Government positions Mindanao as next investment hub

MANILA, Philippines — The Board of Investments (BOI) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) have forged a partnership to position Mindanao as the country’s next major investment hub.

To formalize the agencies’ commitment to encourage investments in Mindanao, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo and MinDA Chair and Secretary Leo Tereso Magno on June 17.

MinDA is the primary agency responsible for promoting and facilitating investments that support Mindanao’s socio-economic development. 

Under the MOA, the agencies will work together to step up investment promotion efforts, enhance investor facilitation and build a more investment-ready environment in Mindanao.

Initiatives will include developing ready-for-occupancy location profiles, preparing investment project teasers and conducting investment missions.

The BOI and MinDA will also establish streamlined coordination mechanisms to support investors.

Rodolfo highlighted the importance of the newly signed Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which identifies activities qualified for government incentives, in drumming up investor interest in Mindanao.

The SIPP will serve as a key framework for promoting high-impact sectors including mining and mineral processing, renewable energy and fisheries in the region.

“Mindanao possesses immense potential and strategic advantages. What we can commit to is that our Business Extension Offices in Cagayan de Oro and Davao will work closely with MinDA to strengthen investment readiness and facilitate the realization of priority projects,” Rodolfo said.

For his part, Magno underscored how the partnership reflects the shared vision of transforming Mindanao into a premier investment destination to bring tangible economic gains for Mindanaoans.

“To bring in investors, you must pave the way for investors and development partners to come in,” he said.

“We can’t do it alone in Mindanao; we need partners,” he added.