DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) underscored its commitment to advancing regional cooperation as it joined the 68th National Day of Malaysia celebration on September 3, 2025, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City.
As the Philippine Coordinating Office for the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), MinDA emphasized the importance of sustained subregional cooperation in driving inclusive growth, strengthening connectivity, and unlocking economic opportunities for Mindanao.
The event, organized by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City led by Consul General Deddy Faisal Bin Ahmad Salleh, gathered government officials, business leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and civil society representatives.
In his keynote remarks, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said regional cooperation goes beyond policy frameworks, describing it as a lived reality rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations between Malaysia and the Philippines.
“Our proximity is more than symbolic. We are, quite literally, office neighbors in the same building. This closeness reminds us that cooperation is part of our everyday lives and a driver of the inclusive development we seek,” Magno said.
He added that through BIMP-EAGA, the Philippines and Malaysia continue to build bridges not only between governments but also between communities and businesses across ASEAN.
For his part, Consul General Deddy Faisal highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, anchored in trade, cultural exchanges, and Malaysian investments in renewable energy and infrastructure in Mindanao.
“Our partnership is broad, substantive, and mutually beneficial. Malaysia and the Philippines are united not only by geography but also by history, kinship, and a shared vision of prosperity,” he said.
The celebration also reflected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for stronger regional cooperation under ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA. The President has consistently pushed for deeper economic linkages, renewable energy development, and connectivity projects to ensure equitable growth in Mindanao and the wider region.
Marcos’ administration has prioritized renewable energy and sustainable investments, aligning with Malaysia’s ongoing initiatives in Mindanao to promote clean and inclusive growth. The President has also underscored support for lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), recognizing stability as key to stronger partnerships with Malaysia and shared prosperity in the subregion.
Among those present at the celebration were National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Lope Santos III, DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Agnes Cervantes, Consuls General from China, Indonesia, and Japan, senior military and police officials, BARMM representatives, local government leaders, business executives, and members of the academe.
More than a commemoration of Malaysia’s independence, the 68th National Day celebration became a reaffirmation of enduring friendship, strengthened bilateral cooperation, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and sustainable growth between Malaysia, Mindanao, and the wider BIMP-EAGA region.