DavNor seen as model for LGUs in BIMP-Eaga

DAVAO DEL NORTE--Having initiated a tourism and travel expo on Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP EAGA), Davao del Norte had set an example for local governments in the region.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite pointed this out during the opening of BIMP-EAGA Expo that formed part of Davao del Norte 51st Founding Anniversary and Kadagayaan Festival 2018.

He congratulated Provincial Governor Anthony G. del Rosario and the provincial government for such initiative that triggered a push for continued partnership among countries in the East Asian Growth Area.

“This is a very good example that you have set to the whole country and the whole region, and with that we will all work together,” he said while noting the challenge to forge ahead the regional cooperation.

Clavite offered partners in BIMP-EAGA including local government units in Mindanao the “Information Highway” concept of communicating key information and to deliver it to greater majority, across sectors and across countries.

“We want to give our fellow Filipinos, information of what is really happening in Mindanao and it is also important to support the region's growth and development. When we talk about BIMP-EAGA, it is very important to do this, to give the right information,” he said in his speech during the Davao del Norte BIMPEAGA Expo.

BIMP-EAGA is a subregional bloc of four member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its focused areas are Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei; Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua in Indonesia; Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in Malaysia; Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines.

The Expo showcased various destinations in EAGA and the distinct culture therein. It provided a window for players in local tourism industry and entrepreneurs to market their products in this sub ASEAN region.

Provincial Tourism Officer Noel Daquiaog said that the Expo was just part of the BIMP-EAGA Roadshow and Business Networking which also covered talks on Halal Business Opportunities.

Aside from gracing the BIMP-EAGA Expo, Clavite also attended the opening rites of the 2018 Kadagayaan Agri-Aqua Trade Fair and had witnessed the State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Provincial Governor Anthony G. del Rosario.