Min-EU ECORD 2025: Advancing Mindanao’s Economic Potential

Davao City- The Mindanao–European Economic Roundtable Discussion (MIN–EU ECORD) held on 17 November 2025 at Seda Abreeza, Davao City brought together over 70 delegates from Europe and Mindanao—including investors, business leaders, government officials, and academe—to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic collaboration in the region.

The event was supported by 8 sponsors, with 5 showcasing their services through interactive marketing booths. Mr. Florian Gottein, ECCP Executive Director, delivered the opening remarks, followed by a keynote address from Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), highlighting Mindanao’s economic potential and the importance of strong public-private partnerships. Additional insights were shared by Honorary Consul Mary Ann Montemayor, who delivered a message on behalf of the diplomatic corps emphasizing the value of international partnerships, and Mr. Antonio Peralta, ECCP–SMBC Chairman and Honorary Consul of Finland for Mindanao, who delivered an ambassador’s address on behalf of the Finnish Embassy, highlighting Finland’s innovation-driven economy and opportunities for collaboration with Mindanao.

The program featured two plenary sessions. The first explored public-private sector perspectives and the role of government and business in fostering inclusive growth, while the second focused on sustainability and innovation, covering topics such as climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and circular economy practices. The event also featured a presentation on Strengthening Mindanao Development through BAEP–CRESCENT by Mr. Gerry Constantino, Project Manager of EU BAEP Crescent.

A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Adrian Tamayo of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), brought together speakers including Mr. Christian Cambaya of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, Mr. Vasyl Goshovsky of HEAD Sport Philippines, Mr. Ronnie Lim of Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., Mr. Cesar Cuyugan Jr. of the EU BAEP Crescent, and panelists Mr. Antonio Peralta of ECCP, Consul Leonilo Claudio of the Kingdom of Belgium in Mindanao, Mr. Rommel Momo of Holy Cross of Davao College, and Mr. Isidoro Malaque III of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Discussions highlighted Mindanao’s innovation, sustainable growth, and potential for strengthened European collaboration.

The roundtable successfully reaffirmed Mindanao as a dynamic hub for European investment and collaboration, paving the way for future partnerships.