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MinDA, China’s CRBC, eye new opportunities for infrastructure cooperation

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) engaged in the expansion of infrastructure cooperation during the 17th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) 2026.

In a MinDA press release on Wednesday, the discussion focused on ongoing projects and new opportunities for infrastructure collaboration in Mindanao.

Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, MinDA chairperson and Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA, stressed the significance of CRBC’s continued role in advancing infrastructure development in Mindanao.

“This enduring cooperation has provided a strong foundation for mutual progress and continues to open new opportunities for collaboration between China and the subregion,” Magno said.

He noted that the partnership improved mobility, enhanced competitiveness, and continues to create greater economic opportunities for Mindanawons.

China has been a valued development partner of BIMP EAGA since 2005, with the partnership formalized through the Framework of Economic Cooperation signed in 2009.

“CRBC President Wang Lijun expressed his sympathies and support following the recent earthquake that affected parts of Mindanao and reaffirmed readiness to assist in recovery efforts if needed,” MinDA said in the statement.

CRBC also provided updates on its ongoing initiatives, including the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project, a China-aid flagship project that connects Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal.

The 3.98- kilometer SIDC reported almost 60% completion, aiming to be finished by 2028, and is 90% funded by China’s official development assistance.

The construction of the P23 billion bridge project, which was approved during the Duterte administration, started in 2022 with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the groundbreaking ceremony.

MinDA reported that CRBC explored potential collaboration in strategic transport infrastructure, including bridges, ports, airports, railways, and other connectivity projects that align with the Mindanao Agenda 2023–2028 and the government’s Building a Better Mindanao campaign.

“These initiatives are expected to strengthen regional supply chains, support sustainable development, and reinforce Mindanao’s role as a hub for growth in Southeast Asia,” MinDA stressed.

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Business

Partnership for Progress: MinDA, DOTr, & CAAP help unlock Laguindingan’s growth potential

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Government and private sector leaders, including AIC Airports, gather with Leo Tereso Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) during a consultative dialogue in Cagayan de Oro City to strengthen partnerships for Mindanao’s development.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing infrastructure development in Mindanao through strong public-private partnerships at the recent Cagayan de Oro investment dialogue organized by the Oro Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Held last March 19, 2026, the dialogue brought together leaders from government and the private sector to align on strategies that will accelerate Mindanao’s growth, with MinDA underscoring the region’s position as an investor-ready hub.

“We will strengthen public-private partnerships and empower local governments to fast-track investment-ready projects, making it easier to do business in Mindanao,” said MinDA Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno.

Central to the dialogue’s discussions was the role of infrastructure—particularly Laguindingan International Airport (LIA), the country’s seventh-busiest gateway—in unlocking trade, tourism, and economic opportunities across Northern Mindanao.

In parallel, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines continue to work closely with AIC Airports in advancing key airport developments in Laguindingan, including its immediate expansion and the necessary infrastructure upgrades to support future routes to international destinations, with ongoing efforts aligned to support the region’s growth.

“Strong partnerships between government and the private sector can be an important key to help ensure that our airports keep pace with growing demand. By working closely together, we can accelerate the development of gateways like Laguindingan to better serve passengers and support regional growth,” shared DOTr Sec. Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez.

Strengthening Laguindingan’s Role in Regional Connectivity

Operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corporation, LIA (also Mindanao’s second-busiest gateway) plays a vital role in supporting connectivity in the region, serving as a gateway for both business and leisure travelers.

In 2025, LIA welcomed a growing number of passengers, reflecting increasing demand and reinforcing its importance in linking Northern Mindanao to the rest of the country.

To enhance the passenger experience, AIC Airports has introduced improvements at LIA, including better terminal layouts, expanded food and retail options featuring local products, and more seamless access through strengthened transport links such as bus services connecting the airport to key areas.

These efforts are complemented by close collaboration with regional partners, including the Department of Tourism and local government units, to strengthen Northern Mindanao’s position not only as a key gateway, but as a service-oriented airport that delivers quality passenger experience.

Through initiatives such as tourism workshops and joint promotions, AIC Airports also contributes to the local economy—supporting tourism, enabling business activity, and serving as an important driver of community growth.

Advancing Expansion Through Strong Government Support

As Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental continues to serve a growing market, AIC Airports underscored that sustained progress will depend on this close coordination with its regulatory partners. These partnerships are critical to advancing expansion plans that will enable LIA to accommodate rising passenger volumes and support the region’s long-term economic trajectory.

With Mindanao poised for accelerated growth, the need to move forward on key infrastructure developments becomes increasingly urgent.

Stakeholders at the dialogue emphasized the importance of streamlining processes and expediting approvals to ensure that critical airport enhancements can be implemented in a timely manner—unlocking greater connectivity, improving passenger experience, and enabling broader economic impact across the region.

Sustaining Momentum Across AIC Airports

A similar opportunity exists in Bohol, where plans to reconfigure Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) have been put forward to better serve its growing global market. Moving these plans forward will likewise require close coordination and timely action from both government and private sector stakeholders.

LIke BPIA, LIA stands ready to support the region’s next phase of growth through its future expansion. With a clear development roadmap and increasing demand, the opportunity to transform LIA into a more efficient and future-ready gateway is within reach—through continued alignment between the private sector and government.

As AIC Airports continues to invest in and operate critical gateways across the Philippines, it remains committed to working alongside national agencies, regional partners, and local communities to deliver infrastructure that enables connectivity, supports economic development, and creates lasting value for the regions it serves.

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Business

MinDA, Quezon City government signs inter-LGU north-south development linkage

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) and Quezon City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a north–south development linkage to strengthen economic, cultural, and institutional exchangesMinDA chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte and Jay Gatmaitan, head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office signed the MOU.Magno said that Quezon City is a center of commerce, innovation, and enterprise and Mindanao is rich in agriculture, industry, energy, and human capital, so both complement each other.“When we connect markets, talent, and ideas, we accelerate inclusive growth for both our constituencies,” Magno said in his message during the ceremony on Feb. 16 at Quezon City Hall.Magno added that the MOU strengthens inter-LGU cooperation where Quezon City and Mindanao connect markets, talent, and ideas.The MOU highlights a three-year framework for collaboration in economic exchanges, trade and investment facilitation, tourism and cultural promotion, technology innovation, sustainable development, and capacity building initiatives.MinDA’s role is to facilitate investment promotion, provide technical assistance, share sectoral data, and mobilize Mindanao-based participation in Quezon City-led programs and exchanges.The ceremony highlighted priority collaboration areas, business-matching and investment-facilitation programs, joint tourism and cultural promotions, capacity-building seminars, and technology and sustainable development initiatives.MinDA said these initiatives are eyed to be implemented through separate project agreements under the MOU.“Through this strategic partnership, Quezon City enterprises, Mindanao producers, investors, local institutions, and communities stand to benefit from stronger economic bridges, expanded opportunities,” MinDA stated.

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Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Who could be Green GSM’s ‘consultant’?                                                       

by Vic Sumalinog
written by Vic Sumalinog

THIS EARLY (or this late?), we would like to wish all our friends – close or mere acquaintances, and even those who consider us their “enemies” because of the nature of our job as a media person – a Very Merry Christmas!

This we do in spite of the current situation of our country, which is wracked with political squabbles and corruption in some government agencies, the worst of which is in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Yes, we who are not directly or indirectly involved in the very disturbing issues in government must endeavor to help our country and society become as normal as possible. Let those who are pursuing the truth about the anomalies and positively identifying those actually involved do their thing.

We, the ordinary citizens, however, should continue to make our lives as normal as possible by enjoying the whole of the holiday season.

Nonetheless, in the midst of our celebration, let us not forget that we have the duty to support those who are working to draw the true corrupt in government and outside so they can be meted the appropriate penalties for their wrongdoings.

Again, our wish for a Merry Christmas to our friends and everyone!

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So Davao City is now home to the transport business venture, the Vietnam-based Green GSM!

No, it is not the GSM Blue that is manufactured in the Philippines. And NO again if asked whether the Green GSM is something that can intoxicate when drunk by aficionados.

This Green GSM is a transportation company operating public utility vehicles with the mentioned color. The Vietnamese-owned transport firm is now fielding a number of units in the city, starting on Dec. 15, 2025.

But only after three or four days, the operation of all-electric public utility vehicles was flagged down by the City Government of Davao for lack of the necessary permits and clearances. While the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) claimed the public transportation firm complied with all the requirements of the agency, it now appears that it has not acquired the necessary permit from the local government.

Meaning, as a business, the Green GSM has not secured a business permit to operate from the city. It also does not have a locational clearance as well as building permit for its headquarters or office.

But if it is true that the LTFRB has reminded the management of the company to comply with the requirements from the city government, then it is possible that some wise Davao-based consultants could have advised the management of Green GSM to simply “go ahead” and deal with any problem later.

Now this case of the Vietnam-owned transport business is worth the City Council’s scrutiny. We are certain that whoever gave the company management the assurance that it can proceed with operations even without first securing the necessary approval of the local government must have a connection with decision makers in the local government.

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The military, the police, and even the officials of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) are very vocal in their reaction to reports that the attackers of beachgoers in Bondi, Australia, are members of a known terrorist group who stayed in a hotel in Davao City before proceeding to their target area.

The officials of these instrumentalities of government were denying the report, further claiming that Mindanao – or Davao City, for that matter – is not and will never be a training ground or hiding place of terrorists.

Personally, we believe they were correct insofar as Davao City is concerned, and as far as the issue of the city as a training site for the terrorist organization recruits. But possibly they are wrong when it comes to the whole of Mindanao Island. Let us not forget the Malaysian terrorist bomb expert identified as alias Marwan. How many could have been trained by him in the fastness of Maguindanao forest, or in the sanctums of private homes?

But maybe those who attacked the beach bathers in Bondi did not undertake any training in the city. But who could prevent them from coming to Davao as “terrorists” and checking into one of the city’s hotels as tourists for as long as they want? After all, the city is strongly campaigning for visits by local and international tourists.

Now, had the Ordinance authored by Councilor Bonz Militar taken effect and sophisticated cameras been installed in the hotel the alleged terrorists had checked in, would they have been apprehended before they could do their thing in Australia?

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Business

MinDA, KOICA converge to scale up durian production in Mindanao

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) tapped the help of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to boost durian production in Southern Philippines. 

In a statement, MinDA emphasized KOICA’s broader project support during a meeting in KOICA headquarters, Seoul, South Korea. 

MinDA chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, led the Mindanao delegation to South Korea, and lauded KOICA and the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor (CAMP) International for seeing the potential of the durian project.

“By strengthening durian producer cooperatives, introducing organic fertilizer trials, piloting frozen durian production, and developing branding strategies, this project is helping transform Mindanao’s durian industry into a globally competitive sector,” Magno said.

In the meeting, KOICA director general Chung You-ah of the Department of Partnership Program announced the agency’s upcoming Sustainable Agriculture Enhancement Project. 

The project seeks to improve farmers’ income across Mindanao, especially by scaling up durian production in the Davao Region and other parts of Mindanao to meet rising export demand.

Apart from durian,  agribusiness, fisheries, logistics, and Public-Private Partnerships, with value-addition and marketing support for cacao, banana, aqua-marine products, and other tropical fruits were priority areas for collaboration. 

KOICA and the CAMP International have been in partnership with MinDA in positioning Mindanao in the global agribusiness and rural development through the Sustainable Agricultural Environment Establishment Project with durian producer cooperatives in Mindanao.

To note, KOICA launched in 2023 a project with a total funding of approximately USD 740,000 that supports durian farmers in Tugbok and Calinan Districts of Davao City. 

The project has led to the establishment of the Davao Mt. Apo Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (DAMAFACO), where beneficiaries now have access to facilities, including a consolidation center with cold storage, a transport vehicle, and marketing support for frozen durian products.

They were also trained in eco-friendly farming skills, infrastructure support, and other capacity-building activities. 

“KOICA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector through sustainable and inclusive development efforts,” MinDA stated. 

The meeting was attended by Dinagat Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal, 1st District Congressman Jason P. Almonte of Misamis Occidental, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim. Also present was Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro of MinDA.

KOICA was represented by director general Chung You-ah of the Department of Partnership Program, director Park Kumok, manager Choi Misun, and Rev. Chulyong Lee, president of CAMP International. 

“This strengthened partnership underscores MinDA’s leadership in advancing agribusiness, fisheries, and logistics, with durian as a flagship industry for export and development — and signals that more projects are on the way to uplift Mindanao’s farmers and communities,” MinDA added. 

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Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Another project for a ‘credit grab?’

by Vic Sumalinog
written by Vic Sumalinog

THE DAVAO City Council approved last Thursday Supplemental Budget No. 2 amounting to a whopping over P881 million.

The bulk of the additional budget will go to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) which is set to procure 20 10-wheel compactor garbage trucks, three bulldozers, two hydraulic excavators and one 3-wheel cargo motorcycle. All these pieces of equipment are intended to further improve the city’s sanitary and environmental services.

Well, some people, the lucky “contactor” for the supplier of the equipment, will be extremely happy with this development.

The likelihood is that garbage collection and disposal will be improved with the use of the mentioned equipment. But what about the facility that serves as the disposal area for the thousands of tons of garbage collected from the various parts of the city?

Is the present disposal site in New Carmen still capable of accommodating the city’s refuse? As far as we can remember, it’s been years since the city was scouting for a new garbage dump site. It has even entertained the idea of putting up a huge incinerator plant somewhere in Biao Escuela for two reasons. One is to burn garbage that is easily combustible. The other is to generate power under the so-called “waste-to-energy” scheme.

Until now, though, all the talks about scouting for a new dump site and putting up an incinerator plant appear to have died down.

Now the city is adding capacity to collect and dispose of its garbage. Will the bigger volume of collected waste not overwhelm the present dump site? Will the overdumping in the New Carmen site further damage the already deteriorating environment of the city?

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Some government officials, more specifically the chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), are talking of the completion of the Maa Flyover project within this month.

Whether or not the completion will happen, there are certain sectors in Davao City that are finding another possible project realization, subject to credit grab by the current national administration. They fear that the flyover completion will result in the same fate as the new Bucana Bridge.

These sectors of the city’s population, mostly the local government officials identified with the former President, are saying that the bridge project is all Dutertes’ efforts – from conceptualization, planning, looking for possible sources of funds, to negotiating the acquisition of rights of ways, are all initiatives of the city’s ruling family.

Now that the bridge is ready for opening to the public, here comes the President of the country who flatly claimed that the Bucana Bridge is one of his government’s legacy projects.

It is, of course, only natural that most Davaoeños will react adversely to what the President said. All they know – us included – is that the Bucana Bridge is a major component of the Davao City Coastal Road, the planning of which was painstakingly done by the local government under the Dutertes.

Meanwhile, the Maa flyover was not as much hyped as a product of local government initiatives. Its construction is more of a coordinated effort of several government agencies through the Regional Development Council. So many people were surprised when, suddenly, they woke up years back with the foundation of the project already laid out.

The city’s lack of inputs in the Maa flyover project implementation was highlighted when early this year the City Council initiated an investigation into what was causing the delay of the project completion.

The probe also brought to the public’s knowledge the lack of transparency of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the circumstances surrounding the project delay.

So, it is our take that there might not be sufficient reason for those sectors in Davao City to claim that the completion of the Maa Flyover soon, if we have to believe the MinDa chair, will be another opportunity for a credit grab by the Malacanang tenant.

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What is this report featured on television by GMA’s Jessica Soho about the long-overdue completion of an underpass project in General Santos City costing close to a billion pesos?

According to the report, the contractor of the underpass project is the same contractor as the Magtuod-New Carmen-New Valencia road expansion and concreting project in Davao City. The contractor happened to be a former ranking official of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

The Magtuod-New Carmen-New Valencia project was started a year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Until now, it has not yet finished. And the cost? Close to half a billion pesos.      

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BusinessNews

Mindanao Accelerates Development with New PPP Desk!

by Contributor
written by Contributor

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.

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Business

Building a Better Mindanao launched at MDF 2025

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) formally launched on Wednesday the landmark Building a Better Mindanao (BBM) Program.

The BBM Program was launched during the opening of the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2025 on October 1 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Davao City.

A BBM logo was launched during the event, where each building block represents one of the 10 agenda areas.

The 10 agenda areas for the Program are People’s Well-Being, Food–Water–Energy Security, Jobs & Industry, Connectivity, Digital Innovation, Ecological Integrity, Preparedness & Resiliency, Peace & Governance, and Enabling Conditions. 

MinDA executive director Usec. Janet Lopoz said the MDF 2025 is not only about launching BBM but on forging relationships and policy discussions for the betterment of Mindanao.

“I urge everyone to connect, network, collaborate, and create partnerships and agreements, and discussions from this forum turn into policies and programs to uplift the lives of every Mindanaoan,” Lopoz said.

MDF 2025 is a two-day multi-sectoral conference from October 2-3, organized by the MinDA, co-organized by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ Philippines, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank Philippines, and the United Nations Philippines. 

It brings together government agencies, the BARMM Government, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society, and academe to build partnerships for the BBM program. 

In his keynote message, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno said the two-day event is not only an avenue to celebrate the gains of Mindanao, but also a time to align priorities of the government and the community.

“To bridge gaps, harmonize efforts, and ensure that our resources are delivered where they are needed most,’” Magno said.

Magno reported in his speech that Mindanao is experiencing inclusive progress as poverty incidence is down to 23.5% in 2023 compared to 52% in 2018.

In terms of infrastructure and investment, under the Build Better More Program, which enhances connectivity through modernized ports, strategic road networks, and inter-island transport systems, there are 3,770 infra programs, 194 high-impact flagship projects approved, and P17.3 trillion in total investment under the CREATE MORE Act.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Massimo Santoro, reaffirmed the EU’s partnership with Mindanao.

“Events like this forum help us bridge the gap between policy-making and grassroots realities, ensuring that our partnership is rooted in genuine empathy, shared experiences, and common understanding for the Philippines’ vision—and for Mindanao,” Santoro said.

The end product of the forum is strategic action maps, formal pledges of support, and a portfolio of investment-ready projects aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

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News

Public-Private Partnership Desk and program launched 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE Partnership (PPP) Desk and PPP Facilitation Initiative, through the collaboration of the PPP Center and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), was officially launched in Acacia Hotel on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Starting Strong: Mindanao Public-Private Partnership Kick-off Forum gathered local chief executives from various cities and provinces from Mindanao, and representatives from the public and private sectors.

MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized that the ceremonial launch kickstarts the public’s stronger partnership with the private sector in advancing infrastructure growth in Mindanao.

“The desk is not just open physically in the MinDA office but digitally for every LGU and agency across Mindanao. It is designed as one stop for PPP support from project identification and structuring, to legal, investor matching, and capacity development,” Magno said in his message. 

The PPP Desk, working jointly with the PPP Center, serves as a dedicated unit to facilitate and coordinate PPP initiatives and support in Mindanao to help develop and implement sustainable infrastructure projects.

It will stand as a technical and coordination hub for LGUs in Mindanao to guide them in crafting local PPP policies, and connect the LGUs to potential private sector investors.

“It is really the desire to bring development to Mindanao in whatever manner,” Magno said. 

By promoting the use of PPPs, Magno added that the government aims to address the challenges of limited public financing, considering the expanding infrastructure demands.

PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez said the national center is committed to continuing to strengthen the capacity of LGUs in high-impact projects aligned with national development priorities.

“This renewal will seek to keep implementing agencies updated on the process and requirements under the new PPP legal framework, while refining areas of cooperation to facilitate both solicited and unsolicited PPP projects,” Hernandez said. 

Hernandez emphasized the significance of PPP in development, citing the tangible benefits of Mactan Cebu International Airport after it was awarded a PPP concession to Aboitiz. 

The Davao International Airport is part of the Bundled Airports Project over a 30-year concession period, along with Southern Luzon International Airport and Sayak Airport, with a total project cost of PhP16.048 billion.

In October 2024, the MinDA and the PPP Center renewed their commitment to advancing infrastructure development in Mindanao through the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). 

Signed in 2017, the collaboration establishes a framework for promoting PPPs for Mindanao projects and enhancing the capacity of LGUs.

MinDa lists PPP priorities in Mindanao, which include water systems, energy and utilities in off-grid areas to achieve a 50/50 energy mix by 2030, transport and connectivity, digital infra; agriculture and food security; tourism and hospitality; and health and public services. 

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Opinion

MONDAYS WITH PATMEI  | Davao’s cultural and creative industries join forces

by Patmei Bello Ruivivar
written by Patmei Bello Ruivivar

Every September of each year is declared as the “Philippine Creative Industries Month” to promote the goods, products, and services of the country’s creative industries and to raise awareness of the creative industries’ role in national development.

This is in support of Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), signed into law on July 28, 2022. Under the law, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) will lead the development and promotion of the creative industries nationwide. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the primary agency that is responsible for the law’s implementation.

At their core, creative industries are sectors of the economy that generate wealth and jobs through the “creation and development of intellectual property or artistic talent.” Essentially, they are businesses whose primary value comes from creativity, imagination, and ideas.

A simpler way to think of them is — industries that create products and services based on symbolic, artistic, and cultural value, rather than just pure utilitarian function.

An example is a chair. Its utilitarian function is an object to sit on. It becomes a creative product if the chair is designed by an artisan inspired by traditional culture or by a furniture designer with a unique aesthetic. Its value lies in its design, brand, and cultural significance.

Key characteristics of creative industries are: (1) It is idea-based, which means their primary raw material is human creativity, imagination, and intellectual capital; (2) It is high risk because it is difficult to predict what will be a commercial success (whether a movie, book, or fashion trend will become a hit); (3) It is driven by intellectual property (IP) wherein products are often protected by copyright, trademarks, patents, and design rights; and (4) It has symbolic value as they create meaning, experiences, and identity.

The products and services in the creative industries involve a creative chain, which is a complex ecosystem. It begins from creation (original idea) then production (turning the idea into a product), then distribution (getting the product to the market), then exhibition/consumption (where the audience experiences it).

There is no single universally agreed upon list, but the Philippine government has identified the following nine (9) key domains within the creative economy: (1) Audiovisual Media – this includes content creation and distribution, such as film, television, and other visual media; (2) Digital Interactive Media – this encompasses software, mobile applications, electronic games, and other digital content; (3) Creative Services – this includes advertising. marketing, research and development, and other artistic and design-related services; (4) Design – this covers various design fields such as fashion, graphic design, product design, architectural and interior design; (5) Publishing and Printed Media – this involves the creation and distribution of books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials; (6) Performing Arts – this includes music, theater, dances, and other live performances; (7) Visual Arts — this includes painting, sculpture, photography, crafts, and other fine arts; (8) Traditional Cultural Expressions – this focuses on the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultural heritage; and (9) Cultural Sites – this refers to heritage sites, museums, and other cultural venues.

Creative industries are similar to cultural industries, but there is a slight distinction. Cultural industries are more focused on heritage, the arts, and activities that have a strong symbolic and cultural value. On the other hand, creative industries is a broader, more modern term that includes cultural industries but also encompasses commercial, innovation-driven sectors where creativity is a key input. Cultural industries emphasize cultural value while creative industries emphasize the economic potential of creativity.

In other words, creative industries are the business of imagination.

And it is big business. The global creative industries are a major economic force valued at approximately USD 2.9 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4.24 trillion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.29 percent.

Creative industries contribute 2-7 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of developed economies and are among the fastest-growing sectors globally. In emerging markets and developing economies, creative industries contribute 4-15 percent to GDP.

In terms of employment and job creation, creative industries support approximately 50 million jobs worldwide, with a significant portion held by youth and women. These industries are reported to have a strong multiplier effect — for every USD 1 spent in the creative sectors, it generates USD 2.5 in economic output.

In the Philippines, the creative economy at current prices amounted to PHP 1.94 trillion in 2024, according to the report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released last March 20, 2025. This represents an 8.7 percent increase from PHP 1.78 trillion in 2023. This accounted for 7.3 percent of the country’s GDP in 2024.

The symbols and images domain — which includes the manufacturing, renting, and trading of visual designs and symbols across various products like fashion, furniture, jewelry, toys, visual arts, and design — accounted for the largest share at PHP 640.29 billion or 33 percent of the total creative economy in 2024.

Employment in creative industries increased to 7.51 million in 2024 from 7.23 million in 2023, indicating an annual growth of 3.9 percent. The share of employment in creative industries of the total employment in the country was at 15.4 percent in 2024.

In terms of employment in the creative industries, traditional cultural expression activities registered the highest share at 36.6 percent in 2024.

As Davao City ramps up its push to be a leading creative city, our local cultural and creative industries have joined forces to create a harmonized roadmap with the support of the DTI, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA), the City Government of Davao, and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI).

Davao’s startup community is having its 4th Davao StartUp Week on September 20-27, 2025, with the theme: “Grassroots, Global Reach: Scaling Innovation from the South.” A lot of innovative solutions from Davao and Mindanao startups will be pitched to government and private investors.

Meanwhile, the culture and arts community is coming together for the first-ever Davao Culture, Arts and Heritage Summit on September 27-28, 2025, to be held at the Holy Cross of Davao College (first day) and the Almendras Gym (second day). All the cultural and creative domains will be represented in the summit, and the aspirations, challenges, and opportunities of each domain will be gathered to serve as a guide for the roadmap that will be created. This will be the common reference for the implementation of the city’s culture and arts ordinance and its inventions and innovations ordinance to promote and support Davao City’s cultural and creative industries.

This is a result of people’s initiative — artists, artisans, creatives, academics, entrepreneurs, non-government, and socio-civic organizations coming together to promote creativity in our city. A testament to the pioneering Davaoeño spirit of innovation and community.

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