Mindanao key to reducing PHL poverty – EU News site

A CHAIN is only as strong as its weakest link. While Mindanao constitutes only a quarter of the Philippine population, the region accounts for a third of the country’s poor. That is why unlocking Mindanao’s potential for growth is crucial in alleviating poverty in the entire country, according to a new report launched by the World Bank, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

The report, entitled “Mindanao Jobs Report: A Strategy of Mindanao Regional Development”, explains that the main challenge for the region is finding a sustainable way of speeding up growth that will create more and better jobs, as well as reduce poverty.

Therefore, as a result of consultations with many leaders and stakeholders in Mindanao, the report came up with recommendations on three main areas:

• Increasing the productivity of Mindanao’s farm and fisheries sector and improving its access to local and global markets;
• Investing in education, skills training, health, and social protection for the poor; and
• Addressing the roots of conflict and boosting institutions in conflict-affected areas.

“The strategies identified in the report could not be more timely and relevant to the priorities that we in Mindanao Development Authority have set out to pursue under the Duterte administration,” said the Chairperson of MinDA, Secretary Abul Khayer Alonto.

Secretary Alonto adds that the Mindanao Development Corridors strategy is the key, as it is designed to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity between growing and lagging regions, and ensure balanced growth.

Furthermore, Miguel Dominguez, Chairperson of PBSP Regional Executive Committee, said, “to help achieve this goal, PBSP promotes inclusive business practices to ensure that communities are active stakeholders and partners in the value chain – as producers, business partners, employees, or consumers. We continue to partner with various levels of government and advocate corporate social responsibility consistent with the values of people empowerment, collective action, and peace anchored on just and equitable development.”

Mindanao currently contributes 15 percent of the country’s GDP and 40 percent of agricultural production. Given the right opportunities, it can contribute much more to the Philippine economy.

However, conflict in some areas within the region prevents Mindanao from accelerating its inclusive growth, says Mara K. Warwick, Country Director of the World Bank in the Philippines. Hence, addressing issues such as land ownership, weak governance, and historical injustices — which fuel conflict in the region — is important.

via Modern Diplomacy