PASAY CITY, Philippines, May 20, 2025 – In a bid to strengthen regional tourism and attract greater investments in Mindanao, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) hosted a comprehensive briefing on Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) management for the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) at its central office in Pasay City.
The session was led by TIEZA’s Assistant Chief Operating Officer, Atty. Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo, who underscored the importance of aligning TIEZA and MinDA’s efforts in transforming Mindanao into a competitive tourism investment hub. TEZs, she emphasized, serve as key drivers for local economic development, job creation, and sustainable tourism practices.
Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Chairperson of MinDA, welcomed the partnership as a critical step toward inclusive and sustainable growth in the region. “To unlock tourism investment opportunities in Mindanao, we must inform and empower our stakeholders,” Magno said, adding that robust collaboration among investment promotion agencies, the private sector, and all levels of government is essential to building a resilient regional tourism economy.
He highlighted the need to enhance awareness among local government units, business leaders, and community stakeholders about the policies and incentives available to help attract and support tourism-related investments.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda to position tourism as a key pillar of national economic growth. Central to this effort is the development of Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs)—a flagship Department of Tourism (DOT) program implemented in partnership with TIEZA to elevate the quality of visitor experiences in key destinations.
As of May 2025, nine TRAs have been completed across the country, with plans for up to 100 in the pipeline. In Mindanao, TRAs are already operational in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, with additional sites, including one in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, currently underway. These facilities provide clean restrooms, charging stations, souvenir shops, and information centers aimed at improving tourist comfort and satisfaction.
The TIEZA-MinDA briefing was attended by key technical and legal officials, including Atty. Niño Ruperto Aquino of the TEZ Regulation Department, Engr. Corazon Macaraeg of the Permits and Licenses Division, and Catherine Sta. Clara, TEZ Management Sector Technical Assistant and administrator of the Corregidor Flagship TEZ.
As MinDA pushes forward with its “Building a Better Mindanao” (BBM) initiative, the strengthened cooperation between the two agencies underscores the region’s emerging role not just as a prime travel destination, but as a beacon of inclusive and sustainable development.