The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), together with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has launched renewed efforts in Manado, North Sulawesi to reestablish direct connectivity between Davao and Manado. The initiative aims to boost tourism, trade, and investment cooperation under the BIMP-EAGA framework.
Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, Alternate Head of the Philippine National Secretariat for BIMP-EAGA, said the mission is designed to strengthen both tourism flows and commercial exchange.
“This initiative is centered on revitalizing cooperation between Mindanao and North Sulawesi by stimulating tourism and trade demand that can justify the return of direct flights between Davao and Manado, as well as shipping links between Davao and Bitung,” Montenegro said.
He emphasized that sustained engagement with North Sulawesi stakeholders is key to building confidence, generating market demand, and developing joint economic projects.
“By aligning tourism, trade, and investment efforts, this mission lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration between Mindanao and North Sulawesi under BIMP-EAGA,” he added.
The Philippine delegation to Manado included officials from Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, led by Governor Raul Mabanglo, Rep. Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo, and local chief executives Benjie Bulaong and Juanito Inojales of Tarragona and Governor Generoso, along with Davao Oriental Representative Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora-Mabanglo. Also part of the delegation were Mati City Councilors Edmundo Z. Pang Jr., Xander Paul B. Alcantara, and Jerome Cayacay Dayanghirang, and Board Member Rotchie Ravelo.
Rep. Zamora-Mabanglo stressed the importance of expanding trade opportunities, particularly for agricultural goods and value-added products from Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental. She noted that these products could help sustain cargo demand for potential airline routes, especially with the upcoming Mati Airport development.
Over the three-day mission, participants are conducting scoping activities to map tourism circuits, identify complementary trade products, and engage airlines and shipping operators on the feasibility of restoring direct routes. The goal is to ensure sufficient passenger and cargo demand while opening new economic opportunities for both regions.
“Our key priority is bringing back the Davao–Manado link while advancing a strong tourism agenda covering education, medical and wellness travel, dive exchanges, and adventure tourism,” said Tanya Rabat-Tan, Regional Director of DOT Region XI. She also noted that with the forthcoming opening of Mati Airport, the Mati City and Davao Oriental delegation is pursuing possible connectivity such as a Mati–Tahuna route to further strengthen regional mobility and cooperation.
During a meeting with North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus, Governor Mabanglo described the mission as a strategic step forward for Mindanao. He said it represents the next phase of collaboration among Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, forming a growth corridor aimed at positioning the region as a key BIMP-EAGA gateway in North Sulawesi.
“This mission marks the next stage in positioning the three Davao provinces as a gateway for BIMP-EAGA in North Sulawesi,” he said.
As the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA (PCOBE), MinDA serves as the country’s lead agency for advancing regional cooperation. It coordinates multi-agency initiatives in tourism, trade, and investment while working closely with counterparts in North Sulawesi to improve connectivity and expand business opportunities across the subregion.
Proposed tourism circuits include dive destinations in Bunaken and Davao Oriental, coastal and island attractions across Mindanao, and inland cultural and eco-tourism experiences designed to create a seamless travel pathway for both domestic and international visitors.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to enhance Mindanao connectivity and accelerate economic growth through stronger tourism circuits and trade partnerships with North Sulawesi, in line with the government’s commitment to regional cooperation under BIMP-EAGA.
The President has consistently emphasized Mindanao’s role as a strategic hub within BIMP-EAGA, aligning with broader efforts to deepen regional integration. The initiative also complements preparations for the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Summit hosting, where connectivity and regional cooperation are expected to be key priorities.
