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.
