Mindanao seen to transform into key agri, industrial hub

DAVAO CITY—Mindanao stands to benefit from the government’s massive “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program such that the war-torn island would be transformed into an agricultural and industrial hub in the medium term.
Speaking at the Philippine Economic Briefing, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III noted that the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by the President had already approved five flagship infrastructure projects in Mindanao.

“Beginning this year, a new Mindanao story is set to unfold. The island is the focal point of major infrastructure projects that will enhance economic production, open new irrigated lands for our agriculture and make the movement of goods and people easier,” Dominguez said.

According to Dominguez, one of these big-ticket infrastructure projects is the P5.4-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project expected to be completed by next year.

Dominguez said the irrigation facility would be in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, “which are potential rice baskets for the entire Philippines.”

“We will irrigate almost 10,000 hectares of land in 56 conflict-affected areas,” Dominguez added.

Also in the priority list are the expansion and improvement of the Davao International Airport and the Laguindingan Airport, which would cost P40.6 billion and P14.6 billion, respectively, he said.

The two airport projects, targeted for completion in 2025, “will expand the capacity of the passenger terminal and cargo to accommodate the fast-growing number of visitors to southern and northern Mindanao,” Dominguez said.

Another project is the P21.2-billion Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector, under which the government will build and improve 280 kilometers of roads and bridges in Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Tawi until 2020.

As for the P4.9-billion Panguil Bay Bridge, the government will construct a 3.5-km structure across the bay to connect Tubod, Lanao de Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

As for Mindanao’s first railway system, he said the first segment running across Tagum, Davao and Digos would be rolled out before the end of the year.

This segment will be 102-km long with a design speed of 160 km an hour. It will cost P35.3 billion and should be completed in 2021. —BEN O. DE VERA