A PROPOSED port in Tiblawan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental is being eyed as a strategic maritime gateway that could expand Mindanao’s trade and connectivity with neighboring economies under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
The proposed Tiblawan Port was presented early this week by Governor Generoso Mayor Juanito “Kulot” C. Inojales during a courtesy meeting with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.
The municipality is positioning the proposed port as a potential infrastructure hub that could support the movement of goods and people while opening opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, and stronger regional economic linkages.
Located along Mindanao’s eastern seaboard, Governor Generoso could potentially serve as a maritime connection between Mindanao and neighboring BIMP-Eaga economies, particularly eastern Indonesia.
Magno said the municipality’s geographic location provides an advantage in strengthening Mindanao’s participation in regional integration.
“Governor Generoso has the geographic advantage to become an important maritime link between Mindanao and our BIMP-Eaga neighbors. The proposed Tiblawan Port provides an opportunity to translate this geographic advantage into stronger connectivity, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges,” Magno said.
Beyond regional connectivity, the proposed port could also improve market access for local industries, particularly agriculture and fisheries, while supporting tourism and other emerging economic activities in the municipality.
MinDA and the local government of Governor Generoso are expected to assess the technical, institutional, and investment requirements for the proposed development, including its potential integration into existing BIMP-Eaga maritime routes and economic corridors.
The initiative will also involve coordination with national government agencies, the Davao Oriental provincial government, private sector groups, and BIMP-Eaga counterparts to determine the port’s feasibility and possible regional linkages.
MinDA said it will work with the municipality and other stakeholders in exploring Governor Generoso’s potential as a “Gateway to BIMP-Eaga,” with connectivity, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth as key considerations.
“The vision is to connect Governor Generoso to the region and connect local communities to wider opportunities,” the parties emphasized.
The proposed development comes as the national government continues to promote Mindanao’s participation in regional economic integration through improved infrastructure and connectivity.
If pursued, the Tiblawan Port could provide Governor Generoso with a stronger foothold in regional trade while creating new avenues for local businesses and communities to access markets and investment opportunities beyond Mindanao. DEF
