MinDA and Peza Sign Landmark Agreement to Elevate Mindanao's Investment Landscape
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) have solidified a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 24, 2026. This pivotal agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in ecozone development, fast-track priority projects, and open wider investment opportunities across the Mindanao region, marking a significant step toward regional economic advancement.
Enhancing Investment Profiles and Socioeconomic Benefits
During the signing ceremony, MinDA chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, emphasized that the MOU will elevate Mindanao's investment profile by integrating ecozone development with the Mindanao Development Corridors (MDC) Program. This integration is expected to generate long-term socioeconomic benefits for local communities, fostering inclusive growth. Magno stated, "MinDA continues to promote PPPs, economic zone development, and investment facilitation as core strategies for inclusive growth," reaffirming the agency's alignment with national development goals.
He further highlighted MinDA's commitment to turning planned opportunities into tangible results by working closely with local government units (LGUs), partner agencies, and private investors to accelerate project implementation and investment conversion.
Formalizing Collaboration for Strategic Development
The Memorandum of Understanding formalizes MinDA and Peza's joint efforts to:
- Promote investments and develop ecozones across strategic locations in Mindanao under the MDC Program.
- Strengthen coordinated planning, business matching, and promotional activities for both domestic and foreign investors.
- Enhance stakeholders' understanding of public-private partnership modalities to drive sustainable economic growth.
Discussions during the event underscored the critical role of economic zones as drivers of industrialization, job creation, and competitiveness. Notably, about 90 percent of the 436 operating zones nationwide are led by the private sector with government support, highlighting the importance of such collaborations.
Capacity Building and Interagency Coordination
Peza director General Tereso O. Panga committed to leading a workshop in collaboration with MinDA and invited LGUs. This initiative aims to equip participants with critical guidance on:
- Investment promotion and facilitation.
- Registration processes and incentive mechanisms.
- Strengthening local capacities for sustained economic growth.
The signing was attended by key figures, including Dinagat Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., Peza acting deputy director general Emmanuel Cortero, and Ecozone Development Manager Ludwig Daza, showcasing broad support for the partnership.
Aligning with National Development Initiatives
This collaboration aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration, which has underscored the strategic importance of economic zones as catalysts for national growth. Key directives include expanding ecozone designations nationwide to attract investments and create jobs across regions. The MOU ensures that Mindanao communities benefit from sustainable economic growth by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining investment facilitation, and strengthening digital and transport connectivity.
Reflecting President Marcos' emphasis on public-private partnerships, capacity building, and interagency coordination, the MinDA-Peza partnership operationalizes these priorities to expand Mindanao's investment and ecozone landscape. This strategic boost for Mindanao showcases a shared mission of "Building a Better Mindanao" through sustainable investment, regional competitiveness, and inclusive growth.
