The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) with technical assistance from the USAID UPPAF-RESPOND Project spearheaded the highly anticipated Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2023 in Davao City last 18 May 2023, marking a decade since the inaugural event held in 2013. With the theme "Sustaining Strategic Partnership for Mindanao Peace and Development," the Forum convened over 300 participants, including government officials, business leaders, stakeholders, and official development assistance (ODA) partners to identify and address the most pressing issues and concerns in Mindanao, with a view to accelerating the region's growth and development.
USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn expressed that โthe MDF is the key starting event to foster innovative strategies, promote peace and development and establish influential partnerships to unlock the vast potential of Mindanao. In particular, the forum provided the venue for deepening awareness of the region and to draw attention to the wide range of development initiatives open to USAID and other ODA support.โ The findings from the breakout sessions will update the sectoral discussion papers developed by MinDA with technical assistance from the USAID UPPAF-RESPOND Project in helping identify the key strategies and programs, activities and projects (PAPs) deemed integral to the Mindanao Development Agenda 2022-2028 currently under development by MinDA with technical assistance from UPPAF-REPOND.
In her warm welcome remarks, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta emphasized the remarkable transformation of Mindanao, dispelling outdated perceptions and highlighting the region's vibrant present and promising future.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte in his welcome message stressed the need for collaborative efforts that prioritize environmental sustainability and harness Mindanao's natural resources to enhance connectivity, bolster the economy, and fully unleash the region's potential.
In a pre-recorded message, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan underscored the Marcos administration's commitment to enabling economic and social transformation in Mindanao. The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 is focused on improving the investment climate, scaling up domestic investment promotion, fostering regional industrialization, identifying competitive sectors, and supporting specialized regional and urban centers to address disparities in regional growth and development.
Special Assistant to the President Sec. Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo, through his representative Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, expressed his confidence that the MDF 2023 would significantly boost Mindanao's prospects. The gathering of national and international partners in government and the international community aimed to explore avenues for improving the lives of Mindanawons, aligning with the development priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration.
In a pre-recorded message, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, pledged unwavering support to MinDA in its mission to bolster economic growth and development through infrastructure investments. Secretary Diokno emphasized the DOF's commitment to strengthening relationships with bilateral and multilateral development partners, actively collaborating on priority programs and projects in key sectors across Mindanao.
MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Mendiola Lopoz noted that Mindanao has entered a new era of rebound and peacebuilding. Improved peace and order conditions have significantly bolstered investor confidence, contributing to the positive momentum propelling the region's development.
Further in-depth discussions were conducted during breakout sessions for Mindanao Priority Agendas based on sectoral discussion papers developed by MinDA during a collaborative writeshop conducted with UPPAF-RESPOND in early May. These breakout sessions covered key development initiatives on (1) Food, Water, and Energy Nexus; (2) Digital Transformation and Innovation; (3) Connectivity of Infrastructure, Transportation, and Logistics; (4) Ecological Integrity and Preparedness: Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Resilience; (5) People's Well-being: Health and Education; (6) Trade and Industry Development Towards Job Creation and International Partnerships, including BIMP-EAGA; and (7) Peace, Security, Governance, and Institutions. The sessions were facilitated by key senior officials from UPPAF-RESPOND, USAID Energy Secure, USAID Beacon, United Nations Development Programme, Philippine Normal University, the Asian Development Bank and the European Union.
UPPAF-RESPOND Team Leader Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto reported the results of the breakout sessions during the plenary session. Dr. Llanto shared that the forum highlighted critical issues related to the Brunei DarussalamโIndonesiaโMalaysiaโPhilippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), digital connectivity, agri industrialization, climate resilience, regulatory governance, among others. The discussions also served as an influential catalyst for fostering meaningful dialogues and forging invaluable partnerships among diverse stakeholders. In this regard, he stated that the forum provided an unparalleled avenue for collaboration towards paving the way for a transformed Mindanao and propelling the region towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
The event ended with all stakeholders expressing their commitment to strengthening partnerships and showcasing the safety and investment opportunities available in Mindanao. The forum provided an invaluable platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development in various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, education, peace and security, and environmental sustainability. Aligned with the PDP 2023-2028 of the new Marcos administration, the event emphasized inclusive growth, employment generation, and a prosperous future for Mindanao. The shared vision and dedication to sustainable development and the Mindanao development priorities will play a crucial role in shaping the region's socio-economic landscape in the post-COVID-19 era.
The Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (RESPOND) Project which is implemented by the U.P. Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation, Inc. (UPPAF) is made possible by the support of the American People through a cooperative agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The views expressed and opinions contained in this document are those of the UPPAF-RESPOND Project and do not necessarily reflect the views of UPPAF, USAID, or the United States Government
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