The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Quezon City Government have solidified a strategic partnership, marking a significant step toward fostering national unity and economic progress. On February 16, 2026, at the Quezon City Hall Highrise Building, officials from both regions gathered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a North–South development linkage designed to strengthen economic, cultural, and institutional exchanges.
National Significance of the Agreement
During the signing ceremony, MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, emphasized the profound national importance of this collaboration. He described the MOU as more than a ceremonial gesture, highlighting it as a crucial milestone in enhancing inter-local government unit (LGU) cooperation. Magno articulated a vision for a unified growth corridor where Quezon City and Mindanao can synergize their strengths for mutual benefit.
"This MOU is not just ceremonial; it is an important milestone in strengthening inter-LGU cooperation and building a unified growth corridor where Quezon City and Mindanao connect markets, talent, and ideas for the benefit of our people," Magno stated. He further elaborated on the complementary nature of the two regions, noting that Quezon City serves as a hub of commerce, innovation, and enterprise, while Mindanao offers vast opportunities in agriculture, industry, energy, and human capital.
Framework for Collaboration
The MOU establishes a comprehensive three-year framework for collaboration across multiple key areas. These include:
- Economic exchanges and trade facilitation
- Investment promotion and support
- Tourism and cultural promotion initiatives
- Technology innovation and sustainable development projects
- Capacity building and technical assistance programs
As the principal agency created under Republic Act 9996 to coordinate development efforts for Mindanao, MinDA will play a pivotal role in facilitating investment promotion, providing technical assistance, sharing sectoral data, and mobilizing Mindanao-based participation in Quezon City-led programs. Magno stressed that development should not occur in isolation, underscoring how the partnership leverages the unique strengths of each region to drive inclusive growth.
Priority Areas and Implementation
The ceremony featured a detailed presentation of priority collaboration areas, which will be operationalized through separate project agreements under the MOU. Key initiatives include:
- Business-matching and investment-facilitation programs to connect enterprises
- Joint tourism and cultural promotions to enhance regional visibility
- Capacity-building seminars for skill development and institutional strengthening
- Technology and sustainable development initiatives to address environmental and economic challenges
Notable attendees at the event included Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte, along with key officials from various city departments such as the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, Tourism Department, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office.
Alignment with National Policies
This collaboration advances President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen regional development through inter-government cooperation, enhanced infrastructure, inclusive economic growth, and multi-sectoral collaboration as outlined under the "Bagong Pilipinas" governance agenda. Under the Marcos administration, efforts to reorganize and empower regional development councils, accelerate transport and digital connectivity, support local investment programming, and expand economic opportunities across regions are directly aligned with the MinDA–Quezon City MOU.
Moreover, the agreement reflects President Marcos's emphasis on inter-regional collaboration to promote trade and investment facilitation, tourism and cultural exchanges, and joint capacity-building programs. These elements are now being operationalized through the MinDA–Quezon City joint initiative, demonstrating a commitment to a more integrated national development strategy.
Expected Benefits and Future Outlook
Through this strategic partnership, a wide range of stakeholders stand to benefit, including Quezon City enterprises, Mindanao producers, investors, local institutions, and communities. The collaboration aims to build stronger economic bridges, expand opportunities, and foster a shared commitment to building a more connected and prosperous Philippines. By leveraging the complementary assets of both regions, this partnership is poised to accelerate inclusive growth and contribute to the overarching goals of the "Bagong Pilipinas" agenda, ensuring that development efforts are cohesive and far-reaching across the nation.
