Indonesian town eyes link with Sarangani

DAVAO CITY — A delegation from Indonesia visited southern Mindanao late last week to explore the possibility of starting a roll-on, roll-off transport service and business ties between Glan in Sarangani and Tahuna Regency in North Sulawesi. "This visit is the start of formalized trading between Tahuna and Glan. This was envisioned four years ago through a sisterhood agreement," Glan Mayor Enrique B. Yap Jr. told reporters here on Monday. The Tahuna delegation consisted of government officials and business leaders who arrived last March 18 on board Indonesian vessel KM Sun Lia. During the delegation’s visit, matching between Indonesian and Filipino traders was conducted and attended by representatives of the business community in the municipality of Glan, the Association of Sarangani Quality Producers, Sarangani Tourism Industry Association, Balungis Women’s Association and small exporters. The Indonesian side consisted of traders from the Tahuna Regency and Sumbang Point Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Data from the Mindanao Economic Development Council showed that among the sample products that Tahuna intends to export to Glan are nutmeg, clove, coconut, copra, pineapple, bamboo furniture and fish products. The group left Mindanao last Saturday. "We will likely export to Tahuna RDL products since these are very popular [in Indonesia], Trade Undersecretary Merly M. Cruz said, referring to pharmaceutical firm RDL, which is based here and exports personal care products. Cruz cited Glan’s strategic location, noting that North Sulawesi is close to Southern Mindanao. She noted that travel by boat between these points is less than a day, compared with three days between Mindanao and Luzon. Regions surrounding Glan and Tahuna, she said, could benefit from improved ties. "This is an initial ro-ro connection from southern Mindanao through Glan, going to Indonesia through Tahuna," Cruz said. — Joel B. Escovilla, BusinessWorld