Stilt houses on the river at a Muslim village in Zamboanga, Philippines, circa 1960. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno has painted an optimistic picture of the economic future of Mindanao, highlighting several key drivers that are expected to power the region’s growth in 2025.
“The economic outlook for Mindanao in 2025 is cautiously optimistic,” Magno shared in an interview with BusinessWorld.
“After weathering the challenges of 2024, such as global economic headwinds and inflationary pressures, Mindanao is ready to rebound by leveraging its strategic location, diversified economic base, abundant natural resources, and strengthening regional integration.”
Key Growth Sectors
Magno outlined four major sectors set to drive Mindanao’s recovery and growth:
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Mindanao’s role as the Philippines’ food basket is set to expand, with a sharper focus on value-added processing and exports.
“Diversifying into high-value crops like cacao, coffee, and durian will not only increase incomes for farmers but also create significant rural employment opportunities,” Magno emphasized.
Renewable Energy
Mindanao’s transition from an energy-deficient to an energy-surplus region continues, fueled by investments in renewable energy projects such as solar, hydro, and biomass. Policies encouraging decentralized energy systems will further strengthen this shift.
Infrastructure Development
Ongoing and new infrastructure projects—including roads, ports, and airports—are going to enhance connectivity and logistics efficiency. These improvements aim to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities both within Mindanao and beyond.
Tourism and Services
With enhanced safety perceptions and targeted promotional campaigns, Mindanao expects to attract more tourists, particularly from Japan and Southeast Asia. This influx will create ripple effects in retail, hospitality, and local entrepreneurship.
“Tourism is more than just leisure; it’s a catalyst for economic activity across multiple sectors,” Magno noted.
The Blue Economy
Magno also highlighted the potential of the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Investments in maritime trade and coastal development aim to ensure long-term economic sustainability for Mindanao’s coastal communities.
Strategies for Transformation
To unlock its full potential, Magno stressed the importance of strategic priorities:
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration between the government and private sector will be critical for driving investments in infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Empowering Local Industries
Magno called for mobilizing resources to provide technical assistance, financing, and market access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in agribusiness and tourism.
Ensuring Inclusive Growth
Mindanao’s growth must be inclusive, with a special focus on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other underserved areas. Integrating marginalized communities through education, livelihood programs, and equitable resource distribution is key.
Promoting Innovation
Investments in digital infrastructure and technology adoption are essential to boosting productivity in agriculture, logistics, and services.
Sustaining Peace and Security
“Peace is the bedrock of development,” Magno said. Maintaining strong partnerships with local governments and security forces will be vital for fostering an environment conducive to investments and tourism.
A Vision for the Future
“Mindanao stands on the cusp of a transformation,” Magno declared. “The narrative of a conflict-ridden region is steadily being replaced by one of resilience, innovation, and opportunity. For 2025 to truly be a breakthrough year, stakeholders must act with urgency, focus, and collaboration.”
With its wealth of resources, strategic initiatives, and renewed commitment to inclusive development, Mindanao’s economic horizon for 2025 looks brighter than ever.
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