DAVAO CITY, Philippines (September 23, 2025) — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines formally launched the PPP Facilitation Initiative and the Mindanao PPP Desk on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the island’s push for inclusive and sustainable development.
The launch, held at Acacia Hotel in Davao City, was highlighted by the PPP Cliniquing Session, which provided local government units (LGUs) and agencies across Mindanao with practical guidance in developing and implementing PPP projects. The initiative aims to strengthen local capacities, accelerate project development, and attract private sector participation to address infrastructure and connectivity gaps in the region.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno described the PPP Desk as a turning point for Mindanao.
“The Desk is now open, not just physically at MinDA’s Davao City office, but digitally, for every LGU and agency across Mindanao. It is designed to be your first stop for PPP support: from project identification and structuring, to legal guidance, investor matching, and capacity development,” Sec. Magno said, urging LGUs to engage actively.
The PPP initiative is anchored on Republic Act 11966, or the PPP Code of the Philippines, which provides a unified framework for all PPP projects nationwide. Atty. Cyris A. Ng-Santiago, Director III of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service of the PPP Center, explained that the law repeals all existing local PPP and joint venture ordinances, streamlining processes and establishing a single legal basis for public-private engagements.
LGUs also gained insights from the experience of Bataan, presented by Abdul Khayr A. Alonto II, Department Head of the province’s PPP and Investment Center. Alonto emphasized that strong leadership and consistent private sector engagement can yield transformative community projects.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, underscored PPPs as a critical pillar of the Build Better More Program, noting that one-fourth of flagship infrastructure projects would be funded through this modality. He directed agencies to fast-track PPP approvals, expand technical assistance to LGUs, and prioritize projects in transport, water supply, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz echoed the importance of partnerships, stressing that “national and regional collaboration is vital to unlocking Mindanao’s full potential.” She added that MinDA, the PPP Center, and other agencies are working to build an enabling environment to make partnerships easier and more rewarding.
During the cliniquing session, LGUs raised project concerns on structuring, financing, and compliance with the PPP Code. Officials from MinDA and the PPP Center provided tailored advice to help fast-track priority projects.
The event was attended by LGU leaders including Mayor Ruel G. Molina of Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur; Mayor Jelio Val C. Laurento of Tago, Surigao del Sur; and Rogelio Daanoy Jaraula of Baungon, Bukidnon. Representatives from Aboitiz Infra Capital, government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities, and other stakeholders were also present.
With the Mindanao PPP Desk now operational, LGUs and agencies across the island have access to dedicated support for project identification, structuring, and implementation. The initiative strengthens the Marcos administration’s commitment to accelerate infrastructure development and build resilient, interconnected, and inclusive growth corridors in Mindanao.
The PPP Desk, officials emphasized, will serve as a long-term support facility for LGUs — a mechanism to match grassroots priorities with sustainable financing and technical solutions. Its ultimate goal: Building a Better Mindanao, one project at a time.