MinDA, Japan Embassy collaborate to lower travel advisories in more Mindanao cities
DAVAO CITY -- In a significant step to position Mindanao as a safe and attractive destination for international tourists and investors, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, through its Consular Office in Davao City, agreed to pursue discussions aimed at lowering travel advisories in key areas of Mindanao.
This initiative was one of the outcomes of the Welcome Reception for Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo held on January 27, 2024 at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City. The event was attended by MinDA officials led by Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno, along with key representatives of the Japanese government.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry recently revised its travel advisory for the Philippines, which took effect on December 19, 2024. The advisory downgraded the alert level for the entire Davao Region and Surigao City to Level 1, the lowest level.
However, significant parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, as well as the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, remain at Level 3, which urged Japanese citizens to avoid non-essential travel.
MinDA committed to working closely with Japanese Consul General in Davao City Ishikawa Yoshihisa to explore the possibility of downgrading the travel advisories in these regions.
The Japanese government, through its foreign aid agency JICA, has long been an active partner in the Mindanao peace process and in supporting the development of BARMM.
Japan, Mindanao’s largest donor partner through JICA, implemented several transformative projects in the region. These included the 65-kilometer Central Mindanao Highway Project and the Davao City Bypass Road, which have significantly improved connectivity and economic activity. These collaborative efforts highlighted Japan’s unwavering support for Mindanao’s peace and sustainable development.
Joining Ambassador Kazuya at the reception were his wife Akiko Kazuya and Consul General Ishikawa Yoshihisa. Representing MinDA were Chairperson Magno, Executive Director Janet Lopoz, and Deputy Executive Director Romeo Montenegro. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)
