After 10 years of being mothballed, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is bringing back the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) on Thursday at the Acacia Hotel Davao, which aims to prompt Mindanao’s peace and development transformation through efficient alignment and coordination of development policies and programs.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who graced the opening of the forum, urged the stakeholders to always bring in sustainable projects in Mindanao.
“It falls upon us, as public servants and stakeholders of Mindanao to ensure that we not only bring in development but development that is sustainable and recognizes the complex, histories, and cultures of the various ethnolinguistic communities of Mindanao. We must seek development that is not at the expense of the environment and the gifts that nature has given to Mindanao,” the mayor said in his message.
The activity gathered industry leaders, policymakers and experts committed to supporting strategic partnerships for peace and development in Mindanao.
There were forum discussions guided by the 10 Mindanao Priority Development Agenda which includes people’s well-being; food, water, and energy; jobs and industry; international partnerships; connectivity; digital innovation; ecological integrity; preparedness and resiliency; peace, governance, and institutions; and enabling conditions.
“The MDF shall provide a venue for government to discuss its development priorities and to lay down areas where development partnerships can be most useful, leading to increased efficiency in development interventions and contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of Mindanao,” said Secretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta, chair of MinDA.
Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in his opening message said that aligned with NEDA’s development plans for Mindanao, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) specifically focuses on improving the investment climate in the regions.
He assured that the government is committed to scaling up domestic investment promotion and business-matching activities at the local level.
“We aim to map out value chains across sectors and foster regional industrialization. This approach includes supporting regional and urban centers specializing in industries where they are most competitive. Recognizing the value of regional industries as producers for the local market will help address regional growth and development disparities in our country,” he said.
Balisacan also mentioned that the PDP also emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensure peace and security, particularly in Mindanao.
“It outlines strategies to support the smooth and complete transition of the Bangsamoro government,” he said.
He added that this involves providing assistance to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in institution building, personnel development, economic management, fast-tracking of normalization and transformation programs, and strengthening intergovernmental relations mechanisms between the national and Bangsamoro governments.
“These strategies, in partnership with our local and international development partners, are crucial for sustaining the gains of the peace process, especially in achieving social and economic development in conflict-affected communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acosta pointed out how a false image of Mindanao continues to persist, hindering its ability to realize its potential.
According to her, the event is an opportunity to change these views and present the island as an investment destination.
“We should portray Mindanao now not as a land of strife, not as a land of doubts, but a land of plenty, a land that is peaceful, beautiful, bountiful, and that’s what we all want,” she said.
