Davao City, Philippines — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed their partnership to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth in Mindanao during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2025.
MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and ADB Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries led discussions focused on three key development priorities: addressing the perennial flooding problem in the Mindanao River Basin, advancing the Mindanao Energy Transition Program, and promoting transport and connectivity projects across the island region.
“We thank ADB for the steadfast support to MinDA, especially in PPP, connectivity, and energy development, which are investments not only in projects but in the resilience and future of Mindanao,” Magno said.
Both parties emphasized the urgency of implementing long-term and comprehensive flood mitigation strategies combining infrastructure development, watershed rehabilitation, and community-based interventions to reduce flooding risks in vulnerable provinces.
On connectivity, the officials recognized the critical role of modern transport infrastructure in improving trade, mobility, and regional integration—positioning Mindanao as a stronger growth hub within the Philippines and the ASEAN region.
The meeting also underscored the importance of transitioning Mindanao’s power mix toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, while ensuring that electricity supply remains reliable and affordable for communities and industries.
Also present during the meeting were Department of Finance Undersecretary Joven Balbosa, MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, and Oscar Amiel Badiola of ADB Philippines.
The dialogue formed part of the Bilateral Meetings during the MDF 2025, a key platform that fosters collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and stakeholders in pursuit of Mindanao’s long-term development agenda.