General Santos City – Experts and stakeholders at the 10th Mindanao Policy Research Forum (MPRF) emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among government, the private sector, and civil society to tackle the unique socio-economic challenges of Mindanao and harness its full potential. The forum underscored that coordinated efforts are essential to strengthening agricultural value chains, fostering enterprise development, and addressing critical issues such as malnutrition, poverty, and underemployment.
With the theme “Navigating Global Trends: Mindanao’s Future, Opportunities, and Strategies for Expanding the Middle Class,” the forum was hosted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU – GenSan).
Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains
In his presentation, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Roehlano Briones highlighted the importance of improving agricultural value chains to uplift low-income households. Briones advocated for developing not just primary agricultural activities, but also enhancing processing, marketing, and distribution to help the region’s poorest communities. He pointed out that a more realistic goal would be to focus on helping low-income households transition to middle-class status, thus contributing to a more resilient economy.
Briones also discussed innovative strategies for enterprise development, particularly through matching grant schemes like the Department of Trade and Industry’s Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project. These grants encourage beneficiaries to invest their own resources, creating commitment and addressing market challenges that hinder rural enterprises.
Addressing Poverty and Malnutrition
Dr. Mario Aguja, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at MSU GenSan, emphasized the socio-economic complexities of Mindanao, which, despite its promise, continues to grapple with high poverty rates and inadequate access to education. Aguja noted that a culture of poverty has become normalized over the past four decades, with malnutrition and underemployment plaguing the region.
He stressed the need for significant investments in health and education to break the cycle of poverty. Aguja linked low literacy rates to broader societal issues and called for a collective approach in addressing these concerns, particularly through community engagement and long-term strategic planning.
Legislative Support and Youth Development
Representing Mindanao Affairs Committee Chairman Hon. Yevgeny Vincente Beja-Emano, Atty. Simon Zagado spoke about the importance of agriculture and youth development in shaping Mindanao’s future. He addressed the socio-economic challenges of poverty and malnutrition, describing Mindanao as “a poor man sitting on a mountain of gold”—a metaphor for the region’s untapped potential. Zagado affirmed that legislative efforts would focus on breaking down barriers to development and addressing the real needs of the region’s communities.
The Role of BARMM in Mindanao’s Development
Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, Director General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, discussed the evolving role of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in driving Mindanao’s development. He noted that the region has seen rapid economic growth and significant investments, and stressed the importance of inclusive policies, good governance, and a culture of innovation to ensure that all segments of society benefit from this progress.
The forum concluded with a consensus that strong collaboration between all sectors is key to unlocking Mindanao’s potential and ensuring a future marked by prosperity, equity, and opportunity for its people.
