PPP Desk. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno discusses the role of the newly launched Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk for Mindanao in a press conference during the 2nd Mindanao Infrastructure Summit on Oct. 22 in Cagayan de Oro City. The PPP Desk aims to help local governments develop projects that can attract private investment and support regional infrastructure growth. (Photo: MJP/PIA-10)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | PPP Desk to help LGUs develop viable, resilient projects —MinDA
By: Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk for Mindanao, launched in September in Davao City, is intended to help local government units (LGUs) develop projects that can attract investments.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno announced this during the 2nd Mindanao Infrastructure Summit held on Oct. 22 in Cagayan de Oro City.
Magno said the PPP Desk will serve as a one-stop hub where LGUs, regional line agencies, and private sector partners can access technical assistance, project development guidance, and investment matchmaking.
“It is a dedicated and one-stop shop hub to guide LGUs, regional agencies, and private sector partners in developing bankable, inclusive, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects,” he said.
According to him, PPPs can help bridge funding gaps and promote innovation and efficiency.
Empowering LGUs
Magno said Mindanao is exploring more ways to pursue development projects through PPPs.
“Mayroon tayong ibang paraan dito sa Mindanao na magkaroon ng proyekto, ito yung public-private partnership,” he said, adding that the summit aimed to show that development does not depend solely on government funding.
The PPP Desk seeks to address technical and financial barriers that often prevent LGUs from pursuing projects,
“There are many other new trends that emerge every year. Hindi naman pare-pareho ang mga pangangailangan ng developing na mga areas. Last year, during the first summit, we concentrated on connecting provinces, connecting people, and connecting all aspects of the developmental side of Mindanao. This year, we would like to focus on opening the eyes of everyone to public-private partnerships,” Magno said.
The launch of the PPP Desk supports the Marcos administration’s Build Better More program, which prioritizes infrastructure as a driver of inclusive growth.
“Over the past three years, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has inaugurated and approved key projects that are reshaping our Mindanao growth corridors. These include, the completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge, now connecting Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental; the expansion of Laguindingan Airport to boost regional air connectivity; the modernization of the Balingoan Port to support inter-island trade; and the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project—a 27.9-billion initiative to link production hubs and reduce travel time among provinces.
MinDA said institutionalizing the PPP Desk will promote consistency, transparency, and coordination among government agencies and investors.
Magno said that although the PPP Desk is currently based in Davao City, where the MinDA office is located, similar desks will be set up in other parts of Mindanao.
“Gagawin natin ito dahan-dahan sa ibang rehiyon ng Mindanao,” he said.
MinDA will also hold a PPP Roadshow across Mindanao to engage more LGUs and align national infrastructure efforts with local priorities.
The 2nd Mindanao Infrastructure Summit gathered national and local officials, business leaders, and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen Mindanao’s infrastructure network and position it as a premier investment destination and a hub of innovation and resilience in the country. (APB/PIA-10)
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