MANILA, July 18 — The government on Tuesday launched its blueprint for development of Northern Mindanao aimed at establishing the region as a gateway and leader in regional development in the country over the next six years.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia said the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 outlined plans and programs that would ensure the socioeconomic progress of the region that could contribute to inclusive development of the country.
Pernia said the region was envisioned as a major gateway and leading industrial core and trade center in Southern Philippines, with its people enjoying equal opportunities in sustainably harnessing its agricultural and natural resources.
“While some may question the capability of Northern Mindanao to achieve this goal, it is important to note that the region contributes an average of 4 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), and about 26 percent of Mindanao’s GRDP (gross regional domestic product),” he said during the Plan’s launch in Cagayan de Oro City.
Pernia said the region also has the highest contribution to Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) in Mindanao, and second highest, following Davao, in terms of contribution to industry and services sectors in Mindanao.
He noted the region is mainly composed of manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, and trade subsectors which confirm the potential of Northern Mindanao to be a major industrial hub and trade center in Southern Philippines.
Moreover, Pernia said the regional development foresees Metro Cagayan de Oro to become the fourth metropolitan center by 2025.
“This is based on its projected population growth and functional role as a principal gateway and transshipment hub in Northern Mindanao. It will also remain as a key educational center in the region,” he added.
The Plan further highlights the potential of the region, particularly in the industries of banana, rubber, bamboo, cacao, coco coir, coffee, agribusiness and tourism.
The NEDA chief stressed regional development is a main thrust of the Philippine Development Plan, which is anchored on President Duterte’s 0-10-point Socioeconomic Agenda.
The government also conducted the regional roadshow for the PDP 2017-2022, the blueprint for the country’s development under the Duterte administration, in Cagayan de Oro City.(Leslie D. Venzon/PNA)
