The NEDA Regional Office XI with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Policy, Planning, and Project Development Office Team at the NEDA-RDC XI Center.

(Davao City, 14 April 2023). Following the MinDA Board approval of the initial list of Mindanao-wide, inter-regional and region-specific projects and policy agenda as part of the Mindanao Investment Program (MIP) and Mindanao Policy Agenda for 2023-2028, the MinDA Policy, Planning, and Project Development Office (PPPDO) Team, led by Director Joey E. Recimilla, had a meeting with NEDA XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim and her team to discuss the major projects and policy agenda of Davao Region which are critical for Mindanao’s socio-economic development.

The abridged version of the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP), 2023-2028, which contains the Region’s priority development goals and strategies, legislative agenda, and development research agenda was presented by NEDA XI Senior Economic Development Specialist (EDS) JB Tomas H. Busque IV. Thereafter, Senior EDS Emil B. Clarito and Chief EDS Emily Jeanette R. Salvado presented the status of major infrastructure projects in Davao Region and the inclusion of the projects listed in the MIP, 2023-2028 in the Public Investment Program (PIP) and Davao Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), 2023-2028.

Director Recimilla highlighted that the activity is part of MinDA’s advocacy activities to meet with provincial and city local government units (LGUs) and regional line agencies of Mindanao for the Mindanao Investment Program and Mindanao Policy Agenda for 2023-2028. MinDA Planning and Research Division Chief Argie Leparto emphasized MinDA’s mandate in coordinating and integrating the formulation and implementation of various Mindanao-wide inter-regional development plans, programs and projects.

During the discussions, both agencies agreed to strengthen the linkages and collaboration between MinDA and the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, through its Secretariat, the NEDA XI, and with other agencies for the development of Mindanao. MinDA committed to support the coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the implementing agencies of the major infrastructure Davao Region and inter-regional projects, highlighting the Mindanao Development Corridors Joint Planning and Programming (MinDC-JPP). Recognizing the pursuit of the development of the Region’s manufacturing industry, MinDA also committed to support the engagement with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for the establishment of additional economic zones in the Davao Region. MinDA also expressed support for the operationalization of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) and Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA), which are key structures to drive the Region’s socioeconomic development.

Kristoffer Kim K. Boga, NEDA XI