Finally, the promise that’s a long time coming for Mindanao is dawning.
Japan and the Philippine government have signed a $202-million (P10.5 billion) loan agreement to build and improve roads in Mindanao, including war-torn Marawi City according to the Department of Finance. The loan agreement was the highlight of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation which culminated on Tuesday in Clark, Pampanga. Finance Sec. Carlos Dominguez and Japan International Cooperation Agency Senior Vice President Yasushi Tanaka signed the deal.
The road projects aim to reinvigorate local economies and reduce poverty in its communities by linking them to Mindanao’s trade centers.
Along with the Mindanao railway project, Mindanao is finally getting its share of the government resources after being the one that’s always left out in past administrations.
In pursuing Mindanao development, President Rodrigo Duterte has underscored collaborative efforts to bring about peace and sustainable growth across Mindanao which is high on the government’s agenda. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is leading the creation of more viable opportunities in trade and investment, transportation, agri-business, tourism, energy, and environmental protection and management, among others.
The Duterte administration is also focused in building the capacity of local government units to deliver excellent public service and promote good governance in Mindanao. MinDA is likewise working on the Mindanao Development Corridors which is a development strategy aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Mindanao industries by providing common service facilities.
With the impetus on Mindanao, it is now a matter of seeing the programs and projects implemented on time and according to plan. As it is, President Duterte has three years left in his term and that is the best opportune time for Mindanao to get what it deserves and what it has missed in decades.
