Davao city: The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has pinpointed Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental as crucial players in the economic landscape of Mindanao, with the former positioned as a gateway to ASEAN integration and the latter as a burgeoning investment hub.

According to Philippines News Agency, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized Davao del Norte's progress in trade, investments, and regional connectivity through the Mindanao Gateway Corridor Initiative. He highlighted the province's ongoing peace, economic expansion, and strategic infrastructure as key factors that have made it a critical hub for connecting local communities to regional markets. Magno reiterated MinDA's commitment to collaborating with the provincial government to enhance competitiveness, expand investment opportunities, and further the province's role in Mindanao's economic transformation. He also mentioned President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to accelerate regional development via infrastructure-led growth, underscoring that Davao del Norte's future is integral to the future of Mindanao.

In parallel, Magno spotlighted Davao Oriental's rise as an investment gateway, attributing this to its proactive leadership, improving connectivity, and favorable business environment. He noted that the province's first Investment Conference on June 30 was a definitive indication of its readiness to attract investors and highlight available opportunities. Magno also pointed to the province's resilience, demonstrated by its recovery from Typhoon Pablo and the October 2025 earthquake, showcasing its capability to 'build back better' with support from national agencies and development partners. He praised Davao Oriental's leadership and openness to partnerships as a model for driving regional progress in Mindanao.