Manila:The recently concluded Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2026 resulted in a strategic partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and foreign chambers aimed at connecting international investors with Mindanao's priority projects, enterprises, and investment opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno stated that the agreement translated discussions during MDF 2026 into sustained cooperation among the government, private sector, and international business communities to generate investments, industries, and jobs.
The agreement introduces a MinDA-Mindanao Foreign Chambers Coordination Mechanism to monitor investment leads, identify priority activities, facilitate stakeholder introductions, and sustain collaboration beyond MDF 2026. The foreign chambers are set to promote Mindanao's investment opportunities through their international business networks, facilitate connections with prospective investors, and provide market insights to enhance the region's competitiveness.
The MOU establishes a framework for investment promotion, investor referrals, business matching, trade linkages, and both business-to-business and business-to-government engagements between Mindanao stakeholders and international business networks. Under the agreement, MinDA will facilitate investor referrals, provide relevant investment information, coordinate with project proponents and government partners, and follow up on business leads generated through the partnership.
The parties will also collaborate on investment forums, business missions, project pitching activities, investor briefings, and an Investment and Partnership Marketplace covering priority sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and economic zones. This partnership is expected to benefit Mindanao enterprises, farmers' organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and project proponents by expanding access to international markets, potential investors, technical expertise, and business networks that support enterprise growth and job creation.
Magno emphasized that under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Build Better More program, MinDA continues to promote Mindanao's strategic infrastructure and connectivity priorities to improve access to investment areas and enhance regional competitiveness. He added that MinDA is working with the Public-Private Partnership Center through its Mindanao PPP Facilitation Initiative to help local government units develop viable projects and attract private investments. The partnership aims to support President Marcos' goal of inclusive economic growth and job creation by leveraging foreign chambers' connections to expand market opportunities and generate sustainable livelihoods for Mindanao enterprises.
