Mindanao shippers back MEDA bill

A resolution requesting the Senate to fast track the passage of the Mindanao Economic Development Authority (MEDA) Bill was unanimously approved during the recently held first Mindanao Logistics Conference.
The Mindanao Federation of Shippers’ Association (MINFESA) Inc. president Vic Lagdamen and Conference chair, Omar Vallejera, signed the resolution seeking assistance in speeding up the immediate approval of Senate Bill 3496, otherwise known as the Mindanao Economic Development Authority Act of 2009.
The resolution was presented to key stakeholders from foreign shipping industries and representatives from the private sector and government agencies present at the conference held on November 25-26 at the Mindanao Container Terminal Complex at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
The two-day conference was spearheaded by the MINFESA to push for the opening of a Northern to Southern Mindanao link as a main corridor, similar to the Davao-Cagayan expressway, to bolster the mobility of goods and people as well as fast track economic development in Mindanao.
Lagdamen noted the need for an integrated logistics and transportation plan to improve the connections between Mindanao’s major growth centers and strengthen logistics infrastructure and activities to reduce the cost of doing business.
He said the plan would significantly affect the infrastructure boost in Mindanao, with recently built major infrastructure like the Mindanao Container Terminal, the expansion of seaports and airports as well as the improvement of national roads.
In the document signed by the MINFESA, the participants of the Mindanao Logistics Conference recognized the importance of a permanent Mindanao-wide mechanism to integrate and harmonize regional logistics, and infrastructure activities.
The Association also moved for a satellite MEDA office to be set up in Cagayan de Oro City for Northern Mindanao.                                     
Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana Sr., chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo), said the enactment of the MEDA bill will aid in reshaping the country’s physical and economic configuration.
“Through enhancing our transport network, the country can develop a unified and integrated economy where people and goods can move and trade swiftly and efficiently.” he said.
The proposed creation of the Mindanao Economic Development Authority will integrate peace and development efforts on the island and ensure its continuity and consistency with Mindanao’s unique landscape. [MEDCo]