Efforts are underway to reconnect Mindanao with Indonesia through the revival of the Davao–Manado trade and tourism corridor, as the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) leads discussions with key stakeholders in North Sulawesi. The move is part of a broader push to strengthen regional ties and unlock new economic opportunities under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
The initiative, carried out in coordination with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry, began with a multi-agency engagement in Manado aimed at restoring direct connectivity between the two areas. Officials say the renewed focus is not only about reopening routes, but also about building long-term cooperation in trade, tourism, and investment.
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Rebuilding Connectivity and Economic Ties
Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro emphasized that the recent mission is focused on reviving both air and sea links between Mindanao and North Sulawesi, noting that stronger demand is key to making these routes viable again.
“This initiative focuses on revitalizing cooperation between Mindanao and North Sulawesi by promoting tourism and trade and creating the necessary demand to restore direct flights between Davao and Manado as well as shipping connectivity with Davao and Bitung,” he explained.
He added that closer coordination with local partners is essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring sustained collaboration.
“By linking our tourism, trade, and investment efforts, this mission will help lay the foundation for long-term cooperation between Mindanao and North Sulawesi under BIMP-EAGA.”
Support from Indonesian counterparts also highlighted the broader potential of the partnership.
“This visit is very timely. We see growing opportunities in fisheries, agro-industries, renewable energy, logistics, and medical devices. These efforts will be key in making our cooperation more practical, efficient, and impactful,” Rafail Walangitan said.
Expanding Opportunities for Trade and Tourism
Local leaders from Davao provinces joined the mission, underscoring its importance in positioning Mindanao as a gateway within the BIMP-EAGA network. Officials pointed out that strengthening trade routes could open more markets for agricultural goods and processed products, particularly from Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.
“This mission is the next step in positioning the three Davao provinces as a gateway for BIMP-EAGA in North Sulawesi,” Gov. Raul Mabanglo stated.
Part of the discussions also included exploring new tourism circuits and transport options, such as the proposed Mati-Tahuna air route, in anticipation of the upcoming airport in Mati. Authorities are also engaging airline and shipping operators to support the possible return of direct routes, including talks with Indonesian carrier TransNusa Air.
“These efforts aim to ensure sustainable passenger and cargo demand while expanding business opportunities for both regions,” MinDA said.
The renewed push comes years after previous routes were halted, including AirAsia’s Davao-Kuala Lumpur flights in 2018 and Garuda Indonesia’s Davao-Manado flights in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
For many Filipinos, especially in Mindanao, restoring this connection could mean more accessible travel, stronger trade flows, and new economic opportunities. It also reflects a larger goal of making regional cooperation more practical and beneficial, not just for governments, but for businesses, workers, and communities on both sides of the route.
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