DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as Fulbright Philippines, sealed a partnership to expand scholarship and exchange opportunities for Mindanaoans through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on September 25, 2025, at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City.
MinDA, the lead agency for Mindanao’s development, aligned the collaboration with the island’s priorities, particularly in agriculture and energy, to empower emerging leaders with global education and research opportunities.
In his message, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno called the partnership a “bold step” in strengthening Mindanao’s human capital.
“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, MinDA and the Fulbright Commission reaffirm a shared conviction: that education is the most powerful engine of peace, progress, and prosperity,” Magno said.
The initiative will provide pathways for Mindanaoan scholars and professionals to pursue graduate education and advanced research abroad, with the aim of bringing back knowledge to address pressing challenges in the region.
PAEF, which manages the country’s longest-running international scholarship program, has awarded more than 4,000 scholarships nationwide since 1948. Its Chairperson, Jessica L. Simon, said the collaboration ensures Mindanao’s inclusion in the global Fulbright network.
“Fulbright Philippines has provided opportunities to more than 4,000 scholars nationwide, and with this collaboration, we are ensuring that Mindanao’s brightest minds are represented in this growing community of leaders,” Simon said.
MinDA Executive Director and Undersecretary Janet Lopoz highlighted the long-term impact of the program, stressing its role in developing leaders who can transform knowledge into action for Mindanao’s growth.
“We are investing in Mindanao’s future and building a bright understanding. Part of MinDA’s initiative is to develop the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and progress,” Lopoz said.
The collaboration supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen education, innovation, and human capital development, in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. It also contributes to the administration’s vision of inclusive growth by opening opportunities for underrepresented communities in Mindanao to access graduate education abroad.
The MOU marks a milestone in international cooperation and a shared investment in “Building a Better Mindanao,” as MinDA and Fulbright Philippines transform the agreement into a living program with tangible benefits for scholars and communities.