Asean 2026: BIMP-EAGA Summit highlights connectivity, cooperation
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines convened in Cebu on Thursday, May 7, for the Special Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, focusing on regional connectivity, inclusive growth, and long-term subregional cooperation.
The summit, held at Shangri-La Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City as part of the 48th Asean Summit activities, brought together Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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Marcos highlights inclusive growth
In his welcome remarks, Marcos said the summit reflects the participating economies’ shared commitment to cooperation, partnership, and inclusive growth across the East ASEAN subregion.
“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,” Marcos said.
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He said the vision goes beyond economic integration and is intended to ensure that development becomes meaningful, sustainable, and directly felt by communities within the subregion.
“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 said.
Focus on connectivity, local communities
According to Marcos, discussions during the summit center on milestone programs and projects aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening regional connectivity, and expanding economic opportunities across BIMP-EAGA growth areas.
He said the initiatives demonstrate how regional cooperation can create direct benefits for local communities.
“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 subregion’s growth areas,” Marcos said.
The President also highlighted priorities involving climate-smart development, seamless travel and tourism, interconnected economic hubs, and the development of a future-ready workforce.
Infrastructure, energy integration
Marcos said participating economies also continue efforts to improve the movement of goods across borders and sustain infrastructure and development projects under BIMP-EAGA despite ongoing global uncertainties, including the conflict in the Middle East.
Among the initiatives discussed during the summit is the Brunei Darussalam–Malaysia–Philippines power integration program, which aims to strengthen regional energy connectivity and expand cross-border power trade within Asean.
Marcos said the projects remain important in building a more connected and resilient subregion.
“Let this summit renew our resolve to translate vision into action, and plans into lasting impact,” he said.
Regional cooperation
The President said continued cooperation among BIMP-EAGA partners remains essential in building long-term prosperity for the region.
“Together, let us continue building a more connected, resilient, and prosperous BIMP-EAGA for present and future generations,” Marcos said.
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