A New Era of Partnership and Progress
COURTESY: (APB/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The air inside the 2nd Mindanao Infrastructure Summit was charged with optimism. As leaders, investors, and visionaries gathered under one roof, one key announcement stood out: the **Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk for Mindanao**. Launched in September in Davao City, this groundbreaking initiative by the **Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)** marks a turning point for the island’s infrastructure journey.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary **Leo Tereso A. Magno** painted an inspiring picture—Mindanao’s growth will no longer hinge solely on government funding. Instead, by harnessing the strengths of the public and private sectors, they aim to craft projects that are **bankable, inclusive, and climate-resilient**. This one-stop hub will guide LGUs, agencies, and private partners with the tools, advice, and matchmaking needed to transform ideas into concrete, life-changing infrastructure.
To illustrate the vision, Magno emphasized how PPPs can bridge persistent funding gaps, foster innovation, and accelerate development. From solving technical hurdles to attracting eager investors, the PPP Desk is designed as both a compass and a launchpad for Mindanao’s future.
Empowering LGUs, Connecting Communities
The summit’s message was clear: Mindanao is no longer content with slow, fragmented progress. Instead, stakeholders are determined to unlock potential that lies dormant in provinces hungry for growth. Through PPPs, **local government units will be empowered** to dream big, communicate their vision effectively, and partner with the private sector to bring those visions to life.
Over the past years, landmark projects like the **Panguil Bay Bridge**, the expansion of **Laguindingan Airport**, and the modernization of **Balingoan Port** have transformed connectivity and trade routes. Now, with the **Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project** in full swing, travel time between provinces will shrink, strengthening economic corridors and opening new doors for commerce and tourism.
Furthermore, Magno shared that the PPP Desk—currently based in Davao City—will eventually have sister desks in other regions across Mindanao. This decentralization ensures that every LGU, whether coastal or inland, urban or rural, will have access to the guidance they need. To complement this, MinDA will conduct a **PPP Roadshow**, bringing awareness, training, and collaboration directly to local leaders.
The Road Ahead
Through the Marcos administration’s **Build Better More program**, infrastructure is positioned as the beating heart of inclusive growth. The PPP Desk embodies this vision—ensuring that development is not just a government function but a shared responsibility between communities, leaders, and investors. With consistency, transparency, and innovation at the forefront, Mindanao is on track to position itself as a premier investment destination and a hub of resilience.
From bridges rising above waves to roads slicing through lush valleys, the story of Mindanao is evolving. And with the PPP Desk as a guiding force, the island is ready to not just keep pace with progress—but lead it.
COURTESY: El Salvador City DRRMO
