DAVAO CITY — Local government leaders and senior officials from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines reaffirmed their shared commitment to inclusive growth and deeper sub-regional cooperation during the 7th BIMP-EAGA Chief Ministers, Governors, and Local Governments Forum (CMLGF) held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City.
Hosted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), this year’s gathering carried the theme “Empowering Local Leadership for a Resilient and Integrated BIMP-EAGA,” underscoring the vital role of local governments in achieving the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035—a blueprint to transform the subregion into a dynamic, sustainable, and innovation-driven economic hub.
Bridging Island and Mainland Economies
MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized the strategic significance of the forum, describing it as a reflection of the region’s expanding influence within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“This gathering reflects not only its growing role in BIMP-EAGA, but also its strategic position as a bridge between island and mainland economies,” Magno said.
He lauded the Bangsamoro government’s active participation as a model for inclusive development, citing how peace and autonomy have empowered local leadership in advancing progress in Mindanao.
“The Bangsamoro government’s active participation in BIMP-EAGA is a powerful example of how peace and autonomy can be leveraged to bring about impactful change to the lives of our people,” he added.
Magno also underscored the importance of collaborative and multi-level governance in achieving long-term goals under Vision 2035, highlighting the synergy between national and local initiatives across the subregion.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Leads Philippine Delegation
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who presided as the Philippine Head of Delegation, described the forum as a pivotal space for local government leaders who “play a central role in driving the big BIMP agenda forward.”
“Our cooperation at sub-national level embodies the spirit of unity and shared vision that is vital for transforming our region into a hub of economic vitality and sustainable development,” Macacua said.
He highlighted priorities such as enhancing connectivity, digital infrastructure, agricultural innovation, and climate resilience, emphasizing that sustainable growth requires innovation and inclusive participation.
“It is through embracing innovation, partnership, and inclusive growth that we can empower our communities and unlock the full potential of being sustainable in the future,” he added.
Marcos Administration Aligns with BIMP-EAGA Goals
The principles of the BIMP-EAGA cooperation framework closely align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s development agenda, which emphasizes connectivity, economic integration, and inclusive growth.
President Marcos Jr. has consistently advocated for stronger transport, digital, and trade linkages across the islands and rural areas—echoing the forum’s goal of bridging island and mainland economies. His administration has pushed for a “whole-of-government” approach to ensure regional progress is felt at the grassroots level.
This alignment, according to forum leaders, means stronger national backing for local projects that promote infrastructure development, food security, climate adaptation, and digital transformation—all vital in achieving tangible, people-centered growth.
Regional Collaboration and Local Voices
The 7th CMLGF brought together key delegates from the four member countries:
- Hon. Abdul Walid Haji Matassan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Municipal and District, Ministry of Home Affairs, Brunei Darussalam
- Hon. Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos, Governor of North Maluku Province, Indonesia
- H.E. Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier, State of Sarawak, Malaysia
- H.E. Abdulraof A. Macacua, Chief Minister, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines
Representing local governments from the Philippines were provincial and city leaders including Governors Nilo Demerey (Dinagat Islands), Emmylou Mendoza (Cotabato), Yshmael Sali (Tawi-Tawi), Darel Dexter Uy (Zamboanga del Norte), and city mayors such as Lorelie Pacquiao (General Santos City) and Khymer Olaso (Zamboanga City), among others.
Macacua reiterated that local governments are the forefront implementers of BIMP-EAGA goals, calling for stronger partnerships in digital transformation, food security, sustainable tourism, and climate adaptation.
ADB Highlights Multi-Level Coordination
In her presentation, Ms. Pamela Asis Layugan of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) emphasized the growing importance of multi-level coordination among local and national governments to accelerate the subregion’s strategic priorities.
Structured networking sessions during the forum provided delegates with opportunities to explore actionable pathways for stronger cooperation among provinces, states, and local governments across BIMP-EAGA.
“Our discussions today reaffirm the critical role we play in driving inclusive growth, sustainable development, and regional integration through strengthened cooperation across the five pillars of Connectivity, Food Basket, Tourism, Environment, and Socio-cultural and Education,” Chief Minister Macacua said.
Looking Ahead
The forum concluded with Brunei Darussalam confirmed as the host of the 8th BIMP-EAGA CMLGF and the next Senior Officials Meeting in 2026—signaling the continued momentum of regional collaboration.
As BIMP-EAGA’s local leaders reaffirmed their collective vision, the forum in Davao City stood as a powerful reminder that inclusive, localized action remains the backbone of regional growth and integration in Southeast Asia.