The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has officially recognized Davao Oriental as a premier investment gateway and a major driver of economic growth in the southern Philippines, pointing to its proactive governance, expanding infrastructure, and resilient business climate.
Speaking at the province’s 59th Founding Anniversary, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno praised the local leadership’s aggressive economic strategy, highlighted by the successful staging of the province’s historic, inaugural Investment Conference.
“The conference sent a clear signal that Davao Oriental is ready to welcome investors, showcase opportunities, and take its rightful place as a driver of growth in Mindanao,” Secretary Magno said. He commended Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and the provincial government for their forward-thinking approach to investment promotion and economic development.
The partnership between MinDA and Davao Oriental has long anchored critical advancements in infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and disaster resilience. Key environmental and economic initiatives, such as the Biodiversity Corridors program, have successfully transformed Mount Hamiguitan, Pujada Bay, and Dahican Beach into top-tier ecotourism hubs that balance strict environmental stewardship with commercial progress.
Secretary Magno also lauded the province’s remarkable ability to “build back better” following major natural disruptions, including Typhoon Pablo and the recent October 2025 earthquake, calling its recovery a testament to the enduring strength of its people and local leadership.
In his State of the Province Address, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang mirrored this sentiment, stating that the challenges of the past year “did not simply reveal our challenges, it revealed our strengths.” He emphasized that the anniversary celebration serves as a tribute to the Oriental Dabawenyos who have actively contributed to the province’s ongoing healing, recovery, and economic momentum.
Looking toward future growth, MinDA emphasized Davao Oriental’s strategic positioning within the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) framework. The province is currently spearheading the Gateway Corridor Mission with Manado, Indonesia, which—coupled with the ongoing development of the Mati City Airport—will drastically scale up regional trade, tourism, and international cooperation.
Furthermore, Davao Oriental is aggressively leveraging national economic reforms to fast-track local business ventures. The province is utilizing the CREATE MORE Act, implementing Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, and opening doors for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to maximize investor ease and accelerate localized industrial activity.
Secretary Magno noted that Davao Oriental’s rapid momentum directly aligns with the national development priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Under the President’s Bagong Pilipinas vision and the Build Better More infrastructure program, sustained collaboration between national agencies and local government units remains the blueprint for spreading inclusive growth across Mindanao.
“Davao Oriental has always been at the heart of our vision of Building a Better Mindanao,” Magno concluded. “Its resilience, proactive leadership, and openness to partnerships make it a model for how local communities can drive regional progress.”
The anniversary milestone and presentation of the province’s economic roadmap were witnessed by key leaders, including Vice Governor Ma. Glenda Rabat, First District Representative Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., Second District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario, alongside national government representatives and international development partners, solidifying a unified front for Davao Oriental’s progressive future.
