A high-level delegation from the European Union recently visited Northern Mindanao to deepen diplomatic ties, assess ongoing development projects, and explore new opportunities for collaboration in the region. The mission, coordinated by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club and the Philippine Information Agency, marked the first-ever joint visit of EU ambassadors to this part of the Philippines.

Led by H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union ambassador to the Philippines, the delegation included 14 ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from various EU member states. Their itinerary covered Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon province, where they engaged with local leaders, farmers, and communities to better understand the region’s economic and social landscape.

Upon arrival, the envoys paid courtesy calls on Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy and Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliette Uy. These meetings underscored the EU’s interest in fostering closer ties with local governments and supporting initiatives that promote peace, agribusiness, and sustainable development.

The delegation inspected several EU-supported programs, including the Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas in Mindanao project. SPADe focuses on agricultural value chain development, investment promotion, and peace-building, and has already made significant strides in supporting farming households. Co-financed by the EU and the German government, SPADe is part of the broader EU Mindanao Peace and Development Programme, also known as MinPAD-RISE. As of mid-2025, the project had assisted 7,225 farming households, with 74% adopting climate-smart practices, surpassing its targets. In Bukidnon, the program is helping position the province as the emerging Arabica coffee capital of the Philippines.

The delegation also visited the Ozamiz Tri-City Justice Zone, a reform initiative backed by the EU to improve the administration of justice in Mindanao. These site visits highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting governance reforms and strengthening institutions in conflict-affected areas.

Beyond Northern Mindanao, the EU has long been a partner in peace and development efforts across the region. Its programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao focus on education, resilience, and governance, aiming to implement peace agreements, improve social cohesion, and foster sustainable growth. These initiatives reflect the EU’s holistic approach to supporting Mindanao’s transition toward lasting peace and prosperity.

German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration, noting that the visit showcased the EU’s solidarity with Mindanao’s communities. Belgian Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova, joining her first annual EU ambassadors’ visit, expressed enthusiasm for experiencing the region’s traditions and witnessing firsthand the impact of EU-Philippines partnerships. “We look forward to meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange in this vibrant part of the country,” she said.

The visit concluded with a press briefing on Jan. 15, where the delegation reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting peace-building, agribusiness, and socioeconomic development in Mindanao. By engaging directly with local leaders and communities, the EU envoys demonstrated their resolve to strengthen cooperation and ensure that development programs continue to deliver tangible benefits for the people of Northern Mindanao.