16 February 2024 | National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las joined the celebration of two significant milestones for the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the 14th Anniversary of the agency and the 30th Founding Anniversary of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9996 s. 2010, the Mindanao Development Authority was created to promote, coordinate, and facilitate efforts accelerating the socioeconomic development of Mindanao. With “Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable (RISE) – The New Mindanao Story” as the theme for C.Y 2024, MinDA reaffirms its commitment to working towards the sustainable development for Mindanao, ensuring that economic benefits are equitably shared and felt by local communities across all regions in Mindanao.

MinDA also shared its programs and initiatives that help facilitate sub-regional cooperation. As the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA, MinDA was able to facilitate and strengthen mechanisms for cross-border interchange and connectivity.

As a highlight of the celebration, NCIP institutionalized its partnership with MinDA through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Said MOU aims to enhance the well-being and socio-economic development of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao and formulate strategic collaboration that will address the unique challenges faced by ICCs/IPs.

The celebration which was held at SMX Convention Center, Davao City. Present during the event were Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Malaysian Consul Gen. Deddy Faisal Bin Ahmad, First Secretary of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam Hon. Saini Etim, MinDA Board of Directors, heads or representatives of LGUs in Mindanao, and other partners and concerned stakeholders.