DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) marked its 15th founding anniversary on Monday, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, regional integration, and economic acceleration for Mindanao.
During the celebration at the BIMP-EAGA Hall in MinDA’s Bajada office, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno reflected on the agency’s accomplishments while outlining an ambitious vision for the island’s future. He underscored the growing interest in Mindanao’s development from both domestic investors and international stakeholders.
“We are about to launch something that I hope will define the future of Mindanao. It’s time for us to move forward together—to help and uplift one another, and to be the wind beneath each other’s wings,” Magno stated. He emphasized the critical role of economic progress in improving the lives of Mindanawon families, advocating for true food security and sustainable livelihoods.
A key highlight of the anniversary was the formal adoption of the “Building a Better Mindanao” campaign, which was approved through a resolution during MinDA’s 20th Board Meeting held on March 24, 2025, at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City. The initiative, set to run from 2025 to 2028, aligns with the national government’s policy agenda and reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of positioning Mindanao as a key driver of national economic progress.
Magno, in his presentation to the Board Members, highlighted Mindanao’s economic trajectory, citing a consistent quarterly growth rate of 0.82% and its significant contribution to the Philippines’ 5.6% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2023. Over the past three decades, Mindanao has reduced its poverty rate by 48.69% and recorded a 42.6% increase in Board of Investments (BOI)-approved investments, generating over 7,200 employment opportunities.
“For the past 15 years, MinDA has been at the forefront of Mindanao’s transformation—from a region recovering from conflict to a thriving hub for investment and development,” Magno said.
The “Building a Better Mindanao” campaign is anchored on MinDA’s 10-Point Development Agenda, prioritizing economic corridor development, technological innovation, and socio-economic resilience. Ongoing infrastructure projects, including airport expansions in Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos, are expected to further enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
“As a proud son of Mindanao, I take immense pride in advocating for sustained and inclusive development that will benefit both present and future generations,” Magno emphasized.
President Marcos Jr. has reiterated Mindanao’s strategic importance by increasing public infrastructure investments to sustain its progress. Magno reaffirmed this commitment, stating, “This campaign is not merely about economic indicators; it embodies the aspirations of 26 million Mindanawons. Through robust partnerships and strategic planning, we are building a self-sustaining Mindanao that is indispensable to national progress.”
The anniversary celebration also included the oath-taking of newly appointed and promoted employees, as well as the awarding of loyalty citations to long-serving staff. Magno urged MinDA personnel to remain steadfast in their mission of building a stronger, more prosperous Mindanao.
With the Board’s formal endorsement, the “Building a Better Mindanao” initiative consolidates efforts to accelerate growth, enhance resilience, and strengthen the region’s role as a critical pillar of national economic development.