Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno declared that Davao Oriental is emerging as one of Mindanao's key investment gateways, highlighting proactive leadership, improved connectivity, and a business-friendly environment. Speaking during the province's 59th Founding Anniversary celebration, Magno noted that the province successfully held its first Investment Conference, signaling readiness to welcome investors.
Investment Conference Signals Readiness
“The conference sent a clear signal that Davao Oriental is ready to welcome investors, showcase opportunities, and take its rightful place as a driver of growth in Mindanao,” Magno said. He praised Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and the provincial government for launching the initiative, reflecting a proactive approach to attracting investments and strengthening the local economy.
Partnerships and Resilience
Magno highlighted MinDA's long-standing partnership with the province in disaster resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and investment promotion. The Biodiversity Corridors Program has helped promote Mount Hamiguitan, Pujada Bay, and Dahican Beach as premier ecotourism destinations while balancing environmental protection with economic growth.
He also pointed to the province's recovery from Typhoon Pablo and the October 2025 earthquake as evidence of resilience and ability to build back better with support from national agencies and development partners.
State of the Province Address
In his State of the Province Address, Dayanghirang said the past year “did not simply reveal our challenges; it revealed our strengths.” He said the anniversary celebration honored not only the province's accomplishments but also the Oriental Dabawenyos whose resilience fueled its recovery, healing, and continued progress.
Gateway Corridor Mission
Looking ahead, Magno said Davao Oriental will play a strategic role in strengthening regional connectivity through the Gateway Corridor Mission, linking Mindanao and Manado, Indonesia, under the BIMP-Eaga framework. Continued development of Mati City Airport and ongoing investment facilitation efforts will create more opportunities for trade, tourism, and regional cooperation.
National Economic Reforms
Magno recognized the provincial government's efforts to maximize national economic reforms, including the Create More Act, the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, and public-private partnership initiatives, which he said will accelerate economic activity.
“Davao Oriental has always been at the heart of our vision of Building a Better Mindanao,” Magno said. “Its resilience, proactive leadership, and openness to partnerships make it a model for how local communities can drive regional progress.”
Support for National Agenda
He added that the province's momentum supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda and the Build Better More infrastructure program, which aims to expand investments, strengthen connectivity, and promote inclusive growth.
Magno said sustained collaboration between the national government and local government units remains critical to translating reforms into tangible benefits and ensuring economic growth reaches communities across Mindanao. He reaffirmed MinDA's commitment to advancing the administration's development agenda by working with local governments and development partners to strengthen regional integration, expand economic opportunities, and build a more competitive Mindanao.
Vice Gov. Ma. Glenda Rabat, First District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., Second District Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, provincial officials, national government representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders also attended the celebration, underscoring support for Davao Oriental's long-term development agenda.
