The transformation of Zamboanga City and much of Western Mindanao is gaining momentum, with peace at its heart.
This was the key message of Secretary Leo Tereso Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) during a meeting with officials of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (ZAMBOECOZONE). He emphasized that with peace and order steadily improving across Region IX to Region XIII, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the region is now entering a new chapter—one that is ripe for development and investment.
“Maganda na ho ang sitwasyon ng ating peace and order. Oras na pong pumasok ang development,” Sec. Magno shared.
This vision is strongly reinforced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s CREATE MORE law. Signed in November 2024, the law expands fiscal incentives and streamlines investment processes to attract more investors, create more jobs, and unlock more opportunities across the country, especially in emerging regions like Mindanao.
Under CREATE MORE, economic zones such as ZAMBOECOZONE are empowered to offer enhanced tax breaks, simplified local taxation, and flexible work arrangements. This is one of the priorities of the Marcos administration to make the Philippines a top-tier investment destination.
“Ang mga economic zones ay isa sa mga ipinopromote ng ating mahal na Pangulo. Naniniwala siya na ito ang susi sa mga benepisyo para sa investors, sa mga gustong tumulong at mag-develop sa isang lugar. At alam ko, narito na sa ZAMBOECOZONE ang ganitong mga oportunidad,” Magno shared.
The law also raises the threshold for project review, giving agencies like MinDA greater autonomy to promote high-impact ventures.
Sec. Magno also highlighted the “Building a Better Mindanao” initiative, a call to action that reflects the government’s commitment to long-term growth and inclusive development in the island. He noted that Mindanao is now ready, not just in terms of peace and policy, but in mindset and infrastructure to welcome investors and builders of progress.
During the meeting, ZAMBOECOZONE Chairman and Administrator Dr. Raul M. Regondola presented the ecozone’s ongoing and pipeline projects, initiatives that are designed not just to generate jobs or attract businesses, but to make a lasting impact on the lives of people in Mindanao.
According to him, from logistics hubs to smart infrastructure, ZAMBOECOZONE is positioning itself as a vital gateway for trade, technology, and transformation in the south.
Sec. Magno commended the ecozone for its proactive role and aligned vision with MinDA’s regional development goals.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment from both agencies to work together in turning Mindanao’s peace into progress, and its potential into reality for the benefit of every Mindanawon.
