DFA Mindanao Celebrates 30 Years of Regional Cooperation within BIMP-EAGA
DAVAO 29 August 2024 - DFA Mindanao hosted a successful symposium and networking event to mark the 30th anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Mindanao and the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), on 22 August at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City. Over 100 dignitaries, including a gathering of diplomats, honorary consuls, regional directors and business executives, among others, were present to mark the occasion.
Officer-in-Charge Eric R. Aquino delivered the welcome message and emphasized DFA Mindanao's mandate to promote economic diplomacy in Mindanao within the EAGA region. He conveyed the recent initiatives undertaken to strengthen DFA Mindanao’s capacity in response to the increasing international engagements involving Mindanao. He expressed DFA Mindanao’s expanding cooperation with the government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the region embarks on increasing engagement with foreign governments and international organizations, including greater trade within the BIMP-EAGA region.
Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) delivered the keynote address and discussed the growing interest in BIMP-EAGA as a vital economic corridor. He stressed the importance of supporting the private sector to unlock the full potential of trade and investment opportunities within the region. Secretary Magno identified the need to enhance connectivity, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in terms of regulatory frameworks that facilitate cross-border trade and cooperation.
The symposium featured a panel discussion with figures from the diplomatic community and the business sector, including Indonesian Consul Umi Yanti Febriana Silalahi, Mindanao Business Council Chairperson Vicente Lao, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry BIMP-EAGA Chairperson Joji Ilagan Bian, Farm Konekt Chief Executive Officer John Vincent Gastanes, and Malaysian Consul General Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh. The discussion was moderated by Antonio S. Peralta, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines - Southern Mindanao Council.
The panel delved into various significant issues affecting the BIMP-EAGA region, particularly the need for concerted efforts to promote education, tourism, trade, and connectivity. The speakers pointed out that the government plays a crucial role in laying down the infrastructure and policy foundations to facilitate the private sector's active participation which is vital in driving economic growth and innovation.
The event not only commemorated three decades of DFA-Mindanao and BIMP-EAGA but also reinforced the ongoing commitment of this Office to facilitating and enhancing cooperation, with the goal of fostering sustainable economic growth and development in Mindanao and the broader BIMP-EAGA region.
The event was enriched by cultural performances of the Sekolah Indonesia Davao, also known as the Indonesian School of Davao, showcasing traditional Indonesian dance and music, and the Kalumon Performing Ensemble, a homegrown cultural and performing arts group from Davao City. END
