Tripartite Agreement Aims to Accelerate Mindanao's Sustainable Development
In a significant move to bolster economic growth in the southern Philippines, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and the Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project–Project Support Office (DA–PRDP PSO) Mindanao have formalized comprehensive agreements to expand access to financial resources and facilities. This collaboration is specifically designed to spur sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development across the Mindanao region.
Strategic Partnership Emphasizes Local Government Role
MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, emphasized in a message following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on February 23, 2026, at the Premier Guesthouse in Malacañang, that this partnership recognizes the critical role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in accelerating investments. These investments will target renewable energy projects, climate-resilient infrastructure, water and sanitation systems, agri-industrial value chains, education, health services, and other productive sectors.
"We thank DBP for opening their facilities to assist our Mindanao LGUs in accessing resources to spur development in their respective localities. You are assisting us, the LGUs, in Building a Better Mindanao," Magno stated. He further assured that MinDA will provide institutional support to link proponent groups, LGUs, private sector proponents, development partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring wider access and participation in these initiatives.
Comprehensive Support Framework for Beneficiaries
Under the related agreement, MinDA, DBP, and DA–PRDP PSO Mindanao, represented by Director Carlene Collado, are committed to delivering a robust support package for qualified beneficiaries. This includes:
- Technical assistance to enhance project implementation
- Matching grants to leverage local investments
- Capacity-building programs to strengthen institutional capabilities
DBP will extend access to credit facilities, while MinDA will facilitate stakeholder coordination and promote DBP's credit programs alongside DA–PRDP interventions to ensure long-term sustainability. This tripartite collaboration is strategically designed to accelerate rural development, expand opportunities for farmers and cooperatives, and strengthen Mindanao's agricultural and industrial value chains.
Administration's Directive for Inclusive Growth
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., who witnessed the MOU signing, underscored the Marcos administration's directive to heavily involve LGUs in national development efforts. "President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed us to ensure that funding and resources reach LGUs directly, empowering them to deliver services and spur growth in their communities. This MOU demonstrates that LGUs are not being left behind—they are being given the tools and support needed to bring development down to the ground, to the people," Lagdameo explained.
Meanwhile, DBP President and CEO Michael de Jesus reaffirmed the bank's commitment to Mindanao's progress. "Our interests are aligned. We care about the development of Mindanao, we care about peace and prosperity. This partnership will help us navigate how we can further expand and deepen our relationship with LGUs. With MinDA's guidance, we can strengthen our assistance in Mindanao," de Jesus said.
Strong Institutional Backing for Development Initiatives
The signing ceremony was witnessed by DBP senior vice presidents Soraya Adiong and Mary Joyce Salgados, along with MinDA executive director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, highlighting the strong institutional support behind these initiatives. These agreements directly advance the Marcos Administration's priority of fostering inclusive growth and resilience in Mindanao. President Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized the importance of empowering LGUs, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and cooperatives as engines of regional development.
By strengthening access to finance and aligning investments with Mindanao's specific priorities, the DBP–MinDA–DA PRDP partnership actively supports the administration's broader vision of a more equitable and prosperous Philippines. This collaborative effort marks a pivotal step in addressing regional disparities and unlocking the economic potential of Mindanao through coordinated financial and technical interventions.
