Manila:The recently concluded Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2026 has resulted in a strategic partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and foreign chambers. This initiative aims to connect international investors with Mindanao's priority projects, enterprises, and investment opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno stated that the agreement has translated discussions from MDF 2026 into sustained cooperation among the government, private sector, and international business communities. The goal is to generate investments, industries, and jobs.
The agreement outlines the creation of a MinDA-Mindanao Foreign Chambers Coordination Mechanism. This will monitor investment leads, identify priority activities, facilitate stakeholder introductions, and sustain collaboration beyond MDF 2026. Foreign chambers will promote Mindanao's investment opportunities through their international business networks, facilitating connections with prospective investors and providing market insights to strengthen the region's competitiveness.
The MOU establishes a framework for investment promotion, investor referrals, business matching, trade linkages, and business-to-business and business-to-government engagements between Mindanao stakeholders and international business networks. MinDA will facilitate investor referrals, provide relevant investment information, coordinate with project proponents and government partners, and follow up on business leads generated through the partnership.
Additionally, the parties will collaborate on investment forums, business missions, project pitching activities, investor briefings, and an Investment and Partnership Marketplace covering priority sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and economic zones. This partnership is expected to benefit Mindanao enterprises, farmers' organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and project proponents by expanding access to international markets, potential investors, technical expertise, and business networks that support enterprise growth and job creation.
Secretary Magno highlighted MinDA's ongoing efforts under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Build Better More program to promote Mindanao's strategic infrastructure and connectivity priorities. This is aimed at improving access to investment areas and enhancing regional competitiveness. In alignment with the Marcos administration's push for greater private-sector participation in development, MinDA is collaborating with the Public-Private Partnership Center through its Mindanao PPP Facilitation Initiative to assist local government units in developing viable projects and attracting private investments.
Magno emphasized that supporting President Marcos' goal of inclusive economic growth and job creation, MinDA will utilize its partnership with foreign chambers to connect Mindanao enterprises with international investors, expand market opportunities, and generate sustainable livelihoods.
