NEAR THE TOP of a commercial high-rise in downtown Davao is a high-tech company that develops state-of-the-art business solutions for North American companies. In another building is an unassuming, but ultra-modern, geographical information systems company that counts numerous local governments across various regions as part of its portfolio. And yet in another location is a graphics design outfit that has won international recognition.

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VOLUNTARY organizations, by their very nature, are comprised of members who participate and contribute for a cause. When the members of a voluntary organization turn cold and cease to be actively involved, I can think of only two reasons: the cause is no longer valid; or, the leadership is not up to the members’ expectations. In my opinion, the reason could never be apathy on the part of the members. Apathy is the effect.

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FROM THE ONE wifi hotspot early last year, the city now has no less than seven establishments equipped with "wireless fidelity" Internet access. Wifi refers to the technology that enables people to connect wirelessly to the Internet and local area networks. In Davao, the current hotspots are the following: Basti’s Brew in Victoria Plaza; BluGre Cafe in Landco Corporate Centre; Formula Pete’s Auto Clinic (this is actually a coffee shop) in Wheels n’ More Drive; The Marco Polo Hotel Davao; Grand Regal Hotel; and, Casa Leticia.

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ABOUT FIVE YEARS ago, Davao’s IT industry players–both from the private sector and the government–began to seriously promote the city as a destination for investments and outsourcing opportunities. That was when the term "Silicon Paddy" became a buzzword, and "Davao as the 3rd IT Hub" a slogan.

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