Manila: Mindanao is investment-ready and emerging as a principal source of national growth, food and energy security, and regional connectivity, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said Monday. Speaking at the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) here, Magno urged the private sector to invest in the region, citing its growing economy, improved peace and security, infrastructure, and abundant natural resources.
According to Philippines News Agency, Magno emphasized that Mindanao is poised for significant economic advancement. He highlighted that government initiatives are already laying the groundwork with investment in infrastructure such as roads, gateways, and utilities. However, he stressed the necessity for converting this progress into more bankable projects to expedite implementation throughout the region.
Magno addressed the need to alter Mindanao's perception as a conflict-affected area, asserting that peace and security are crucial to attracting investors. He advocated for a development strategy that goes beyond relying solely on government spending and a larger national budget share, suggesting public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a viable path to growth.
To facilitate these efforts, MinDA has set up a PPP one-stop shop and facilitation desk aimed at assisting local governments and partners in developing investment opportunities. Magno identified key sectors such as agribusiness, agro-processing, renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and critical minerals as ripe for investment.
During the same event, the Board of Investments (BOI) underscored Mindanao's integral role in the country's artificial intelligence-based industrialization agenda. This was highlighted during the final leg of the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) roadshow. The BOI presented a vision of Mindanao as a strategic node for food security, integrated circuit design, and mineral processing, leveraging its strengths in various industries.
BOI Governor Marjorie Samaniego elaborated on the 2026 SIPP, which seeks to promote diversification and resilience while being accessible to all sizes of investors, including micro, small, and medium enterprises. She emphasized the importance of advancing along the value chain and transforming resources into products and industries.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go highlighted the necessity of ongoing collaboration between government and the private sector to turn investment priorities into actionable projects. He noted that the opportunities before Mindanao are vast and collaborative efforts are essential to creating conditions conducive to investment and ensuring development benefits reach more communities.
This investment initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s broader agenda for sustained peace and development in Mindanao, emphasizing peace, infrastructure, energy security, and inclusive growth as key foundations for enhanced private-sector participation.
