Northern Mindanao last week hosted a historic diplomatic visit as a record number of European Union ambassadors and senior EU officials came to the region to assess its economic, peace, and security situation.

“This is historic for Northern Mindanao. Pinakamalaking delegation ito ng EU ambassadors at chargé d’affaires na pumunta dito: a total of 16 including EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said, highlighting Europe’s growing interest in the development of the southern Philippine region.

The delegation comprised EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro, 13 ambassadors, and two chargé d’affaires, marking the largest single EU diplomatic mission to Northern Mindanao. Their itinerary included visits across Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.

“Kapag ganyan karami ang pumunta, we can only see one, singular message: they want to understand the region, meet the people on the ground and see where partnerships can actually happen,” Zubiri added.

Zubiri noted that Northern Mindanao’s agriculture, logistics, and expanding industries make it a natural point of interest for European stakeholders, and the delegation had the opportunity to observe this firsthand.

The visit was aimed at monitoring the EU’s ongoing projects and partnerships in the region, with stops at local groups including Liceo de Cagayan, LGUs, Kauyagan Savers Multipurpose Cooperative, and other community cooperatives.

The visit also served as the EU’s annual retreat and planning session, organized following Zubiri’s invitation, with local project partners helping shape an itinerary that included courtesy calls with local leaders, cultural visits, and site inspections.

“Our goal here is very, very simple: ipakita natin kung ano ang kaya ng Northern Mindanao, but at the same time be honest about what we need to unlock like bigger investments and better livelihoods for our people,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri emphasized the strategic role of Bukidnon in the country’s food supply chain, noting that the province remains the top agricultural producer in the Philippines.

Its 2024 total output in agriculture, forestry, and fishing is estimated at P129.03 billion, or around 7.3% of the national total, according to Philippine Statistics Authority figures.

Zubiri acknowledged the EU’s continued support for Bukidnon’s coffee sector, highlighting coffee farms and products showcased at an exhibit at the Kaamulan Open Theater, which were developed through EU-backed partnerships with local cooperatives.

The delegation reportedly expressed willingness to expand these partnerships by increasing farmers’ incomes, improving quality standards, and improving market access.

"Maraming salamat sa EU for the trust and the steady support, lalo na sa ating farmers who produce coffee na talaga namang world-class at award-winning. Malaking bagay na nandito sila mismo at nakikita nila yung ginagawa ng mga tao on the ground, at handa pa silang dagdagan ang suporta,” Zubiri said.

The EU delegation also included the ambassadors’ spouses, chargé d’affaires, and senior EU officials, totaling over 16 high-level diplomats, alongside deputies, political officers, and program managers.

Zubiri said the visit also provided an opportunity to highlight Northern Mindanao as a tourism-friendly region with a strengthening peace and security environment.

"Pinapakita natin sa mundo na open ang Northern Mindanao sa turismo at sa opportunities, at higit sa lahat, safe at tahimik ang mga lalawigan natin," he said, adding that the visit by the ambassadors’ spouses to sites such as Del Monte pineapple plantation, Dahilayan Mountain Resort, and Communal Ranch could help improve travel advisories from countries like the US and Canada.

“Maraming salamat sa buong EU delegation sa paglalaan ng oras para makilala ang Northern Mindanao. Umaasa tayo na tuloy-tuloy pa ang mas malalim na partnership, mas matibay na tiwala at mas konkretong pagtutulungan para sa Mindanao.”

-Paraluman News