President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for stronger and expanded public-private partnerships (PPPs) to help accelerate development initiatives under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP–EAGA).
Speaking at the Special BIMP–EAGA Summit conducted alongside the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, Marcos emphasized the increasing role of collaboration between governments and the private sector in delivering sustainable and inclusive growth across the subregion.
“These outcomes also highlight the growing importance of public-private partnerships, where governments and private enterprises work together to deliver innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions for our communities,” the President said.
The summit is expected to adopt the BIMP–EAGA Vision 2035, a long-term roadmap focused on improving regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and sustainability among member countries.
Attending the meeting with Marcos were Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda.
Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ ongoing coordination between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center as a model for converting infrastructure and energy priorities into implementable projects.
He proposed adopting a similar mechanism across the BIMP–EAGA subregion to help mobilize private investments for key development programs.
As Philippine signing minister for BIMP–EAGA, Leo Tereso Magno said MinDA has been working with the PPP Center to develop a pipeline of bankable projects within the growth area.
Among the identified priority infrastructure projects supported through PPP arrangements are the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project and the Laguindingan Airport project in Misamis Oriental.
Magno stressed that stronger participation from local governments and the private sector would be crucial in advancing the region’s goals, adding that efforts would continue to support small and medium enterprises and strengthen local institutions.
Joining the Philippine delegation were Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Department of Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Mang Sali, Palawan Governor Amy Alvarez, and Narra, Palawan Mayor Gerandy Danao.
For more than three decades, BIMP–EAGA has promoted cross-border cooperation by enhancing trade links, improving connectivity, and strengthening partnerships among governments, communities, and private stakeholders.
Officials said the adoption of Vision 2035 is expected to further position BIMP–EAGA as a major contributor to the broader ASEAN Vision 2045 agenda.