Mindanao and North Sulawesi Leaders Forge Path to Revive Direct Connectivity
In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, government officials from Mindanao have engaged with leaders from North Sulawesi in Manado, Indonesia. This three-day mission aims to revive direct Davao–Manado connectivity and strengthen tourism, trade, and investment ties under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) framework.
Strategic Focus on Tourism and Trade Revival
The initiative, spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), kicked off with a dual focus on revitalizing tourism and trade. Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, Alternate Head of the Philippine National Secretariat for Bimp-Eaga, emphasized the critical need to create demand for restoring direct flights between Davao and Manado, as well as shipping connectivity with Davao and Bitung.
"This initiative focuses on revitalizing cooperation between Mindanao and North Sulawesi by promoting tourism and trade and creating the necessary demand to restore direct flights between Davao and Manado as well as shipping connectivity with Davao and Bitung," Montenegro stated. He added that engaging with local stakeholders is essential for building trust and fostering joint economic initiatives.
Delegation and Economic Opportunities
The Mindanao delegation included officials from Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, led by Governor Raul Mabanglo, Representative Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo, and mayors from Tarragona and Governor Generoso. Also present were other local leaders, highlighting the collaborative effort.
Governor Mabanglo underscored the mission's strategic role, noting it positions the three Davao provinces as a gateway for Bimp-Eaga in North Sulawesi. "This mission is the next step in positioning the three Davao provinces as a gateway for Bimp-Eaga in North Sulawesi," he said. He emphasized creating trade opportunities for agricultural produce and value-added products, which could support cargo requirements for airlines, especially with the forthcoming Mati Airport.
Scoping Activities and Future Plans
Over the three days, the group will conduct scoping activities to identify tourism circuits, explore complementary trade products, and encourage airlines and shipping companies to resume direct routes. Tanya Rabat-Tan, Davao regional director of the Department of Tourism, highlighted priorities: "One of our main priorities is the revival of the Davao–Manado connectivity while pushing a strong tourism agenda through education, medical and wellness, dive exchange, and adventure tourism opportunities."
Proposed tourism circuits include dive tourism in Bunaken and Davao Oriental, coastal and island destinations in Mindanao, and inland cultural and eco-tourism experiences. These efforts aim to ensure sustainable passenger and cargo demand while expanding business opportunities for both regions.
Alignment with National and Regional Goals
This mission supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s priority to improve Mindanao's connectivity and drive economic growth through tourism circuits and trade partnerships. It reflects the Marcos Administration's commitment to regional cooperation under Bimp-Eaga and aligns with preparations for the Philippines' upcoming hosting of the ASEAN Summit, where connectivity and regional cooperation will be central themes.
As the Philippine Coordinating Office for Bimp-Eaga (Pcobe), MinDA serves as the official Philippine lead, coordinating multi-agency efforts and engaging directly with counterparts in North Sulawesi to facilitate connectivity and promote business opportunities.
