REGIONAL Development Councils (RDC) XI called for a larger share of the national budget for Mindanao for sustained funding for big-ticket projects.
In an interview last Aug. 14 at Park Inn by Radisson here, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, RDC XI chairman, said the region and other regional councils, along with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), have presented their grievances to the national government.
The consensus was reached following coordination with MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, aligning RDCs from regions IX, X, XI, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The RDC chair said they are pushing to increase Mindanao’s budget allocation from the current 11% to 21% for Fiscal Year 2027.
“Kami always present jud mi sa tanang schedules, nakig fight jud mi for Mindanao labi na sa increase sa atong rax allotment nga part sa Mindanao,” Jubahib said.
He emphasized that the requested 21% share aligns with Mindanao’s economic contributions and population size, aiming to drive major development and infrastructure initiatives across the entire island.
“Para ni sa mga mega project nato for the entire Mindanao. So, wala na namo gitan-aw nga per region lang, kundi nag-cite ta og common project nga makahatag og kaayohan sa tibook Mindanao,” he stressed.
Alongside MinDA, the RDCs have unified their recommendation to construct an electrified, double-track rail line for passenger and cargo transport as part of the proposed Mindanao Railway Project.
RDCs from Region IX, X, XI, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) agreed to revert to the project’s original double-track, electric design.
Jubahib said the national government has approved and funded the update for the project’s feasibility study, a key step required before securing full construction funding.
“Naa na ta sa feasibility study kay gi-approve man sa national government nga butangan ug pondo ang feasibility study. Tanan man jud nga mega project, mag-start jud sa feasibility study,” he said.
The RDCs proposed four project segments, electric-powered and to cater to passengers and cargo. Two segments are currently positioned to receive initial budget allocations.
Funding for the railway program is expected to be finalized under the proposed 2027 national budget.
Jubahib said the RDCs are optimistic about the realization of the railway with the increased funding for 2027.
