MinDA In Tokyo To Harness Philippines-Japan Cooperation
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, 6th from right) received the delegation from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), led by its Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno (seated, 7th from right), on 13 November 2024. The delegation includes key representatives from both the public and the private sectors, including MinDA board directors, Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr (seated, 5th from right) and Southern Philippines Development Authority Administrator and CEO Abdulghani Salapuddin (seated, 8th from right), and Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures Corporation President and CEO Vicente Lao (seated, 9th from right).
18 November 2024 – A delegation from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), led by its Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, was in Tokyo from 12 to 16 November 2024 to explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships and sustainable development initiatives between the Philippines and Japan, with a focus on the food and energy nexus. The delegation included key representatives from both the public and private sectors, reflecting a unified commitment to transforming the peace dividends in Mindanao into avenues for economic growth and collaboration.
On 13 November 2024, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, where they were briefed on the robust economic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. During the meeting, the Embassy’s Economic Section and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Tokyo highlighted specific areas for collaboration that align with the development goals for Mindanao, including MSMEs, agriculture, renewable energy, green metals, and the creative industry.
“The Philippines deeply values the breadth and depth of its partnership with Japan, whose commitment to Mindanao’s peace and development has been unwavering throughout the years. The Embassy continues to work with our Japanese friends and partners to usher in a new, bright chapter for the people of Mindanao,” said Ambassador Garcia-Albano.
Secretary Magno expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s support as he outlined MinDA’s vision to finally unlock the vast potential of Mindanao, whose prospects had long been stifled by instability and underdevelopment. In 2014, the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro that ended the decades-long conflict between the parties and provided the foundation for greater autonomy and lasting peace in the region. Throughout this journey, Japan’s unwavering support for the peace process, along with its long-term investments in Mindanao’s human development and industries, continues to pave the way for the region’s socioeconomic progress.
On 15 November 2024, the delegation engaged Japanese companies at a Business Forum where they elaborated on actionable opportunities to drive further investment and innovation in Mindanao’s priority sectors.
The Mindanao Development Authority, established in 2010, is the Philippine government agency dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Mindanao through close collaboration with local communities, national agencies, and international partners.
