The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) strengthened its push to position the Davao region as a major gateway to the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) by promoting the integration of Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental into a unified Gateway Corridor.
The initiative was presented during the Bulawan Festival Investment and Tourism Forum held on March 4, 2026 at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan.
Representing MinDA Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno, MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro emphasized the agency’s long-standing goal of connecting Mindanao’s regions, provinces, and local government units into a coordinated alliance that will strengthen the island’s role in regional trade, tourism, and investment.
“This is what MinDA has been championing—an integrated alliance of Mindanao’s regions, provinces, and LGUs, positioning the island-region as the strategic gateway to the BIMP-EAGA,” Montenegro said.
A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the Integrated Air, Land, and Sea Infrastructure Program, which aims to link production centers, tourism destinations, airports, and seaports through priority corridors. These include the Mati–Maragusan, Cateel–Compostela, and Monkayo–Boston routes, along with maritime gateways in the southern part of the region.
Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo expressed strong support for the initiative, assuring investors and development partners that the province is ready to collaborate in advancing tourism and agribusiness opportunities through the corridor strategy.
“Ang Davao de Oro andam mu suporta sa mga gusto mu invest ug negosyo ug turismo sa amoang lugar. Andam mi mag suporta sa mga kinahanglanon para sa ikamaayo sang katawhan,” Mabanglo said.
Meanwhile, MinDA PPPDO Director III Joan Barrera called on the local governments of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental to incorporate the BETC Framework into their development plans to ensure synchronized and investment-ready corridor development.
The forum gathered lawmakers, regional agency officials, local government leaders, and private sector representatives who pledged to activate the Gateway Connectivity Council and a Program Management Unit to accelerate coordination, route activation, and corridor promotion.
MinDA also committed to promoting Mati Airport through airline partnerships, tourism development packages, and agri-export initiatives aimed at sustaining both passenger and cargo traffic.
Among those present during the forum were Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora‑Mabanglo, Congressman Leonel Ceniza, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario, Cateel Mayor Emilou Nuñez, Governor Generoso Mayor Juanito Inojales, Banaybanay Mayor Lenuel Ian Larcia, and Davao Occidental Board Member Bianca Bautista, along with national agency officials and private stakeholders.
The initiative supports the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand Public-Private Partnerships by developing bankable airport, port, logistics, and tourism projects within the proposed corridor.
It also reinforces the administration’s strategy to deepen engagement with BIMP-EAGA while advancing Mindanao’s development through stronger air, land, and sea connectivity—ensuring faster movement of goods, people, and investments across the island.
