MINDANAO is an investment-ready and globally competitive tourism destination, an official from the country’s investment arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), assured.
Atty. Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, Tourism Enterprise Zone sector assistant COO, said Mindanao is a vital gateway for trade and trade and tourism.
“Mindanao is a safe, secure, and investment-ready destination,” Sarinas-Baydo said before participants from member countries during the BIMP-EAGA Investment Conference (BIMP ICON) on Thursday.
She noted the 2024 Mindanao Safety Rating, which increased to 89.69% from 88% in 2023.
“The Philippines, especially Mindanao, is open and ready for investments,” she added.
Baydo said vast opportunities await in Mindanao, positioning it as a premier destination for large-scale events and conventions.
“Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions are a priority and exhibitions as a premier destination for large-scale events and conventions, accommodation establishments, ecotourism developments to showcase Mindanao’s natural assets, mountains, forests, marine resources, while ensuring sustainable visitor management,” she said.
MICE is the priority area for Mindanao in the Philippine Tourism Investment Roadmap 2026-2040.
Also, port development is seen to improve accessibility and inter-regional connectivity from Mindanao to the neighboring countries, not only the EAGA.
“These opportunities reflect a diverse investment landscape, one that supports the government’s vision of positioning Mindanao as a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism destination,” she added.
Baydo also emphasized the Halal investment and ecosystem in Mindanao, recognizing the surging demand for Halal-certified goods and services.
“The Philippines is actively strengthening its Halal ecosystem, and recognizing the surging global demand for Halal-certified goods and services, not only for our Muslim consumers, but also from a growing market that values ethical, high-quality, and safe products,” she said.
Among the key areas for investment are Halal-friendly tourism, Islamic finance, Halal food and agro processing, and modest fashion.
Baydo emphasized that the country is Muslim-friendly, being the 8th in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index and rising in the 2025 Muslim-friendly destination by Crescent rating, with over 3,000 mosques and Masjids.
