DAVAO CITY – In a bid to strengthen  partnership with with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in advancing the economic  development and attracting more investments in Mindanao, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has welcomed the 17 newly- designated and confirmed Philippine Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary on Friday (Dec. 9, 2022) at the Dusit Thani.

Led by their Head of Delegation, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Indonesia and Assistant Secretary, Honorable Gina Alagon Jamoralin, the said event is part of their Onsite Economic Diplomacy Program before they assume their respective mbassadorial posts and assignments early next year in various parts of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.

MinDA, as the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA (PCOBE) and DFA's key partner in promoting international cooperation for Mindanao, has been requested by DFA Manila – Office of International Economic Relations and DFA Mindanao to co-organize the said visit for the Ambassadors and pay a courtesy call to MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Maria Belen Acosta.

“MinDA is deeply honored to receive and welcome our country's incoming Ambassadors in this momentous occasion. It is seldom that Mindanao is visited by a group of Philippine Ambassadors and that is why we are truly delighted with your presence here today knowing fully well of your strategic role in promoting and marketing our country as a promising investment and tourism destination in the international field,” Acosta said.

As the highest public office in Mindanao, she also emphasized the unique and strategic position of MinDA as PCOBE in ensuring the attainment of the country's international commitment towards Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines (BIMP-EAGA) sub-regional cooperation.

“This is our collective duty as we respond to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring back the Philippines to the highest pedestal of international representation,” she underscored.

Acosta assured the proactive participation of the Philippines, particularly Mindanao and Palawan as EAGA focus areas, in the BIMP-EAGA.

“As the Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA, allow me to emphasize the important role of Ambassadors in maintaining diplomatic relations with the receiving states. We support and promote the Philippine foreign policy and strategies in various diplomatic initiatives that carry our national interests,’ she added.

With the Ambassador’s representation, the MinDA chair is optimistic about the expansion of the good reputation of the Philippines in the ranks of the nations.

“And we recognize the Ambassadors’ role in promoting our rich culture, history, and tradition; our unique products, and various places for investments and international partnerships, as well as for tourism,” she added.

On the other hand, MinDA Deputy Executive Director ASec. Romeo Montenegro provided the Ambassadors with a comprehensive economic briefing about Mindanao’s economic potential and investment opportunities.

Highlighted during the event was the support to various initiatives that will facilitate the strengthening of ongoing trade and investment agreements and cooperation with other countries, and the promotion of Mindanao’s economic potential and investment opportunities to the rest of the world. (Mindanao Development Authority)