2GO Bolsters Mindanao’s Economic Connectivity

Logistics and transportation are emerging as critical links in Mindanao’s drive for more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, with stronger connections needed to move products, people and investment opportunities across the region and the rest of the country.

This was underscored by 2GO Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer William Howell during the 35th Mindanao Business Conference held in Cagayan de Oro City from August 11 to 13.

Speaking on August 12, Howell said connectivity remains a key enabler of a more resilient and inclusive Mindanao economy, particularly as the region continues to expand its role in agriculture and fisheries, energy, manufacturing, mining, exports and tourism.

“When we talk about the future of the Philippine economy, Mindanao is not a peripheral story,” Howell said.

He noted that the region’s economic potential can be further unlocked by strengthening the systems that allow goods, people and opportunities to move efficiently between production areas and domestic and international markets.

Logistics as a growth enabler

Howell identified four strategic pillars underpinning Mindanao’s economic advantage: industry, growth engines, connectivity and tourism.

While Mindanao has established strengths in agriculture, manufacturing and other industries, he said connectivity is what links these sectors to wider markets—connecting farmers to buyers, manufacturers to customers, exporters to gateways and communities to employment and investment opportunities.

“Connectivity is not merely about moving goods and passengers. It is about enabling commerce, expanding access, attracting investments, and strengthening communities,” Howell said.

Against this backdrop, 2GO has positioned its sea freight, forwarding and passenger travel operations as part of the logistics infrastructure supporting Mindanao’s expanding economic activity.

Its 2GO Forwarding network consists of 93 distribution hubs and warehouses nationwide, including 18 in Mindanao. The network handles approximately 1.5 million packages, equivalent to around 150,000 transactions, annually in the region.

Through 2GO Sea Solutions, the company serves seven Mindanao ports in Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Butuan, Dipolog, Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga, as part of its 20-port network nationwide.

In 2025, 2GO transported 2.5 million metric tons of cargo to, from and within Mindanao, according to company data.

Beyond conventional sea freight, the company also provides project logistics, cold-chain services for agricultural and food products, e-commerce logistics and cross-docking solutions aimed at improving the movement of goods through the supply chain.

Connecting people and markets

The connectivity challenge extends beyond cargo, particularly in a region where the movement of workers, entrepreneurs, tourists and communities remains closely linked to economic activity.

Through 2GO Travel, the company operates 36 active passenger routes nationwide, including 18 with a Mindanao connection. The network supports 37 weekly voyages linking Mindanao with destinations in Luzon and the Visayas.

These routes provide an additional transportation link for workers, businesses and tourists while supporting access to markets and economic opportunities outside the region.

The combination of sea freight, forwarding, specialized logistics and passenger travel gives 2GO an integrated presence across different segments of the transportation and supply chain ecosystem.

Industry collaboration

2GO’s participation in the 35th Mindanao Business Conference also builds on its engagement with government, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders on regional logistics concerns.

Earlier this year, 2GO, the Mindanao Development Authority and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. brought together industry stakeholders to discuss logistics challenges and opportunities for improving supply chain connectivity across Mindanao.

The three-day business conference likewise tackled issues affecting the region’s economic competitiveness, including strategic foresight, connectivity and resilience, smart industrial development, energy transition, digital infrastructure, trade, climate-smart business, tourism and MSME financing.

As Mindanao seeks to attract more investment and expand its participation in domestic and global markets, the availability of reliable transportation and logistics infrastructure will remain an important factor in determining how efficiently businesses can move goods and access customers.

For 2GO, strengthening its networks in the region forms part of its broader role in linking Mindanao’s producers, businesses and communities with markets and destinations across the Philippine archipelago.