Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)

MinDA Aligns Mindanao Skills Priorities with BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035

DAVAO CITY - The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) strengthened efforts to align Mindanao’s workforce development agenda with the newly adopted Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Vision 2035 during the 2026 BIMP-EAGA TVET Human Resource Development Technical Working Group (HRD-TWG) Planning Conference.

Speaking at the engagement, MinDA Assistant Secretary, Romeo M. Montenegro stressed the importance of skills development in advancing the subregion’s long-term growth and resilience agenda.

“The adoption of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 is a significant milestone for the subregion. It reflects our shared commitment to turn strategies into action and ensure that investments, programs, and partnerships deliver meaningful opportunities for our people over the next decade,” Montenegro said.

“As we pursue a socially inclusive, open, aligned, and resilient BIMP-EAGA, we must invest in skills, innovation, and human capital. The workforce we develop today must be equipped not only for local industries but also for emerging opportunities across ASEAN and the global economy,” he added.

Echoing this direction, MinDA Chairperson and Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno underscored during the May 2026 ASEAN Summit in Cebu that the Philippines' commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and regional stability is affirmed through the development of an agile and future-ready workforce under the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035.

Organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the conference aimed to strengthen coordination among TESDA Mindanao regions and align technical-vocational education initiatives with the goals of the BIMP-EAGA Social, Cultural, and Education (SCE) Pillar under Vision 2035.

TESDA XI Regional Director and TWG Chairperson, Tarhata S. Mapandi, underscored the importance of regional collaboration in building a competitive, future-ready workforce across the BIMP-EAGA subregion.

“Through stronger partnerships, trainer mobility programs, institutional accreditation, and emerging skills development, we are creating more opportunities for our workers while strengthening regional cooperation and inclusive growth,” Mapandi said.

During the conference, TESDA personnel discussed the CY 2026 deliverables of the BIMP-EAGA TVET HRD Technical Working Group and presented regional initiatives and priority programs that will support the implementation of Vision 2035 across Mindanao.

The meeting identified key priorities moving forward, including trainer exchange and industry immersion programs, TVET accreditation initiatives, green skills development, blue economy workforce programs, and stronger cross-border institutional partnerships.

Also present at the event were TESDA Central Office Chief TESD Specialist, Noel Cuevas; Senior TESD Specialist Michelle Anne Guiritan-Juarez, and Edwin Maglalang; TESDA Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director, Renato Dela Cruz Jr.; TESDA IX Regional Director, Engr. Alan Bacatan; TESDA X Regional Director, Rafael Abrogar III; TESDA South Cotabato Provincial Director, Noralaine Rasul; TESDA Dinagat Islands Provincial Director, Abegail Eupeña; and MBHTE - TESD Maguindanao Provincial Director, Salehk Mangelen.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen regional economic integration, MinDA continues to leverage BIMP-EAGA as a platform for expanding workforce development and cross-border collaboration in Mindanao.

Supporting the Marcos administration's push for a future-ready workforce, MinDA is advancing initiatives that promote green skills, renewable energy competencies, and innovation-driven training opportunities across the island.

Consistent with President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, MinDA continues to advance skills development, workforce mobility, and cross-border collaboration through the BIMP-EAGA platform.

𝗘𝗶𝗱’𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗸!
The Mindanao Development Authority joins our Muslim brothers and sisters in commemorating this blessed occasion. May Allah (SWT) accept your sacrifices, grant forgiveness, and shower your families with His boundless love, mercy, and peace.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗗𝗔, 𝗔𝗽𝗹.𝗱𝗲.𝗔𝗽 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼

DAVAO CITY - The Mindanao Development Authority strengthened its drive for sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment by opening partnership discussions with acclaimed global artist and philanthropist, Allan Pineda, popularly known as Apl.de.ap, focused on coconut development, agri-technology, and climate resilience in Mindanao.

MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno described Apl.de.Ap as a visionary and philanthropist whose passion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community development reflects a genuine commitment to uplifting Filipino lives and advancing inclusive growth.

“I see in him a visionary and a philanthropist: someone who, despite all his success, genuinely wants to give back to the community; we discussed agriculture, helping Filipinos who are starting businesses and trying to improve their livelihoods, and many initiatives that can help our people,” Secretary Magno said.

“On behalf of all the members of the Mindanao Development Authority, Mr. Apl, anything we can do to support your advocacies and your mission to help Filipinos, we are willing to work with you,” Magno added.

The visit centered on discussions involving sustainable agriculture, farmer support systems, coconut-based enterprises, agri-innovation, youth engagement in farming, and collaborative initiatives aligned with national development priorities for Mindanao.

Apl.de.Ap shared his personal journey from growing up in poverty in Pampanga to becoming a global music icon, while emphasizing how his experiences working on farms and caring for livestock inspired his desire to return to his roots and pursue a lifelong advocacy for Filipino farmers and sustainable agriculture.

“We also learned about the President’s project to plant 100 million coconut trees across the Philippines, but our goal goes beyond simply planting trees because we’re also promoting intercropping by planting high-value crops like coffee and cacao alongside coconuts, which help improve soil health, strengthen farming systems, and provide better income opportunities for farmers,” Apl.de.Ap said.

His advocacy, implemented through partnerships with the Philippine Coconut Authority, focuses on the “100 Million Coconut Trees for the Climate” initiative, promotion of coconut-coffee intercropping systems, biochar production from coconut waste, digital tools for farmers, and livelihood programs aimed at increasing farmers’ income while supporting climate resilience.

The artist also underscored the importance of practical technologies, connectivity, sustainability, and agro-industrial innovation in helping farming communities access better markets, improve productivity, and build long-term economic stability. This includes emerging opportunities such as carbon credits, which allow farmers to monetize climate-smart practices while contributing to global sustainability goals.

The collaboration aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to accelerate the Philippine Coconut Industry Development Plan and the nationwide 100-million coconut tree planting program by 2028.

The initiative supports the Marcos administration’s push for climate-resilient agriculture and expanded rural livelihood opportunities, complementing MinDA’s agri-enterprise and inclusive development initiatives across Mindanao.

The partnership also reinforces President Marcos Jr.’s efforts to modernize the coconut industry and improve farmers’ productivity through sustainable and high-value agricultural development in Mindanao.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗗𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼

TAGUIG CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) formalized a partnership today, May 21, 2026, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the TESDA Headquarters.

The agreement aims to strengthen skills training and socio-economic empowerment across Mindanao.

The MOU was signed by MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and TESDA Director General, Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.

In his message, Secretary Magno emphasized the timeliness of the partnership, noting that Mindanao has entered a new era of stability.

“We all know that no matter how advanced the technology or progress we bring to Mindanao or any place in the world, if the people do not keep pace through talent and skills development, no project or initiative will truly succeed,” he said.

He further underscored that the collaboration supports the thrust of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to place people’s well-being at the center of development.

“By expanding and accelerating the impact of skills development, we ensure that it becomes a genuine driver of social progress, especially for Mindanao. With the active leadership of Secretary Kiko Benitez, I am confident that TESDA will continue to broaden its support for Mindanao in the years ahead,” Magno added.

Secretary Benitez, for his part, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing resource limitations and adapting to a rapidly changing global landscape.

“We know that there is still so much work to be done if we truly want to deliver quality, responsive, and world-class skills training for Filipinos. Kaya napakahalaga po ng partnerships for us. Our partners help us bridge gaps and reach more Filipinos,” he said.

The MOU establishes a framework to integrate both agencies’ efforts with the Mindanao Agenda, focusing on evidence-based training through granularized data to meet industry needs.

It also seeks to strengthen integration within the BIMP-EAGA region by harmonizing training programs and promoting mutual recognition of skills, thereby expanding opportunities for Mindanawon workers both locally and across the sub-region.

The signing was witnessed by TESDA Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Linkages Nelly Nita N. Dillera, Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning Rosanna A. Urdaneta, Deputy Director General for TESDA Operations Vidal D. Villanueva III, Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo R. Colambo, and Deputy Director General for Administration and Innovation Galo B. Glino III. Also present were MinDA Executive Director Usec. Janet Lopoz and Usec. Archilles Bravo.

This collaboration is aligned with the administration of President Marcos Jr. and his commitment to prioritize human capital. The partnership directly supports the President’s agenda of building a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive nation.

Furthermore, the initiative complements the administration’s efforts to provide sustainable livelihood pathways for conflict-affected individuals and their families, ensuring that no sector is left behind in the country’s development journey.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗗𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Finance (DOF) have reaffirmed their strategic partnership to accelerate climate finance mobilization, infrastructure modernization, and investment promotion for Mindanao—further strengthening the region’s role as a key driver of national growth and regional connectivity.

During a meeting on 19 May 2026 between MinDA Chairperson Leo Tereso A. Magno and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, both agencies underscored the importance of translating financing commitments into tangible, high-impact projects that will advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across Mindanao.

Secretary Magno emphasized MinDA’s commitment to closely work with the DOF in channeling strategic investments and climate finance toward communities and sectors that need them most.

“We’re already advancing public-private partnerships in Mindanao, not just as financing tools but as vehicles for innovation, resiliency, and long-term transformation across the region and even within the broader BIMP-EAGA,” Magno said.

The discussions highlighted broader areas of cooperation involving infrastructure modernization, peacebuilding, corridor-based development, and catalytic investments aligned with the administration’s regional development agenda. This includes strengthening collaboration with the European Union, the Public-Private Partnership Center, development finance institutions, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) partners.

Finance Secretary Go expressed full support for MinDA’s development initiatives and recognized the growing strategic importance of Mindanao in the country’s economic transformation agenda.

He shared the views that Mindanao holds vast untapped opportunities for investments, especially in infrastructure, renewable energy, agribusiness, and minerals and that MinDA should put forward strong focus in showcasing success stories of those that have now thrived in the region.

As part of efforts to intensify investment promotion, Secretary Go committed to include MinDA in major international and domestic investment roadshows led by the DOF to showcase Mindanao’s economic potential to global investors and development partners.

He further emphasized the need for MinDA to work closely with local government units in developing investment-ready and bankable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, noting that the DOF stands ready to assist in structuring and facilitating these initiatives.

“Strong collaboration with LGUs is critical to developing bankable PPP projects that can attract serious private sector participation. The DOF is prepared to support MinDA in helping bring these projects to fruition,” Go added.

The meeting likewise underscored the importance of corridor-based development strategies to catalyze investments, improve connectivity, strengthen logistics systems, and accelerate inclusive growth throughout Mindanao and the larger BIMP-EAGA subregion.

Secretary Magno also expressed appreciation for the DOF’s strong support in advancing climate adaptation and resilience initiatives, particularly the Adaptation Fund-supported project in Tawi-Tawi titled, “Harnessing the Water–Energy–Food Nexus to Address and Adapt to Climate Change Impacts in Tawi-Tawi.”

The project integrates water security, renewable energy, and food resilience interventions to benefit climate-vulnerable island communities, particularly seaweed farming communities in Sitangkai and Sibutu.

“Climate finance must ultimately translate into real improvements in the lives of vulnerable communities. The Tawi-Tawi initiative demonstrates how integrated adaptation investments can strengthen resilience while creating economic opportunities in geographically isolated areas,” Magno noted.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships in accelerating regional development and infrastructure modernization. In line with the Marcos Administration’s thrust to scale up PPPs nationwide, MinDA and DOF are poised to deepen cooperation in mobilizing private capital and strategic financing for transformative projects across Mindanao.

Both agencies also recognized platforms such as the Mindanao Development Forum as vital mechanisms for aligning development priorities, mobilizing partnerships, and ensuring that financing commitments lead to concrete and measurable outcomes for the region.

Also present during the meeting were DOF Undersecretary for the International Finance Group Joven Balbosa, Privatization and Partnerships Group Undersecretary Catherine Fong, Assistant Secretary Carlyn Diaz, Undersecretary for Government Corporations and Investments Angela Ignacio, and MinDA Deputy Executive Director Romeo Montenegro.

WE ARE HIRING!
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is opening 6 plantilla positions for passionate and qualified professionals ready to contribute to Mindanao’s growth and development.

📅 Deadline of submission: June 3, 2026

See photos below for more details.👇

The Mindanao Development Authority joins the celebration of Ease of Doing Business Month, in full support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust for transparency and accountability.

This celebration also strengthens Mindanao’s path toward greater investor confidence and expanded opportunities for industries and communities across the region.