COURTESY: (JAKA/PIA-10)
In a significant development for Mindanao's infrastructure, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez has warmly welcomed the inclusion of the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project (MTCIP) in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance connectivity across a sprawling 428 kilometers, linking Cagayan de Oro City with Davao City and General Santos City. The announcement has generated a sense of optimism among local leaders and residents alike, as they anticipate the myriad benefits this project promises.
Rodriguez expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Nalipay ta na iyaha jud na-mention ang Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project na 428 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro to Davao to General Santos na gastuhan sa gobyerno as soon as possible.” This project, funded by a loan from the World Bank and supplemented by the Philippine government, is expected to revolutionize the movement of goods in southern Mindanao. Currently, products from Davao and General Santos face significant delays due to lengthy shipping routes, often taking as much as 1.5 days to reach Manila. The MTCIP aims to rectify this issue by improving access to key transport routes and ports, thereby facilitating swift and efficient trade.
A Comprehensive Approach to Infrastructure Development
The MTCIP encompasses five vital components that collectively aim to uplift the region's infrastructure landscape. First and foremost, the project focuses on enhancing local or link roads to improve connectivity. Furthermore, upgrades to the Cagayan de Oro-Davao-General Santos corridor will boost capacity, resilience, and safety. Rodriguez emphasized that this initiative will directly support agricultural producers by enhancing access from rural areas to major markets. This improvement in connectivity is poised to reduce travel time for both residents and businesses, fostering economic growth.
In addition to these upgrades, the project also incorporates institutional development for long-term infrastructure management, ensuring that facilities remain functional and beneficial for years to come. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has detailed a timeline for the project, with engineering designs scheduled from January 2026 to October 2027, followed by civil works set to commence in April 2027. Such meticulous planning underscores the administration's commitment to delivering a transformative infrastructure project for Mindanao.
Rodriguez further articulated his vision for Cagayan de Oro, stating, “Samot na gyud ang Cagayan de Oro will be progressive because all of the products of southern Mindanao will go to northern Mindanao through Cagayan de Oro.” This sentiment encapsulates the broader aspirations for the region, which aims to position itself as a pivotal gateway for trade and commerce across Mindanao. As the MTCIP unfolds, it promises to not only enhance logistical efficiency but also catalyze economic prosperity for the entire region.
