At long last, local governments in Mindanao won’t have to wait in line for national funds just to build roads, hospitals, schools, or water systems.
On September 23, 2025, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) officially unveiled the Mindanao Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City — a one-stop hub designed to turbocharge LGU infrastructure and unlock private sector investments.
This new initiative will generate a strong pipeline of bankable projects; empower LGUs with technical capacity and hands-on guidance; and attract private investment to drive inclusive, community-centered progress.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno said the launch is a decisive step forward:
“This forum represents our shared mission to accelerate infrastructure development and inter-regional connectivity. Through PPPs, we can tap into the capital, innovation, and efficiency of the private sector while ensuring government delivers better services.”
Atty. Cyris A. Ng-Santiago, Director III of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service (CBKMS) of the PPP Center, underscored the significance of the new legal framework:
“Sa atin pong batas, which is the RA 11966 or PPP Code, ito po ngayon ang single-legal basis for all PPPs, both national and local. It repeals all LGU PPP/JV Codes and ordinances.”
The PPP Code of the Philippines (RA 11966) now serves as a single, unified legal basis for public-private partnerships at both national and local levels.
It streamlines rules, repeals overlapping LGU PPP ordinances, and sets clear timelines to speed up project approvals while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Bringing PPP Opportunities Closer to LGUs
MinDA’s PPP Desk is not just for mega-projects. It will help LGUs pursue critical local infrastructure — such as clean water systems, rural health clinics, school buildings, farm-to-market roads, and other facilities that improve everyday life.
By early next year, MinDA plans to bring the Desk closer to the provinces through caravans and training workshops, helping LGUs build technical know-how and confidence to initiate and complete PPP projects.
Abdul Khayr M. Alonto II, Department Head of the PPP and Investment Center of the Province of Bataan, shared lessons from their experience:
“Our PPP experience in Bataan shows that strong leadership and consistent engagement with the private sector create transformative projects that benefit communities directly.”
Aligned With the Build Better More Vision
This move supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More Program, which envisions one-fourth of flagship infrastructure projects funded through PPPs.
The President has ordered the creation of faster approval mechanisms, stronger technical assistance for LGUs, and more private sector participation in key sectors — including transport, water supply, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure — with a strong focus on bridging gaps in Mindanao.
The launch gathered a wide range of participants from both government and the private sector, including Francis David Roque, 1st VP & Head of Investments at Aboitiz Infra Capital; Mayor Ruel G. Molina of Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur; Mayor Jelio Val C. Laurento of Tago, Surigao del Sur; and Rogelio Daanoy Jaraula of Baungon, Bukidnon, alongside representatives from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other key stakeholders.
With the Mindanao PPP Desk now in place, LGUs finally have a clear, fast, and reliable pathway to turn local development plans into reality — from roads and water systems to modern hospitals and schools — helping build a stronger, more connected, and inclusive Mindanao.
