4th state of the Nation address

SECRETARY Leo Tesoro Magno, Mindanao Development Authority head, praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Fourth State of the Nation Address, citing the points the chief executive made as not only touching policies but matters of urgent concerns.

“The President’s reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to agriculture, infrastructure, fiscal integrity, and anti-corruption aligns seamlessly with MinDA’s own strategic goals,” Magno said in a statement released Monday.

Magno cited the president’s talk on the urgent push to modernize and empower the agricultural sector.

The secretary reported that in the last three years, over 8.5 million farmers and fisherfolk have received government support in Mindanao.

“Through the construction of 2,050 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and 1,568 meters of new bridges, the administration is connecting communities, unlocking markets, and revitalizing local economies,” Magno said.

“These gains are particularly vital for Mindanao, where agriculture remains the lifeblood of many provinces,” he added.

He expressed that mechanization is no longer a pipe dream for rural communities as the government distributed 37,085 farm machines and over 100 rice processing facilities, which are now operational.

“These reforms have already led to a ₱2/kilogram drop in palay production costs, offering farmers a real shot at profitability,” he said.

Through the SPLIT and COCROM programs, 229,626 farmer-beneficiaries have had their land debts canceled, with ₱12.62 billion in agrarian obligations erased.

Meanwhile, 64,578 Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) and 139,187 e-titles have empowered farmers with security of tenure and dignity, he added.

Magno also lauded the president in his strong challenge against corruption in infrastructure, particularly in flood control projects.

“This move resonates deeply with us in Mindanao. For years, communities have suffered from flooding not because of nature alone, but because of substandard, overpriced, or ghost infrastructure designed more for political kickbacks than actual mitigation,” he said.

Magno vowed to assist in validating these projects and ensuring accountability when waste of resources or wrongdoing is found.

He added that infrastructure development must be aligned not only with economic goals but with disaster resilience, equitable access, and long-term sustainability.

“We will continue to push for projects that truly benefit Mindanao—bridges that connect, roads that unlock value, and utilities that serve the people,” he said.

“We will remain vigilant in monitoring infrastructure programs, protecting regional allocations, and ensuring that every peso spent translates into real progress for Mindanawons,” Magno stressed.