Programs Revival of Davao – Manado Air Connectivity
G
aruda Indonesia Airlines revived the Davao (PH) – Manado (IND) air linkage last 27 September 2019. As one of the major achievements of MinDA in the BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation, the said airline has commenced operating with ATR 72-600 that can accommodate 70 passengers. This new direct flight is seen to increase tourist arrivals and trade opportunities between the two BIMP-EAGA focus areas. MinDA is preparing various trade, tourism, and educational missions starting January 2020 to support the sustainability of the said route.
Support to the Davao – General Santos – Bitung Sea Linkage
A
nother milestone for Mindanao this year is the resumption of the Mindanao-North Sulawesi sea connectivity launched last 30 April 2017. MinDA spearheaded inter-agency coordination meetings leading to the soft-sailing of Reefer Express Line Filipinas Incorporated, which is currently serving the Davao-Bitung shipping route, with extended links to Labuan, Malaysia and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. As the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA, MinDA is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs for the proposed convening of the security sectors of the four-member countries, in response to the President’s call for enhanced maritime security cooperation during the 13th BIMP-EAGA Leaders’ Summit last 23 June 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand. MinDA Accomplihsment Report 2019 | 15
