Manila, October 17, 2024 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project (MTCIP), a critical infrastructure initiative led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The project is set to enhance transport networks across Mindanao, providing vital support for the region’s agricultural sector and economic development.
During the 21st NEDA Board Meeting held at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos emphasized the importance of advancing the project swiftly, stating, “It’s one of the main road programs for Mindanao. I think that we should, as much as possible, proceed with the project … we need to approve.”
Enhancing Connectivity in Mindanao
The MTCIP is designed to improve transportation links across Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Soccsksargen, addressing long-standing connectivity challenges in the region. By improving rural roads and highways, the project will facilitate the efficient transport of agricultural goods from remote areas, thus boosting productivity in one of the country’s most agriculturally rich regions.
Mindanao’s agricultural output plays a significant role in the national economy, supplying key products like rice, corn, and bananas. However, poor infrastructure and limited access to markets have hindered its full potential. The MTCIP aims to resolve these issues by enabling faster and safer transportation, ensuring farmers can bring their products to market more efficiently.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan highlighted the importance of the MTCIP as part of a larger master plan for the country’s transport infrastructure. “This project should provide high-level traffic services by assuring high-speed mobility and safe travel to vital socio-economic activities for the development of the regions and the country as a whole,” Bonoan explained.
Long-term Benefits for Mindanao’s Economy
The MTCIP will not only reduce transportation costs and improve access to markets for agricultural goods, but it will also preserve the long-term value of road assets by minimizing routine and periodic maintenance costs. Additionally, the project will contribute to the overall economic viability of Mindanao, enabling the region to become a key player in the national economy.
With World Bank funding, the MTCIP is expected to have five major components, extending through its target completion date in 2030. These projects will complement the ongoing rural road programs in the region, which will continue beyond 2030 to ensure sustainable infrastructure development.
A Much-Needed Investment in Mindanao’s Future
The approval of the MTCIP comes at a crucial time for Mindanao, which has long lagged behind Luzon and Visayas in terms of infrastructure development. By improving transport connectivity, the project is expected to uplift local communities, boost regional trade, and promote inclusive growth across Mindanao.
As the DPWH pushes forward with this initiative, the benefits will be felt not just in the agricultural sector but across the broader economy, supporting long-term development goals and helping Mindanao unlock its full potential as a key driver of national growth.
