Davao Leaders Rally for Unified Gateway Corridor to Boost Mindanao's Economy
In a landmark gathering, leaders from the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental came together on March 4 at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. The event, part of the Bulawan Festival 2026 Investment and Tourism Forum, drew representatives from national government agencies and local investors, all focused on a bold vision: transforming the three provinces into a single gateway corridor to enhance connectivity and economic prospects in eastern and southern Mindanao.
A Collective Vision for Regional Integration
Governor Raul “RM” Mabanglo of Davao de Oro set the tone by emphasizing the critical need for coordinated regional development. He called for stronger interprovincial collaboration to unlock investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth across the area. "To my fellow leaders in the neighboring provinces: let us transform this into an institutionalized gateway corridor. Let us align our development strategies. We are not merely three separate provinces—we are one region with a shared direction," Mabanglo declared, highlighting the unity required for this ambitious initiative.
Support from legislative figures was also prominent, with Davao de Oro First District Representative Maria Carmen Zamora-Mabanglo and Second District Rep. Leonel Ceniza attending the forum. They underscored the importance of legislative backing in advancing connectivity programs that promise to benefit the entire region, ensuring that policy frameworks align with development goals.
Gateway Connectivity Program: A Strategic Blueprint
The core of the discussions revolved around the Gateway Connectivity Program, an innovative initiative designed to integrate air, land, and sea infrastructure across Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental. This program aims to strengthen trade routes, expand tourism circuits, and improve access to the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), positioning Mindanao as a competitive player in regional markets.
Officials from the Mindanao Development Authority, including Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro and Director Joan Barrera, presented the broader regional framework. They detailed how integrated connectivity could unlock significant investment opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of eastern and southern Mindanao, making it an attractive hub for businesses and tourists alike.
Cross-Sector Support and Economic Potential
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao Region and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao voiced strong support for the initiative. DTI Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga highlighted the role of cacao and coffee value chains in supporting airport cargo development, showcasing how agricultural sectors could synergize with infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, DOT Assistant Regional Director Judy Colaljo emphasized the potential for expanded tourism circuits across the corridor, promising new avenues for economic growth and cultural exchange.
Other key figures, including Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario, and Davao Occidental Board Member Bianca Ricci Bautista-Navarra, also expressed their backing. They described the corridor as a strategic platform for strengthening interprovincial collaboration, accelerating investment flows, and creating seamless travel and logistics networks that would benefit communities throughout the region.
Sealing the Commitment with a Pledge
The forum culminated in a ceremonial signing of a Pledge of Commitment among key leaders and stakeholders. This formal gesture symbolized their collective support for the Gateway Connectivity Program and its vision of "Three Provinces, One Gateway Corridor, Total Gateway to BIMP-EAGA." The event marked a significant step forward in regional cooperation, setting the stage for future developments that could reshape Mindanao's economic landscape.
As these leaders unite behind this shared goal, the Gateway Connectivity Program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving sustainable growth and connectivity across Mindanao.
