PAGADIAN CITY (June 10) — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is accelerating a slate of strategic projects across the Zamboanga Peninsula aimed at boosting energy security, agricultural productivity, infrastructure connectivity, and international trade.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Rehiyon Nueve press conference, MinDA officials outlined efforts to transform the region from a “back door” into a key gateway of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Among the flagship initiatives is the Renewable Energy Project on Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay. Now in its final impact study phase, the project is expected to secure its operating contract with the Department of Energy by December 2026, providing reliable and clean electricity to island communities.
MinDA is also updating the region’s power roadmap to align with national renewable energy targets and support growing industrial demand.
In agriculture, MinDA has partnered with East-West Seed Company and the BIMP-EAGA Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund to promote vegetable intercropping in rubber, cacao, and coconut plantations. The program seeks to improve food security, diversify incomes, and help small farmers transition into agri-entrepreneurs through stronger market access and compliance with food safety standards.
Infrastructure remains a key driver of the agency’s development agenda. A major milestone is the scheduled inauguration in the third quarter of 2026 of the bridge linking Olutanga Island to mainland Zamboanga Sibugay, a project expected to enhance mobility, trade, and access to services.
In Pagadian City, MinDA is supporting the rehabilitation of the airport to allow evening flight operations and improve passenger traffic. The agency is likewise working to maximize the city’s port facilities to facilitate exports of seafood, cacao, and other agricultural products to BIMP-EAGA markets and Singapore.
To guide future interventions, MinDA has tapped the World Bank to conduct a multidimensional poverty analysis beginning in Zamboanga del Norte. The findings are expected to shape policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities.
The agency is also exploring the establishment of a “Cocoa Village” with the Department of Trade and Industry to consolidate production and strengthen the region’s export capacity.
Meanwhile, Pagadian City will host the Mindanao ICT Conference in September 2026, highlighting efforts to attract digital investments and advance plans for a Smart Regional Government Center.
“We are building a better Mindanao today and for generations to come,” said MinDA Development Management Officer Carlos J. Cerezo, emphasizing that the initiatives support the broader national development agenda.
