THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) aims to establish transport and connectivity linkages across the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). During an interview, Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno emphasized that connectivity between countries will drive more development, stating “Connectivity is the next frontier. Direct flights, sea routes, and digital links must accelerate if we want Mindanao’s full economic potential to be realized.” The plan includes reviving direct flights, expanding sea routes, transport corridors, and enhancing digital infrastructure across the sub-region to facilitate faster trade and investment connections. The Malaysian and Indonesian Consul Generals also expressed support for reactivating direct flights to promote interregional trade and investment opportunities. MinDA will prioritize this during the 28th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting in Davao City from November 9-14, 2025.
