A bold new 10-year blueprint is set to propel Mindanao’s growth, centering on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening local governments, and advancing the region’s blue economy. The Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) unveiled the plan, with top officials approving a resolution that designates local government units (LGUs) as the primary drivers of grassroots development.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary and Bimp-Eaga Philippine Signing Minister Leo Tereso Magno explained that LGUs are best positioned to grasp and address the specific needs of their communities. This marks a significant shift in the subregional bloc’s development approach, emphasizing local leadership as essential to progress.
“The discussions were highly productive,” Magno noted, highlighting renewed commitments to empower both MSMEs and LGUs. He cited a resolution affirming that development must be initiated and led by LGUs, as they possess the deepest understanding of on-the-ground problems.
Starting next year, MinDA will broaden collaboration with LGUs to ensure that development efforts align with local requirements. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also reasserted its support for community-centered projects, with a particular focus on Mindanao and Palawan.
MinDA deputy executive director Romeo Montenegro emphasized the plan’s strong focus on the blue economy—using marine resources for food, energy, and sustainable livelihoods. “Blue economy” aims to create a framework where marine resource use is guided by both economic value and long-term sustainability.
ADB has set aside $400 million for marine-related initiatives, spanning technical studies and potential ventures in floating solar, tidal energy, ocean technology, and sustainable fisheries involving sardines, tuna, and seaweed.
Mindanao’s abundant marine environment makes it an ideal stage for these initiatives. Pilot sites identified include Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Dinagat, and Balut Island, where blue-energy projects could take root.
In 2023, MinDA and ADB conducted scoping missions to Dinagat and Balut Islands, uncovering strong potential for solar and tidal energy as viable alternatives to diesel-powered electricity, which currently dominates many island communities and elevates power costs.
With empowered MSMEs, LGUs driving local development, and blue economy projects gaining traction, Bimp-Eaga’s 10-year plan envisions Mindanao as a hub of inclusive growth and sustainable innovation, while reinforcing collaboration among Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
