Team Europe journey in Northern Mindanao

Every year, the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines brings together the Heads of Mission of the EU and of the EU member-state embassies for a two-three days’ retreat outside of our daily working space. These gatherings allow us to engage directly with local stakeholders and to see, first-hand, how the Team Europe spirit, the EU and its member-states, support communities across the Philippines. Traveling together in the Philippines, in addition to our individual missions, also strengthens the effectiveness of Team Europe and helps us better understand local realities and priorities.

After visiting Baguio and the Cordillera Administrative Region in 2025, this year’s Ambassadors’ retreat marked the first time Team Europe traveled together to Northern Mindanao, specifically to Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon province. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by warm smiles and compelling stories of hope and resilience. From the lush highlands of Bukidnon to the urban life of Cagayan de Oro, Northern Mindanao revealed itself as a region defined not only by its landscapes, but by the generosity, enterprising spirit and strength of its people.

The retreat offered valuable opportunities to engage with local communities and political leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, an influential advocate for his region, who highlighted the region’s many strengths and its growing potential as a driver of development.

Our first visit took us to Liceo de Cagayan University, where we met members of the Tri-City Justice Zone of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Ozamiz. There, we learned about their collective efforts to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents (OSAEC). This work is supported through the EU GOJUST program, which reflects the EU’s commitment to good governance, access to justice and human rights.

Our discussions with local partners conveyed a clear message: justice matters. It is not only a fundamental right, but also a cornerstone of strong and thriving communities. Through EU GOJUST, the EU supports justice sector reform and legal aid services. In Northern Mindanao, this includes joint initiatives bringing together judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and civil society to address OSAEC. What stood out was the whole-of-community approach. While law enforcement plays a central role, prevention campaigns led by young people, teachers, parents and barangay officials are equally vital to keeping children and adolescents safe.

In Cagayan de Oro, we held a fruitful meeting with Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy and his team. Our discussions explored, among others, the potential of EU-supported waste management solutions aligned with circular economy principles, as well as exchanges of expertise on public transportation initiatives. The mayor also hosted an in-depth conversation with local political and industry leaders, offering further opportunities to explore future cooperation.

On the second day, our journey continued to Bukidnon, where Governor Rogelio Neil Roque presented the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap. We learned how indigenous farmers, supported by Team Europe, have adopted sustainable agricultural practices such as shade-grown coffee and biofertilizer production, strengthening food security while protecting the environment. Impasug-ong Mayor Jetaime Okinlay-Gumban offered us concrete examples of how this works.

In Bukidnon we learn how modernizing and accelerating coffee production has led to higher productivity, increased incomes and better market access for more than 7,000 households, including farmers and indigenous people’s communities. Beyond technical assistance, training and market linkages, these initiatives have built confidence, created economic opportunities and delivered tangible peace dividends. They stand as strong examples of inclusive, rights-based and sustainable development, fostering long-term resilience in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

Across the Philippines, Team Europe focuses its engagement on the green and digital economies, as well as good governance and access to justice. Based on what we experienced in Northern Mindanao, we see significant potential for continued cooperation in the region. The ongoing EU-Philippines negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, a good implementation in the country of the EU Global Gateway initiatives, EU member-states bilateral initiative, combined with continued reforms of the economy market are important enablers attracting business and tourism.

Yet beyond programs and policy frameworks, what left the deepest impression on us was the Filipino spirit: creative, resilient and generous. Whether sharing a meal with local stakeholders, visiting EU and EU member-states project sites or engaging with communities, we were reminded that development is ultimately about people. Partnerships such as that between Team Europe and the Philippines succeed because they are built on relationships, shared values and a genuine desire to see communities flourish.

Northern Mindanao has left a lasting mark on us. We departed inspired and determined to further strengthen our cooperation. To the people of Northern Mindanao, we say “daghang salamat.” Your stories, your aspirations and your enduring hope continue to guide and inspire us. We have learned much from this journey, and with renewed resolve, we are confident that together we can do even more to build a sustainable and peaceful future for the next generation, grounded in trust, shared values and mutual respect.

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This article was written by Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, together with the Ambassadors of the EU member-states in the Philippines.