Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair, called on stakeholders to work together to position Mindanao, particularly the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as a vital engine of inclusive growth within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Speaking at the opening of the BARMM BIMP-EAGA Strategic Planning Workshop at D’Leonor Hotel in Davao City, Seretary Magno emphasized the importance of shared vision and collaboration in translating regional aspirations into impactful and investable development initiatives.
“Let us help Mindanao by inviting investors to come. Let us provide them opportunities,” Magno urged participants, adding that now is the time to harness the region’s improving peace and stability for sustainable economic progress.
He lauded the leadership of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) and the active participation of sectoral representatives, saying that the workshop is a critical step in ensuring BARMM’s priorities are not only represented but fully integrated into the BIMP-EAGA strategic roadmap for the next decade.
During the 16th BIMP-EAGA Leaders’ Summit held last May in Malaysia, Magno had a dialogue with BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who showcased the region’s potential in agribusiness, renewable energy, and the halal industry to regional stakeholders, including the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce.
“BARMM is a vital contributor to BIMP-EAGA’s inclusive growth, and this workshop is a key platform for translating intent into monitorable, real-world action,” Magno said.
His call for regional unity is aligned with the broader direction set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who chaired the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit. In his address, the President urged stakeholders to pursue “greater synergy, innovation, and political will” to transform BIMP-EAGA aspirations into tangible outcomes that benefit people on the ground.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of accelerating infrastructure and digital connectivity across the sub-region, especially in Mindanao and BARMM, to unlock its full economic potential, citing the sub-region’s notable 7.7% economic growth in 2022 and the rise in Priority Infrastructure Projects—from 57 in 2017 to 129 valued at nearly US$39 billion by late 2023.
Additionally, the President welcomed a US$400 million loan from the Asian Development Bank, calling it “a big deal” that will drive BARMM and Mindanao’s growth in areas such as blue economy, trade facilitation, food and energy security, ecotourism, and climate-resilient development.
Magno also underscored how BARMM’s development agenda closely mirrors President Marcos’ vision for BIMP-EAGA as a dynamic platform for regional cooperation. He pointed to strategic partnerships with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and KOICA-supported proposals as promising pathways for turning cooperation into concrete projects for the Bangsamoro people.
“We share the same dream. Iisa ang ating pangarap. Magkasama tayong huhubog sa Mindanao,” Magno said in closing, reaffirming MinDA’s commitment to support the region throughout the three-day planning workshop.
The event serves as a platform to align local priorities with regional cooperation goals under the BIMP-EAGA framework, paving the way to building a better Mindanao.
Seven gun attacks since 2009
Since 2009, the province of Surigao del Sur has recorded a total of seven gun attacks involving radio broadcasters. Six of the broadcasters were killed.
Among the victims were Godofredo Linao Jr., who was killed in Barobo town in July 27, 2009; Datu Roy Quijada Gallego in October 14, 2011 in Lianga town; Michael Milo in December 8, 2013 in Tandag City; Apolonio Suan, a provincial board member who hosted a radio program over Real FM in Bislig, who was shot on board his van in July 14, 2016; and Joe Climaco, host of a local TV program that was linked to radio stations, who was killed in August 25, 2016.
Last July 2017, a radio broadcaster in Marihatag town survived a gun attack.
Julito Orillaneda, 35, owner and operator of the dxJB FM, was about to disembark from a tricycle when the gunman on a motorcycle shot him several times, hitting him in the head, neck, face and right arm.
Orillaneda was a hard-hitting radio commentator and staunch critic of Marihatag Mayor Raul Cubil. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews with a report from Queenie Casio)
