Travel | 2GO Expands Travel and Logistics Operations in Davao and General Santos

MV 2GO Masigla sails to Davao and GenSan for business and leisure.

Manila, Philippines – 2GO, the Philippines’ largest integrated transportation and logistics solutions provider and a part of the SM Group, is thrilled to announce a significant addition to its operations in Davao and General Santos with the addition of new vessels for travel and logistics.

The move is part of 2GO's commitment to fostering economic growth and facilitating seamless connections in the Mindanao region. Through its investments in infrastructure, technology, and personnel, 2GO is poised to elevate travel and logistical experiences for individuals and businesses alike.

The MV 2GO Masigla, the latest addition to the MV 2GO fleet, will embark on its first operational voyage on March 18, 2024, departing from Davao and GenSan bound for Iloilo, before returning to Manila along the Manila-Davao-GenSan-Iloilo-Manila route.

Increased Travel Options and Logistical Solutions

Davao and General Santos residents, as well as visitors, now enjoy enhanced travel options with 2GO's new routes. Businesses in the region benefit from upgraded logistics, ensuring faster goods movement. Beyond their immediate surroundings, Davao and General Santos provide logistical and travel support to areas such as Tagum, Digos, Kidapawan, Socksargen, and others. This strategic positioning allows efficient coordination and seamless operations across this extended network.

Frederic DyBuncio, President and CEO of 2GO Group, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "Our increased presence in Davao and General Santos reflects our dedication to being at the forefront of meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We are confident that these enhancements will contribute significantly to the overall growth and prosperity of the regions."

With this expansion, 2GO is keen on strengthening its position as a key player in the travel and logistics industry of the Philippines.

In addition to its cargo transport services between Manila, Davao, and GenSan, 2GO elevates the travel experience with the MV 2GO Masigla. This vessel offers amenities similar to restaurant dining, hotel-like accommodation, a fully-equipped salon, and entertaining karaoke rooms. Passengers can also enjoy onboard retail outlets featuring well-known brands such as MINISO, QuikMart, and Watsons, along with freshly brewed beverages from Café 2GO. It's a seamless blend of business and excitement for travelers.

Sea travel reservations are available from Manila to Davao or GenSan, and from Davao or GenSan to Iloilo and Manila, starting at just PHP 1,140. Moreover, a comprehensive range of shipping services is fully operational and ready for scheduling to meet customer needs.

To know more of 2GO’s products and services, visit 2go.com.ph or download the 2GO App on Android and iOS. 

Ph logistics and eCommerce fertile grounds for funding

The rise of eCommerce and logistics in the Philippines has provided a fertile ground for startup communities to usher in innovations within these sectors. 

The heightened focus of venture capitalists (VCs) and angel investors or funders has fueled a growing interest in recognizing the nurturing of promising products and ventures emerging from logistics and eCommerce.

According to Carlo Chen-Delantar of Pan-Asia VC, a Gobe-Core partner, in the areas of the Business-to-Customer (B2C) market, Filipino startups can develop products that could improve the services offered by logistic companies, riding on to the rapid growth of eCommerce. Despite its potential, only 23 percent of startups are going into the B2C market, Delantar said.

“As our funding landscape matures, we hope to see dramatic improvements in the Pre-Seed to Stage A Startups turnaround times,” said Delantar referring to the growth of startup communities in the Philippines attracting funders.

Delantar who was at the recently held “Geeks on A Beach” held in Panglao Island, Bohol stressed the importance of the Philippines’ startup community to leverage in the booming eCommerce and logistics sector.

He cited that the Philippines has the highest last-mile delivery rates in product deliveries. Notably, promotional campaigns, such as enticing offers for free shipping, have propelled the widespread adoption of eCommerce throughout the country.

Pinoy startups—the new age, a new generation of digital entrepreneurs should take advantage of this development, he reiterated.

During the pandemic over 10,000 micro-small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) transitioned to eCommerce, yet none of them so far became millionaires. Introducing good products to aid the growth of logistics and eCommerce is ripe, he added.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine eCommerce market could hit US$24 billion by 2025. The country is also poised to further eCommerce growth, with a projected annual increase of 15.8 percent in transaction value from 2022-2025.

By 2025, eCommerce transactions are estimated to reach P495.2 billion or US$9.7 billion, a substantial increase from the nearly P270 recorded in 2021.

Based on a report published by Ken Research, the logistics industry contributes 4 to 6 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Because of this, the Philippine logistics market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2 percent from 2022 to 2027, reaching a market size of P1.160 trillion by 2027.

Despite this progress, the sector still faces significant challenges that could impede its continuous growth. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the country must improve its infrastructure and technology adoption, especially in rural areas, to remain competitive in the global market.