The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reinforced their partnership this week, preparing for a visit by the ADB Board of Directors to Davao City scheduled for August 26, 2026.
Key Areas of Collaboration
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno met with ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries to align cooperation on infrastructure, energy transition, blue economy development, and regional integration under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Magno expressed gratitude for ADB's long-standing support for Mindanao's development agenda. Ongoing collaborative projects include the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, renewable energy initiatives under the Energy Transition Mechanism, and climate-resilient livelihood programs.
Support for BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035
Both sides reaffirmed support for BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 priorities, which encompass connectivity, food security, renewable energy, and investment promotion. Magno also presented MinDA flagship programs: the Mindanao Disaster Resiliency and Resource Center, the Mindanao Water Program, and the Mindanao PPP Facilitation Program. These initiatives aim to accelerate investments and strengthen institutional capacity across the island.
“ADB has been a steadfast partner in advancing Mindanao’s transformation,” Magno said. “Together, we are building resilient infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and strengthening regional cooperation through BIMP-EAGA.”
ADB Board Visit Preparations
MinDA will provide logistical and coordination support for the ADB Board visit on August 26, which will include meetings with government officials and local stakeholders. “We look forward to welcoming the ADB Board of Directors to Davao this August,” Magno said. “The visit will showcase Mindanao’s development priorities and investment opportunities.”
ADB officials stated that the visit will highlight Mindanao’s role in national development and deepen cooperation with the government, private sector partners, and regional stakeholders. “We remain committed to deepening our partnership with Mindanao through stronger regional cooperation and integration,” Jeffries said. “ADB is ready to help advance feasibility studies for priority LGU projects and support efforts to address financing constraints.”
Meeting Participants and Broader Context
The meeting included ADB Deputy Country Director Declan Magee, Country Operations Head Joris Van Etten, Regional Cooperation Specialist Pamela Gracia Layugan, and Lead Communications Officer Rosemarie Marquez. MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro also attended.
The strengthened partnership aligns with the Marcos administration’s push for infrastructure development, energy security, climate resilience, and inclusive growth across Mindanao.
