New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Catherine McIntosh, embarked on a meaningful five-day visit to Mindanao from 13 to 17 January focusing on education, innovation and sustainable development.

Accompanied by New Zealand International Development Cooperation manager Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez, the visit deepened bilateral ties and promoted the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program (MNZSP).

The visit began in Davao City, where Ambassador McIntosh paid a courtesy call to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). She met with Secretary Leo Tereso Abellera Magno to explore collaborative opportunities in innovation, agriculture and education — key sectors vital to Mindanao’s progress.

Ambassador McIntosh reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to Mindanao through its International Development Cooperation Program, emphasizing the shared goal of fostering long-term stability and prosperity in the region. Likewise, Secretary Magno expressed his gratitude for New Zealand’s sustained support and highlighted the growing international interest in Mindanao due to its improving peace and stability.

During their meeting, they talked about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program. Ambassador McIntosh highlighted that 14 out of the 16 2025 Manaaki Scholars come from the region. They also discussed the Mango Quality Project — a collaboration with the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Municipality of Midsayap, with continuing support from the Mindanao Development Authority.

The project has developed an environment-friendly, residue-compliant crop protection program, improving mango quality and reopening export opportunities to Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

New Zealand Honorary Consul for Mindanao Vicente “Vic” Lao was also present during the courtesy call.

Meanwhile, in an exciting step forward for gender equality and sustainable development, New Zealand, the United Nations Development Program, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) have officially launched the Indigenous Women and Girls — Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project.

The official launch of the I-LEAD Project was marked by a signing ceremony in Davao City, with New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran and NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Pia Limpayen Sibug-Las leading the proceedings.

With P247 million (USD 4.5 million) in funding from the New Zealand government, this four-year initiative will empower Indigenous women and girls across Regions 11 and 12 in Mindanao, focusing on building leadership skills, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The project also aims to safeguard Indigenous Peoples’ rights and promote sustainable development practices in ancestral domain.