In a significant move for regional cooperation, the Philippines, ASEAN Secretariat, and Asian Development Bank have pledged to develop a dedicated BIMP-EAGA–ASEAN Plan of Action and initiate pilot projects in transport and tourism. This commitment emerged from the inaugural bilateral meeting between BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN senior officials held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Samal Island.
Historic Meeting Establishes Formal Link
The gathering marked a pivotal moment in regional cooperation, establishing the first formal mechanism connecting BIMP-EAGA's subregional programs with ASEAN's broader regional strategies. This institutional bridge has long been considered essential for strengthening policy coherence and accelerating implementation at local levels.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of turning commitments into concrete results. "Today's gathering represents a significant step forward in strengthening our partnership and connective tissue between ASEAN's regional vision and BIMP-EAGA's subregional implementation," she stated.
Marcos Administration Prioritizes BIMP-EAGA Revival
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has identified revitalizing the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area as a cornerstone strategy for inclusive growth and regional integration. His administration views the subregion as a practical mechanism to translate ASEAN's aspirations into local impact, particularly in Mindanao and other frontier areas.
During the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit, President Marcos called for "greater synergy, innovation, and political will" to maintain momentum and deliver tangible benefits across member economies. The administration is working to ensure alignment between BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 and ASEAN Vision 2045, especially in transport, tourism, energy, and sustainable urbanization.
Through MinDA, the Philippines is taking a leadership role in preparing the subregion's next Joint Plan of Action and hosting high-level meetings that reinforce the country's commitment to stronger ASEAN–BIMP-EAGA linkages.
ADB and Regional Leaders Express Support
On the sidelines of the main event, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno met with senior ADB officials, including vice president Scott Morris, Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit head Alfredo Perdigero, and Philippines deputy country director Declan Magee. Their discussions focused on opportunities to enhance Mindanao's development agenda, particularly in blue economy initiatives, sustained support for BARMM, and broader growth initiatives across the island.
ADB Senior Economist Jason Rush welcomed the launch of the joint planning process, noting that "the new Joint Plan of Action dovetails very nicely with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045."
Support for the consolidated approach resonated across the subregion. Brunei Darussalam's Deputy Permanent Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mohammad Harris Ibrahim, described it as "an important step towards enhancing regional coherence and maximizing complementarities among ASEAN subregional frameworks."
Indonesia's Assistant Deputy Minister for Regional Economic Cooperation, Bobby Siagian, emphasized that "subregional frameworks are not peripheral. They are ASEAN in action at the local level. To connect our peripheries is to connect ASEAN's future."
Malaysia's Ministry of Economy Deputy Secretary General, Datuk Dr. Zunika Binti Mohamed, urged deeper alignment, stating they wanted to hear from the ASEAN Secretariat about how they can assist BIMP-EAGA in advancing Vision 2035.
In response, ASEAN Secretariat Director Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn confirmed that subregional initiatives will be fully integrated into the new ASEAN Economic Community framework, stating that "the door is open for all sectors" and that "subregional cooperation is an implementing mechanism of the ASEAN Economic Community."
Next Steps and Implementation
Delegates agreed to convene transport and tourism dialogues ahead of the next BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials Meeting in Brunei and begin drafting the BIMP-EAGA–ASEAN Plan of Action. They also committed to improving coordination and monitoring mechanisms under the Joint Plan of Action and exploring ASEAN financing windows for subregional projects.
President Marcos is advocating for better integration of subregional initiatives into the ASEAN Economic Community framework and expanded access to ASEAN financing mechanisms for BIMP-EAGA projects. These efforts aim to foster inclusive, sustainable, and regionally coherent development that positions Mindanao as a central Southeast Asian growth hub.
