USM Attends RDDIC Meeting
November 18, 2025
CASS-LSG Kicks-off Project LIBRO through Reading Materials Donation to USM Annex Elementary School
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To strengthen the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Media and Communicators Association (BEMCA), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), together with BIMP-EAGA, conducted a forum focused on strengthening the role of communication in informing the public about BIMP-EAGA initiatives and their impact on communities held on November 13, 2025 at Dusit Thani, Davao City.
BIMP-EAGA, established in 1994, is a subregional cooperation among Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines that aims to accelerate development in remote and less-developed areas—including Mindanao and Palawan for the Philippines. The initiative promotes economic integration, tourism, connectivity, agriculture, and investments across member regions to reduce development gaps and improve livelihoods.
Meanwhile, BEMCA, created in 2004 and formalized in 2012, serves as the communications arm of the subregion, ensuring that the stories, achievements, and opportunities of BIMP-EAGA reach the public.
“We wanted BIMP-EAGA to be understood by ordinary citizens. That because of BIMP-EAGA, opportunities are crafted and investments are possible,” Sec. Leo Tereso Magno, MinDA Chairperson and Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA, said,
He emphasized that limited public awareness of these initiatives led to the formation of BEMCA—to tell stories and bring the impact of BIMP-EAGA closer to the people.
During the event, Dr. Mel Chrisel Sales, professor and project leader from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), presented the community impact of BIMP-EAGA cooperation, particularly on cacao production and value-chain development.
Ms. Amy Francis Najur, Chief Corporate Services Officer of the Sarawak Skills and Development Center, Sarawak, Malaysia, also shared key best practices from the Malaysian side of BIMP-EAGA, highlighting collaboration and workforce development.
Assoc. Prof. Dennis F. John Sumaylo, Chair of the Department of Humanities and the Office of International Linkages of the University of the Philippines, spearheaded the session on Strategic Communication Planning: BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035. The discussion aligned communication strategies with the long-term goals of BIMP-EAGA in connectivity, tourism, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth.
Local Government Units, State University and Colleges, Higher Education Institutions, news agencies, and other information offices, attended the forum. Charlotte Andrea Tutor, Carl Waron Baldesimo, and Aljamil Kamsa, represented USM in the activity.
