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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos pushes for inclusive growth, connectivity at BIMP-EAGA Summit

Marcos pushes for inclusive growth, connectivity at BIMP-EAGA Summit

Published May 7, 2026 04:40 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., together with Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, before the start of the Special Brunel Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, a strategic forum to strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation within the Southeast Asian subregion, on Thursday (May 7, 2026) in Cebu as part of the ongoing ASEAN Summit 2026. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., together with Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, before the start of the Special Brunel Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, a strategic forum to strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation within the Southeast Asian subregion, on Thursday (May 7, 2026) in Cebu as part of the ongoing ASEAN Summit 2026. (Mark Balmores)

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Marcos has called for stronger regional cooperation and inclusive growth among members of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), saying development must be felt directly by local communities.

Speaking at the opening of the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit here, the President said the subregional grouping’s Vision 2035 goes beyond economic integration and seeks to improve the daily lives of people in growth areas.

“As we gather today, we look forward with purpose guided by the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 and its strong alignment with the broader aspirations of ASEAN,” he said.

“This vision is not merely a roadmap for economic integration. It is a promise to our people that development will be meaningful, sustainable, and felt in their daily lives,” he added.

Marcos welcomed leaders and delegates attending the summit, saying their presence reaffirmed the member-states’ commitment to cooperation, partnership, and inclusive growth in the subregion.

“It is with great honor that I welcome you to Cebu for the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit,” Marcos said.

“Your presence today reaffirms our shared commitment to cooperation, partnership, and inclusive growth in this sub-region,” he added.

Attending the Summit were the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Livelihoods, connectivity

President Marcos said discussions during the summit would focus on key programs and projects already benefiting communities through improved livelihoods, stronger connectivity, and expanded opportunities.

“Today’s discussions highlight key milestone programs and projects that are already making a big difference in our communities, creating livelihoods, strengthening connectivity, and expanding opportunities, especially in the sub-region’s growth areas,” he said.

He added that these initiatives show that regional cooperation is most effective when it directly uplifts local communities.

“These successes remind us that regional cooperation delivers its greatest value when it uplifts local communities,” he said.

‘Translate vision into action’

Marcos also urged BIMP-EAGA member-states to turn regional plans into concrete and lasting results.

“Let this summit renew our resolve to translate vision into action and plans into lasting impact,” he said.

“Together, let us continue building a more connected, resilient, and prosperous BIMP-EAGA for present and future generations,” he added.

The BIMP-EAGA is a subregional economic cooperation initiative composed of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, aimed at accelerating development in less developed and geographically remote areas of the four member countries.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos ASEAN BIMP-EAGA Indonesia Malaysia Brunei Darussalam
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