DAVAO CITY — Davao strengthened its position as a regional hub for innovation, agriculture, trade and international cooperation as the ASEAN Innovation Summit 2026 was held back-to-back with the 28th Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE) 2026 from September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center Davao.Organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), the first ASEAN Innovation Summit brought together innovators, business leaders, investors and other stakeholders to explore opportunities in technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, market access and regional cooperation. The summit was held alongside DATE 2026, creating a platform linking innovation with Mindanao’s agricultural and business sectors.
The convergence of the two major events was followed by the Davao-Borneo Growth Corridor Forum 2026 on September 18, which brought together many representatives from government, business, investment, industry and institutions from Mindanao and the Borneo region.I was grateful to attend Davao-Borneo Growth Corridor Forum, an engaging platform that brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss stronger regional cooperation, connectivity, trade, investment and inclusive economic growth.
The forum was highlighted by the keynote address of our future President Vice President Sara Duterte, who called on governments, investors and business leaders to turn the longstanding connections between Mindanao and Borneo into tangible economic opportunities for communities.Duterte emphasized that infrastructure and connectivity must ultimately translate into opportunities for ordinary people. She pointed to roads, ports, airports and shipping routes not simply as infrastructure projects, but as mechanisms that should help farmers, traders, workers and businesses reach markets more efficiently.
“Two women, two journeys”
One of the most striking parts of the Vice President’s speech was her use of two personal stories to illustrate the human impact of regional economic barriers.
She recounted the experience of a trader from Sabah whose family had traditionally moved goods between Malaysia and communities in Mindanao. Security concerns and restrictions disrupted the family’s legitimate trade, eventually forcing the woman to seek another livelihood and work as a domestic helper in the Gulf.
Duterte also shared the story of a young Tausug woman from Sulu who taught herself Bahasa by watching Malaysian television and dreamed of becoming a video editor. Limited opportunities eventually led her to leave the region in pursuit of her aspirations.
The stories brought the discussion beyond economic statistics and infrastructure projects. They highlighted the connection between regional integration and the everyday aspirations of people whose livelihoods, education and careers can be affected by the opportunities—or barriers—created by borders.
Duterte called for stronger border systems and modern procedures that can facilitate legitimate cross-border commerce while maintaining security. She also urged the private sector to develop cross-border partnerships, invest in infrastructure and services, and pursue a broader regional economic system rather than isolated projects.
From innovation to regional opportunity
The three-day ASEAN Innovation Summit and Davao Agri Trade Expo likewise underscored the importance of innovation, stronger agricultural value chains and access to new markets.
The Department of Agriculture has highlighted the need to move beyond farm production and strengthen processing, logistics, marketing, trade and exports so that farmers and producers can capture greater value from their products.
For Davao, these discussions are increasingly interconnected: innovation can strengthen businesses; agriculture can connect producers to regional markets; and improved connectivity can create pathways for trade and investment across Mindanao and Borneo.
The events also reinforced the role of Davao as a meeting point for government, business, agriculture, technology and regional cooperation.
As Davao continues to strengthen its role as a gateway between Mindanao and the wider ASEAN region, forums such as these provide opportunities to build partnerships, exchange ideas and explore practical ways to transform regional connectivity into opportunities for communities.