Mindanao takes center stage once again as government leaders, business groups, civil society organizations, and international development partners gather for the two-day Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2025, which opened on October 1 at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit D2 Davao.
With the theme “Strengthening Partnerships in Building a Better Mindanao,” the forum seeks to deepen long-standing collaborations that have propelled peace and progress across the island, while tackling persistent challenges such as poverty, unequal economic development, limited access to energy, and heightened disaster risks.
MDF 2025 serves as a platform to highlight achievements from previous forums, align with the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, and reinforce multi-sectoral cooperation—particularly among the national government, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the private sector, and global development stakeholders.
In his keynote speech, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magnodescribed MDF 2025 as a testament to Mindanao’s journey of resilience and transformation, citing the region’s improving economic indicators, notable poverty reduction, and continuing peacebuilding efforts.
“We know by heart that our strength lies in partnerships—with people like you who are here today, who share our dreams and aspirations,” Magno said.
The forum brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders—government agencies, BARMM officials, business leaders, civil society groups, and donors—to synchronize strategies, secure support, and explore opportunities for investment.
One of the forum’s highlights was the presentation of strategic action maps, formal declarations of support, and a curated portfolio of investment-ready projects aligned with national development priorities.
A key moment was the unveiling of the Building a Better Mindanao (BBM) campaign logo—each block representing a pillar of the Mindanao Agenda, and every letter symbolizing the region’s unified commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Magno explained that BBM is grounded in the Marcos administration’s core priorities: expanding infrastructure, enhancing climate resilience, revitalizing agriculture, and fostering long-term peace and stability.
“It is my honor to present a glimpse of a better Mindanao—one shaped by resilience, growth, and transformation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself has emphasized Mindanao’s vital role in our nation’s progress,” he added.
Among the government’s flagship initiatives for Mindanao are the CREATE MORE Act, aimed at stimulating innovation and investment; the Build Better More Program, which focuses on enhancing connectivity through infrastructure; and a US$10 million Adaptation Fund project in Tawi-Tawi that will bring clean water and renewable energy to climate-vulnerable communities.
The international community also reaffirmed its support. European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Massimo Santoro, underscored the importance of forums like MDF in bridging policy and grassroots realities.
“Events like this allow us to ground our partnership in real experiences and shared goals—ensuring that our cooperation with Mindanao reflects empathy, mutual respect, and a common vision for the future,” Santoro said.
With its forward-looking agenda and broad-based collaboration, MDF 2025 is positioned to become a pivotal catalyst in transforming Mindanao into a dynamic hub of inclusive growth, sustainability, and innovation—solidifying its place as a key engine of national development.
