DAVAO CITY (November 12) — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is pushing for stronger transport and digital connectivity across the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) to unlock Mindanao’s full economic potential.
MinDA Chair Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said connectivity will be a major driver of growth in the sub-region.
“Connectivity is the next frontier. Direct flights, sea routes, and digital links must accelerate if we want Mindanao’s full economic potential to be realized,” Magno said in an interview during the BIMP-EAGA Trade Fair opening on Sunday.
He said one of the key targets under the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 is to establish a multi-modal transport network linking investment and tourism hubs across the sub-region.
Plans include reviving direct flights, expanding sea routes and transport corridors, and boosting digital infrastructure.
Malaysian Consul General Deddy Faisal expressed support for the reactivation of flights between Kota Kinabalu and parts of the Philippines.
“We need to create a good business environment so that interregional trade can flourish. I really hope direct flights will be restored,” he said.
Indonesian Consul General Agus Trenggono echoed the call, particularly for the Davao–Manado route, noting that “stronger transport connectivity will directly translate to new investment opportunities.”
Magno said the initiative will be a priority topic during the 28th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting hosted by the Philippines in Davao City from November 9–14, 2025.
