds bridges of collaboration across sectors and communities towards a sustainable future.

DTI Monitors the COVID-19 Protocols Set for Resumed Enterprises in ZamPen

To curtail the transmission of the COVID-19 spread as businesses resumed operations in Zamboanga Peninsula, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) guarantee that the employers and workers properly observe the precautionary health measures in the workplace.

DTI-IX OIC-Regional Director Ceferino Rubio joined the DOLE and local government units (LGUs) in the series of region-wide monitoring of barbershops, salons, dine-in and fast food restaurants which were allowed to resume operations last June 7, 2020.

Initial findings on the inspection conducted among the establishments include the presence of waiting area outside the establishment, foot bath, temperature check and disinfection upon entrance for both employees and clients; filling out of health checklist for employees, safe distancing of 1 to 1.5 meters among employees and clients, and use of PPE for employees.

Rubio stressed that post-audit will also be carried out to focus on the mandatory protocols which shall serve as the basis to issue an outright warning to the establishment on the first instance of violation. Upon receipt, the concerned DTI Office shall forward the individual reports of erring establishments to the proper LGU for appropriate enforcement and monitoring procedures. The concerned office is also expected to recommend to the proper LGU: a.) temporary closure of the establishment should the LGU still find the establishment unable to comply within the following day, and b.) erring establishments may only resume operations once proven able to comply the mandatory protocols.

DTI Region 9 continuously conducts the monitoring in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela. Monitoring covers those establishments that are already allowed to operate during GCQ for Zamboanga City and MGCQ for the rest of the region.

However, Rubio also stressed that the following establishments are not yet allowed to operate during GCQ: gyms, fitness studios and sports facilities, entertainment, business, politically, and or sports related mass gatherings, libraries, archives, museums, gambling and betting activities, travel agency, tour operators, reservation services, and activities of membership organizations.

To date, DTI IX has already reached and inspected 350 establishments, in which 267 establishments has 183% compliance and 83 establishments with partial compliance.

LBC Moving to 'Flatten The Curve': P50M for Mass Program

LBC heeds the government’s call to move for the nation, during this time of COVID-19, and commits Php 50 million worth of supply of (washable/reusable) 2-ply masks, to support Filipino communities and mitigate the virus’ spread in at-risk areas. This affirmative action is part of LBC’s response, and in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the temporary shortage of masks and distribution of these in densely populated areas of the country will be addressed. “The current situation calls for people to do their ‘part’: be it by staying at home or having to risk their own safety by going to work, to treat the sick. For us at LBC, our ‘part’ is to move-- together with our courageous frontliners, and join the fight,” said Executive Director of the LBC Foundation, Nena L. Wuthrich.

“LBC is starting this mask program with hopes of being one with all Filipinos--to ‘flatten the curve.’ This initiative is also set to assist in educating the public more, on the vital function of masks to protect not just themselves, but also others around them. We believe that masks can and will save lives,” Wuthrich adds. This initiative concurs with the recent announcement of The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, mandating the public to wear any type of mask before leaving their place of residence, to minimize or if not totally to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus from one person to another.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

LBC Offers Lowest Rates Ever for Domestic Remittance Services

Committed to providing Filipinos access to cheap and convenient remittance services, LBC Express Inc., the leader in money remittance services, announces its lowest rate ever. For as low as Php2, senders can send their money to their loved ones with the help of LBC’s over 1,400 branches nationwide with its cheaper Instant Peso Padala service.

This announcement aims to benefit the over 52 million unbanked Filipinos, a number released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2018.

“We understand that sending and receiving money from your loved ones may be hindered with access to digital means. That is why our over 1,400 branches are open to serve as transaction points so Filipinos don’t have to worry about remitting money wherever in the country they may be. Our strong network coupled with these affordable rates will enable Filipinos to do quick, cheap, and safe financial transactions,” said OLV.

The new rates are as follows:

Amount	Provincial Rate	Manila Rate
Php0.01-Php100	Php2	Php3
Php100.01-Php200	Php3	Php6
Php200.01-Php300	Php5	Php9
Php300.01-Php400	Php8	Php12
Php400.01-Php500	Php8	Php15
Php500.01-Php600	Php10	Php18
Php600.01-Php700	Php10	Php21
Php700.01-Php800	Php12	Php24
Php800.01-Php900	Php12	Php27
Php900.01-Php1000	Php15	Php30
Php1000.01-Php1500	Php20	Php45
Php1500.01-Php2000	Php30	Php60
Php2000.01-Php2500	Php40	Php75
Php2500.01-Php3000	Php 50	Php90
Php3000.01-Php4000	Php70	Php120
Php4000.01-Php5000	Php90	Php125

To avail of the Instant Peso Padala service, LBC customers just need to go to the nearest LBC branch, fill out the form and hand their cash. In a few minutes, the cash is ready for pick up at any LBC branch in the Philippines.

LBC remains bullish of the remittance transactions in the Philippines citing that Filipinos are still looking after secured and fast means to send and encash money. For more information on LBC’s services, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).