The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, warmly welcomed potential investors on February 24, brought by Ignite Impact Fund. Among them were Sulo Barakah Ventures Inc., LAB.PH, Quimson Family Holding Company, Packworks, Secura International Corp., and Iba Botanicals and BioPrime. The gathering brought together key department heads from various offices to explore potential partnerships and investments aimed at driving local development.
Chairman of the Board of Sulo Barakah Ventures Inc. Maria Antonia Odelia Arroyo, who is also the Principal & Co-founder of Ignite Impact Fund, shared insights into their investment focus, particularly in agriculture. She discussed initiatives such as farm clustering, Islamic microfinance, coconut industry revitalization, ecotourism, and mariculture. Accompanying her were key team members: CEO Mohammad Taha Basman II, prospective COO and book author/researcher Assad Baunto, and Executive Director & Co-founder Justin Lyrics Bacay.
Executive Director of the Roxas-Kalaw Foundation Vinci Roxas, along with partners Mel Sonoco and Russ Malangen, represented LAB.PH and presented their vision. As the country’s pioneering Smart City Management firm and the force behind LGUSuite, Inc., they showcased shared data technology solutions that have transformed data management for local government units (LGUs) across the country.
Meanwhile, Chief Marketing Officer of Packworks Ibba Rasul Bernardo introduced their efforts in digitally transforming last-mile retailers, particularly sari-sari stores. By integrating these small businesses into formal supply chains, Packworks empowers micro-retailers to streamline operations and enhance economic opportunities.
Other investors also presented their initiatives. Chief Finance Officer of Omniqus Holdings Maria Inez Quimson shared insights into their financial and investment strategies, emphasizing their role in supporting local enterprises. President and CEO of Secura International Corp. Danny Manayaga discussed their work in energy grass conversion to biofuels using third-generation technologies, showcasing its potential for sustainable energy solutions. Representative of Iba Botanicals and BioPrime Ben Mead highlighted their production of high-value botanicals from the Philippines, including agarwood, for supply to global markets.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the investors’ visit, emphasizing her optimism about potential collaborations that could bring lasting impact to Isabela City. She highlighted the city’s openness to innovation and sustainable development, looking forward to forging meaningful partnerships that would uplift communities and drive inclusive growth.
Also present were ICGA President Lee Roy Brown, Isabela City Museum Curator Marian Pastor Roces, BCH Cable TV Manager Alexes Ututalum Infante, and other key stakeholders. (Words by E. Banding-Hadjala/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
