CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) –Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, has called for stronger collaboration and policy support to sustain the progress of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Speaking at the Fellowship Night of the sub-region’s Strategic Planning Meeting (SPM) on February 20, Magno underscored the need for a united approach to drive economic growth and integration.
“This gathering marks a significant milestone as we assess our progress under the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 and set the stage for our strategic directions beyond 2025,” Magno said.
Reflecting on BIMP-EAGA’s achievements over the past three decades, he highlighted the region’s resilience and economic strides despite various challenges.
“Over the past 30 years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in accelerating sub-regional growth through increased investment and tourism,” he noted.
Magno commended the dedication of working groups and emphasized the crucial role of private sector participation and local government unit (LGU) engagement.
“The private sector and LGUs are key drivers of growth in BIMP-EAGA. I extend my gratitude to our LGU partners for their instrumental role in making this year’s Strategic Planning Meeting a success,” he stated.
He further urged government agencies to strengthen their collaboration in providing policy support and pushing for priority programs.
“Moving forward, we must intensify our efforts to create an enabling environment for the private sector and ensure that critical projects receive the necessary backing,” Magno added.
His remarks align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for stronger partnerships to maximize the sub-region’s growth potential.
During the 15th BIMP-EAGA Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, on May 11, 2023, President Marcos emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and tourism recovery, particularly through the revitalization of air and sea linkages.
In line with this commitment, MinDA is actively engaging with the Indonesian Consulate in Davao City and key stakeholders to revive the Davao/GenSan-Bitung sea route, reinforcing trade and connectivity within the sub-region.
As the Philippines prepares to host this year’s BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials Meeting, Magno assured stakeholders of the country’s dedication to advancing the region’s development agenda.
“We will bring the same level of commitment and enthusiasm to achieve the targets set in the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025,” he affirmed.
He also highlighted the deep historical and geographical ties that bind BIMP-EAGA member countries.
“Beyond economic cooperation, BIMP-EAGA remains a sub-regional family, strengthened by our shared history and close geographical proximity,” Magno said.
The Strategic Planning Meeting serves as a crucial platform for member states to evaluate progress and outline future initiatives for economic growth and deeper integration in the region. (MinDA/PIA-10)
