The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), under the leadership of Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, renewed its strategic partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to advance sustainable agricultural development in Mindanao.
This was reaffirmed during KOICA’S courtesy visit to MinDA, led by KOICA Philippines Country Director Jung Young Sun.
The delegation discussed progress and future directions for the ongoing project aimed at strengthening durian producer cooperatives and promoting sustainable farming practices across the region.
Secretary Magno expressed appreciation for KOICA’s continued support in advancing Mindanao’s agricultural competitiveness.
MinDA continues to play a strategic role in coordinating policy, engaging stakeholders, and aligning KOICA-supported initiatives with the Mindanao Development Agenda 2023-2028.
Magno further emphasized that KOICA’s collaboration is instrumental in equipping farmers with modern technologies, sustainable practices, and market opportunities that contribute to long-term food security and inclusive economic growth.
The visit is part of KOICA’s official monitoring of the project “Sustainable Agricultural Environment Establishment through Durian Producer Cooperative Organization in Mindanao, Philippines (2023–2025),” implemented by the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor Asia (CAMP Asia) with KOICA funding support.
KOICA Country Director Jung underscored the agency’s commitment to deepening cooperation with MinDA and local stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.
The team reviewed key interventions, including cooperative strengthening, organic fertilizer trials, technical capacity-building, frozen durian production pilots, and branding strategies.
The project also facilitates multi-sectoral partnerships among government, academe, and private sector actors.
The initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Mindanao’s durian industry while improving farmer incomes and promoting environmentally sound agricultural practices.
It also directly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to modernizing Philippine agriculture, empowering rural communities, and enhancing food security through international cooperation.
President Marcos has consistently emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in unlocking the full potential of Mindanao’s agricultural sector.
It complements the Marcos administration’s efforts to position Mindanao as a key driver of regional development under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
This partnership also forms part of MinDA’s commitment to Building a Better Mindanao—one that is empowered, resilient, and globally competitive.
