Mindanao Development Authority - Northeastern Mindanao

08/10/2026

Halal is more than a market. It’s an opportunity.

Halal is opening doors. Not just for food, but for agriculture, tourism, MSMEs, investments, and international markets.

07/10/2026

Halal is bigger than food—and Caraga Region is beginning to seize the opportunity.

Today, the 1st Caraga Halal Summit brought together government agencies, local governments, businesses, Muslim communities, development partners, academe, and other stakeholders to explore how Caraga can participate more meaningfully in the growing Halal economy.

One thing became clear from the discussions: Halal is not simply about getting a product certified.

It is about helping local farmers and producers create better products.

It is about giving MSMEs access to financing, technology, certification, and markets.

It is about making our tourism destinations more welcoming to Muslim travelers.

It is about creating opportunities for investment, jobs, and livelihoods.

And importantly, it is about ensuring that Muslim communities are part of the region’s economic growth.

The proposed Butuan City Halal Ordinance also showed what happens when these ideas are translated into local action —bringing policy, coordination, certification, education, and industry development into one framework.

Caraga already has many of the building blocks: agriculture and fisheries, MSMEs, tourism destinations, communities, institutions, and a strategic location in Mindanao and BIMP-EAGA.

The challenge now is to connect the pieces.

And this will require all sectors to play their part — from national agencies providing standards, technical support, market access, financing, and tourism development; to LGUs creating enabling policies and services; and to businesses, Muslim communities, academe, and other partners bringing in enterprise, knowledge, and community perspectives.

There is also a need for a regional platform to bring these efforts together, identify common priorities, and turn opportunities into concrete actions.

The 1st Caraga Halal Summit is not the finish line. It is a starting point.

The next step is to move from conversations to coordinated action and toward a Caraga Regional Halal Action Agenda that can translate the region’s potential into markets, investments, jobs, livelihoods, and greater opportunities for Caraganons.

Daghang salamat to all partners and stakeholders who shared their knowledge, raised important questions, offered ideas, and expressed their willingness to be part of this effort.

From convergence to a regional Halal ecosystem. Together, we can build it.

03/10/2026

🚀 Mindanao’s next growth chapter is taking shape. And the private sector is a big part of it.

MinDA, together with foreign business chambers in Mindanao, is gearing up for the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2026 on October 27–28 in Davao City.

With the theme “Mindanao’s Next Growth Chapter: Mobilizing Private Sector and Development Partnerships for Shared Prosperity,” the Forum will bring together government, business, development partners, financial institutions, LGUs, BARMM, academe, and civil society to explore investments, partnerships, and opportunities that can move Mindanao forward.

From trade and logistics to agribusiness, renewable energy, infrastructure, and emerging industries, MDF 2026 aims to turn conversations into concrete partnerships and investments.

This is more than a forum. It’s a platform for Mindanao’s next growth story.

03/10/2026

🌏 From partnerships to progress, Mindanao continues to move forward.

MinDA Executive Director, Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, highlighted key Mindanao development gains and the €27-million Partnership for Peace and Development in Mindanao (PPDM) during the 6th Philippines–EU Sub-Committee on Development Cooperation Meeting in Manila.

Among the gains under MinPAD-RISE:
• 16 farm-to-market roads covering about 99 km
• 9 water systems benefiting over 40,000 people
• 31 enterprise subprojects involving 2,803 members
• 102 cooperatives and 11 federations strengthened, reaching around 22,533 farmer and fisherfolk households

The discussions also highlighted opportunities for stronger EU–BIMP-EAGA cooperation in connectivity, sustainable value chains, renewable energy, and investment.

Building partnerships. Creating opportunities. Moving Mindanao forward.

03/10/2026

📣 Call for Abstracts | BIMP-EAGA Multidisciplinary Research Conference 2026

📅 December 2–4, 2026
📍 Hotel Oazis, Butuan City
⏰ Deadline: November 10, 2026

Submit your research abstract and be part of the conversation on advancing BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035.

📩 [email protected]

09/04/2026

The Philippines and Indonesia are advancing efforts to restore direct Davao–Manado air connectivity and Davao–Bitung shipping links through a strategic mission in North Sulawesi led by MinDA with DOT and DTI under the BIMP-EAGA framework. The initiative seeks to strengthen tourism, trade, and investment cooperation by building sustainable passenger and cargo demand and identifying complementary tourism and trade opportunities between Mindanao and North Sulawesi.

With the upcoming Mati Airport and proposed Mati–Tahuna route, Eastern Mindanao is likewise being positioned as a strategic gateway to Indonesia—supporting broader efforts to enhance Mindanao’s regional connectivity, expand economic partnerships, and reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA integration.

24/03/2026

EARLIER TODAY…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Caraga joined a quick meeting and dialogue with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and representatives of Caraga’s private sector.

Present were Butuan Chamber Hemady Arcillas, Filipino Chinese Chamber former President and current PIO Joey Tan, Caraga Cacao Council and Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council Chair Christopher Lindo, Coffee & Rubber Industry Cluster Council Chair Nilo Calipayan, Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Edgardo Onate, Jr., DTI Assistant Regional Director Brenda B. Corvera, and other MinDA officials.

Secretary Magno explained MinDA’s functions and mandates, adding that the private sector’s involvement is key to Mindanao’s progress. He listened to the concerns raised by the group and vowed to do his best to help or prompt the right agencies to respond.

Arcillas expressed her thanks and appreciation, saying, "This is the first time I felt that MinDA is really working for and with us, with no less than the Secretary engaging us in a candid conversation.”

The meeting was held after Secretary Magno joined and addressed the Caraga RDC Full to give an update on MinDA’s initiatives.

EARLIER TODAY…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Caraga joined a quick meeting and dialogue with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and representatives of Caraga’s private sector.

Present were Butuan Chamber President Hemady Arcillas, Filipino Chinese Chamber former President and current PIO Joey Tan, Caraga Cacao Council and Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council Chair Christopher Lindo, Coffee & Rubber Industry Cluster Council Chair Nilo Calipayan, Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Edgardo Onate, Jr., DTI Assistant Regional Director Brenda B. Corvera, and other MinDA officials.

Secretary Magno explained MinDA’s functions and mandates, adding that the private sector’s involvement is key to Mindanao’s progress. He listened to the concerns raised by the group and vowed to do his best to help or prompt the right agencies to respond.

Arcillas expressed her thanks and appreciation, saying, "This is the first time I felt that MinDA is really working for and with us, with no less than the Secretary engaging us in a candid conversation.”

The meeting was held after Secretary Magno joined and addressed the Caraga RDC Full Council to give an update on MinDA’s initiatives.

11/03/2026

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗗𝗔 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝟰-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗻-𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will implement a four-day on-site workweek beginning March 9, 2026, in support of the national government’s energy conservation initiatives.

Under this temporary special work arrangement, MinDA employees will report on-site from Monday to Thursday at the agency’s central offices on the 10th and 14th Floors of Pryce Tower, Bajada, Davao City, as well as its Area Management Offices in Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Koronadal, and Pagadian.

Fridays will be observed as a mandatory Work-From-Home (WFH) day for personnel.

Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to maximize digital communication channels during WFH days to ensure timely coordination.

This measure will remain in effect until further notice and supports the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations to adopt energy-saving practices amid rising global fuel and electricity costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

MinDA remains committed to responsive public service through both onsite and digital platforms.

26/02/2026

This is what youth convergence looks like in action. 🤝

From the Mindanao Youth Convergence initiated by the Mindanao Development Authority to concrete collaboration on the ground, Caraga IP Youth are stepping forward — organized, aligned, and ready for 2026. The turnover of the Mindanao Youth Convergence Accomplishment Report is not just ceremonial; it marks a stronger, more strategic partnership between indigenous youth leaders and MinDA.

We’re talking real priorities: livelihood innovation through the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, digital access in ancestral domains, and climate resilience for our communities. When young leaders are given the platform, they don’t just participate — they lead.

11/02/2026

Let’s talk stories, cinema, and the future of our creative industries. 🎬

As part of SineBalangay Independent Film Festival 2026, we’re hosting an Industry Talk & Stakeholders’ Forum — a space to connect, collaborate, and move our creative community forward.

🗓 February 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM
📍 VCDU Prince Hotel, Brgy. Imadejas, Butuan City

This session is open to all creatives from any domain — filmmakers, writers, designers, musicians, cultural workers, media practitioners, students, and industry partners. If you’re part of the creative ecosystem, this space is for you.

✅ Registration is FREE. To join, participants must register via the link (limited slots available). Registration Link: https://forms.gle/KsUhAdyemRdQRv7t6
🍽 Meals and snacks will be provided.
📜 A digital certificate will be given to all registered participants.

This Industry Talk, in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), brings together key stakeholders to strengthen and expand opportunities for creatives in the region.

Let’s build bridges, spark ideas, and shape the next wave of stories — together.

Let’s talk stories, cinema, and the future of our creative industries. As part of SineBalangay Independent Film Festival 2026, we’re hosting an Industry Talk & Stakeholders’ Forum — a space to connect, collaborate, and move our creative community forward. 🗓 February 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM to ...