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Mindanao’s growth triangle – Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos | Per Se (RESEARCHED BY: DE LEON)

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URL:

https://econ.upd.edu.ph/perse/?p=4686

Title: Mindanao’s growth triangle – Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos

Author: Gerardo P. Sicat

Date Published: June 28, 2015

Key Contents: The blog contains the experience of the author to the industrial, infrastructural, and economic growth of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos, including some statistical variables.

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Crossroads ( Toward Philippine economic and social progress)
Philippine Star, 24 June 2015

Three major urban areas serve as magnets for Mindanao's economic heartland: Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos. These magnetos collectively provide transport logistics and the industrial and commercial support to the growth of Mindanao's economy.

I come to this conclusion after criss-crossing 2,000 kilometers of roads on this island. During that travel, I immersed myself in talks with businessmen, public officials, and common citizens. Interactions also involved talks with NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) regional staff.

The room for growth in Mindanao is very large. Mindanao contributes only 14 percent of the nation's GDP (gross domestic product), while its population accounts for 21 percent of the national population.

The economic hinterland of Mindanao. The agricultural heartland of Mindanao is also its hinterland. This land was once full of forests and sparse human settlements. It is also nature's receptacle for minerals that attracts risk-seekers.

Past domestic policies encouraged the migration of people from our crowded islands and moved them to land of economic opportunity.

Today, the fertile valleys that comprise this hinterland are connected by a system of roads that enables them to get to any of the three growth points mentioned above.

How the road network expanded. During the early decades of our political independence, logging activity expanded, helped build and left in their aftermath networks of trails and logging roads that would give the leads toward the system of national roads.

Government planners at the national and provincial levels used these logging roads as guides or basis for the more intricate permanent roads of the island. During the 1960s through to the early 1980s, the government undertook the construction of the major national road networks and added irrigation and hydro-power networks which today provide the physical infrastructure base of the land.

The need to raise corn and rice output for the nation's consumption also led to the opening of more land for agriculture. Therefore, high demand for staple crops in the country also perked up agriculture in Mindanao.

Today, farm output is much varied. Rice and corn are important crops being cultivated in this heartland. But so are fruits and vegetables. Fruit trees abound: mangoes, durian, coffee, cacao and other native fruits. It is also the land of bananas, pineapples, coconut, rubber, palm oil, and timber farms. A substantial part of the national requirements in these produce is provided by Mindanao.

Let me describe briefly each of these geographic magnets, starting from the youngest of them.

General Santos (in South Cotabato). The position of General Santos in western Mindanao accelerated only after the seaport and major road transports were expanded following the 1970s. Government's major infrastructure further widened the ports and road networks, especially following the entry of a major pineapple plantation in the region.

The expansion of the port city with a large fish port enabled the region to attract the delivery of catch along the fish-rich water lanes between Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippine waters. As a result, this city has also become a magnet for fish processing industries.

Much faster growth ensued with the enlargement and opening of agriculture in the wider valley close to the area, connected by roads and communications network. This road network eventually connected the heartland of Mindanao to General Santos, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Earlier, General Santos was part of the migration settlements that moved new population from Luzon and the Visayas. The major inducement, then as now, was the land of promise. In the 1970s came the Dole pineapple plantation in nearby Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Davao City. This port city has an area large enough to be called a province. It is the radial point of development of the Davao provinces - all four of them. Davao was the first colonial port city designed for economic expansion in the southernmost stretch of island during American colonial times.

During the colonial period, Davao was connected to the north mainly through early trails and frontier roads that opened new economic areas. By independence, these roads were gradually expanded from the port, growing radially further toward the larger hinterland. Logging companies led the way in entering the extensive forests so they could exploit them.

The logging roads led human settlements and farms to follow the trail and thus, the hinterland was populated and cultivated. These roads also helped to open huge valleys of for agriculture.

Today, Davao is the center of the banana industry, the fruit trees of many kinds. Livestock and poultry in this region is a significant component of the country's output.

Davao has also become not only a trading outpost of these important sectors but has also attracted industries that complement the needs of the existing agricultural industries.

Cagayan de Oro. This urban center is the oldest of the magnetos. Its proximity to the other Visayan islands and Luzon, and its central location in the past made it also a favored location for private education.

Geographically, Cagayan de Oro is wedged in by mountains that formed a plateau that is highly suitable within the highlands of Bukidnon. The first large plantation in pineapples was founded in the area by the then American-owned Del Monte before the war. The cannery was established in the Cagayan de Oro side and output was shipped from the port of Cagayan de Oro.

The early postwar years when the country began earnest efforts at industrial expansion and forestry exploitation also immensely benefitted the city.

The coastal highway went east toward Agusan and Surigao provinces, leading to an area rich in minerals, forestry, and lowlands for rice and corn agriculture.

To the west of Cagayan de Oro, also on the coastal areas was the industrial development that took place in Iligan. Encouraged by inexpensive hydroelectric power established at the Maria Cristina Falls area, a number of important industries were set up in Iligan during the 1950s and the1960s.

Further westward and southwest were the agricultural areas of the Lanao Region and western Misamis. The markets of these agricultural produce were directed to the Cagayan region for processing and for marketing the output, or in transit to other developed markets of the country in the Visayas and Luzon. These inevitably transited through the port of Cagayan de Oro.

For years, these independent developments helped to create a larger expansion of Cagayan de Oro as a metropolis for the region

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Mindanao’s growth triangle – Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos | Per Se

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Crossroads (Toward Philippine economic and social progress)
Philippine Star, 24 June 2015

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Six Mindanao provinces top national competitiveness ranking (RESEARCHED BY IBANEZ)

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URL: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/07/30/six-mindanao-provinces-top-national-competitiveness-ranking/

Title: Six Mindanao provinces top national competitiveness ranking

Author: The Mindanao Development Authority

Date published: July 30, 2015

Key content: Four Mindanao provinces dominated the top five most competitive provinces with Davao del Sur leading the pack as the most competitive province in the Philippines with an overall score of 46.11, followed by Misamis Oriental in second with an overall score of 38.93.

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This project focuses on Japanese infrastructure to help improve Philippine economic and societal  growth (RESEARCHED BY: GUILING)

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URL: https://dl.ndl.go.jp/view/prepareDownload?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F11274410&contentNo=1

Title: Study on Infrastructure Development in
Mindanao, Philippines

Author: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Date Published: March, 2017

Key Contents: This project aims to show the probability for potential infrastructural development in Mindanao. It also describes the issues with proceeding with the development. Additionally, through the words of the Philippine government, the technology and expertise of Japanese companies will be of help in dealing with these issues. Japan has the quality infrastructure to help improve the growth of the economy and society in the Philippines.

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Building Roads in Mindanao, Philippines, to Build Peace and Prosperity (RESEARCHED BY IBANEZ)

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URL: https://www.adb.org/results/building-roads-mindanao-philippines-build-peace-and-prosperity

Title: Building Roads in Mindanao, Philippines, to Build Peace and Prosperity

Author: Asian Development Bank

Date published: December 15, 2017

Key points: Emil Sadain talking about Mindanao's poverty, insurgency, and lack of basic services. He plans to make projects for the Roads in Mindanao.

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$380-million loan will help improve 280 km of national roads and bridges in Mindanao, expanding access to social services and economic opportunities in one of the country's poorest regions.

Manila, Philippines - Emil Sadain knows only too well how building a road can benefit remote communities.

"In Mindanao, where the good roads end, the problems begin," he says. "There's poverty, insurgency, and lack of basic services."

Sadain, an undersecretary at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), served as regional cabinet secretary for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the southern Philippines from 2012 to 2015.

An engineer by training and a native of Sulu province, where a decades-old insurgency has kept the entire southwestern ARMM region underdeveloped, Sadain says economic opportunities opened for fisherfolk and farmers after the government built arterial and provincial roads, bridges, and flood management systems.

"There was easier access from the main towns to the villages to offer basic services such as education, health, and sanitation," Sadain says, referring to remote areas in the country's poorest region.

Filling infrastructure gaps

Some of Mindanao's northern and central regions have started to show stronger economic growth in recent years following investments in better infrastructure that have ushered in more private businesses and higher tourist arrivals.

But Mindanao's western and southernmost provinces such as those in Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM regions have lagged their neighbors.

" The government can rely on ADB to assist in this crucial undertaking which will help promote peace in the region and ensure the country's strong growth includes the poor."

Richard Bolt

The government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are seeking to address infrastructure gaps in these two regions through the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project. ADB is supporting the project through a $380-million loan to complement $123 million of government financing.

The project will improve about 280 kilometers (km) of national roads and bridges in Mindanao. This will support the government's goals to accelerate infrastructure investment, promote regional development, reduce people's vulnerability, and advance human capital development under the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan.

Developing agricultural and fishery resources

The project is also aligned with the government's "Build, Build Build" infrastructure development program that aims to increase spending on much-needed roads, bridges, airports, and seaports to 7.4% of GDP in 2022 from 5.3% in 2017.

"This project will help less accessible areas in Mindanao to reach their potential as significant contributors to the region's and the country's economic development, especially with their abundant agricultural and fishery resources," says Richard Bolt, ADB Country Director for the Philippines.

"The government can rely on ADB to assist in this crucial undertaking which will help promote peace in the region and ensure the country's strong growth includes the poor and reaches the underserved," he says.

A strong partnership for infrastructure investment

The latest project builds on a strong partnership for infrastructure investments in Mindanao. Since the 1970s, ADB has been assisting the government in building major ports, roads, power, and irrigation projects across the region. This new project is ADB's first Mindanao-specific loan in 16 years.

" ADB's approach really caters to this type of assistance-rural development, agricultural productivity, and projects targeting low-income groups."

Emil Sadain

"One good trait of ADB that I appreciate is that it is a risk taker," says Sadain. "ADB plays a very significant role in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of communities. ADB's approach really caters to this type of assistance-rural development, agricultural productivity, and projects targeting low-income groups."

"It was ADB that was the first to develop areas in southern and western Mindanao," he says.

Building regional connections

Sadain said the latest project will cover all current gaps in the road network of Zamboanga Peninsula at a faster pace than if the project was pursued by the national or local government alone. To ensure there will be no disruption in project implementation, the government will be hiring engineers with knowledge of the local language and culture and physical layout of the project areas.

As part of the project, DPWH staff will receive training on procurement, multi-year planning, and operation of a new online budget and fiscal monitoring system to ensure the agency is well-equipped to manage Mindanao's transport sector. The project will finance the detailed design for improvement of additional highways in the future in the region.

"It is important to invest in critical infrastructure in Mindanao, an important gateway for trade and business in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Greater Sulu Sulawesi Corridor," says Jeffrey Miller, a principal transport specialist at ADB.

"This project supports regional cooperation and integration, and will assist in developing key industries including agribusiness and ecotourism and enhance the logistics potential of Mindanao," he says.

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Building Roads in Mindanao, Philippines, to Build Peace and Prosperity

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380-million loan will help improve 280 km of national roads and bridges in Mindanao, Philippines, expanding access to social services and economic opportunities in one of the country's poorest regions.

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‘Inequality to worsen if Bangsamoro literacy, infrastructure not improved’ (RESEARCHED BY IBANEZ)

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URL: https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/inequality-to-worsen-if-bangsamoro-literacy-infrastructure-not-improved

Title: 'Inequality to worsen if Bangsamoro literacy, infrastructure not improved'

Author: Sofia Tomacruz

Date published: Sep 06, 2018

Key content: Amina Rasul Bernardo warned the government that failing to address illiteracy and the lack of infrastructure would widen inequality and leave Filipinos behind in Mindanao.

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'Inequality to worsen if Bangsamoro literacy, infrastructure not improved'

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MANILA, Philippines - Amid rapid advancements in technology, the government must not forget to address poor literacy and infrastructure in the B

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URL:

https://www.facebook.com/MaramagPIO/videos/265060261927877/

Title: Maanyag Maramag

Author: Uswag Mindanao TV Production

Date Published: September 3, 2021

Key Contents: A showcase of the Municipality of Maramag's infrastructure projects, agricultural programs, and tourism spots with the goal of inviting tourists to be able to invest in better innovation and infrastructures in the municipality.

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Uswag Mindanao's Exclusive Full Documentary  with one of the most established and developing Municipalities in the Province of Bukidnon.

“Maanyag... | By Maramag Public Information OfficeFacebook

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Uswag Mindanao's Exclusive Full Documentary  with one of the most established and developing Municipalities in the Province of Bukidnon.

“Maanyag...

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SEFTV: 6 New Massive Ifrastructures in Mindanao Philippines | SEFTV: 6 New MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURES in MINDANAO PHILIPPINES

#MindanaoToday
#BuildBuildBuild | By SEF TV | Facebook (RESEARCHED BY: DE LEON)

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URL: https://www.facebook.com/seftv/videos/269972561769309/

Title: 6 New Massive Infrastructures in Mindanao Philippines

Author: SEF TV

Date Published: December 17, 2021

Key Contents: The vlog features 6 of the newly built infrastructures in Mindanao that is beneficial for the citizens. One of the 6 that are included is the newly developed Davao Coastal Road.

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SEFTV: 6 New Massive Ifrastructures in Mindanao Philippines | SEFTV: 6 New MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURES in MINDANAO PHILIPPINES

#MindanaoToday
#BuildBuildBuild | By SEF TVFacebook

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SEFTV: 6 New MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURES in MINDANAO PHILIPPINES

#MindanaoToday
#BuildBuildBuild

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URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-marcos-wants-renegotiate-loans-49-bln-china-backed-rail-projects-2022-07-16/

Title: Marcos wants Philippines to renegotiate loans on China-backed rail projects

Author: Reuters

Date Published: July 16, 2022

Key Contents: Pres. Marcos has ordered the transport ministry to renegotiate the agreements with China for the railway project, which included the Davao-Digos segment of the Mindanao railway project. Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez stated that other funding options were being considered. In 2016, the Philippines had only 77km of an operational railway, thus showing the importance of infrastructure programs currently occurring in the country.

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MANILA, July 16 (Reuters) - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered the transport ministry to renegotiate loan agreements struck by his predecessor with China for railway projects worth $4.90 billion, an official said on Saturday.

Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said the official development assistance loan agreements for the three projects were considered "withdrawn" after the Chinese government "failed to act on the funding requests" made by the government of then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Chavez said other funding options were also being considered for the projects worth 276 billion Philippine pesos: the Subic-Clark Railway Project, the Philippine National Railways South Long-Haul Project and the Davao-Digos segment of the Mindanao Railway Project.

Options include tapping private capital through a public private partnership, he said.

Asked for comment, a Chinese official said on condition of anonymity: "I can say China-Philippines cooperation over railways will continue. China is open for discussions with the Philippines."

From more than 1,100 km (680 miles) before World War II, the Philippines had only 77 km of operational railway as of 2016, well behind other urban centres across Asia, government data shows.

Negotiations for the rail projects began in 2018, during the administration of Duterte, who pursued warmer ties with Beijing, setting aside a longstanding territorial spat over the South China Sea in exchange for billions of dollars of aid, loans and investment pledges, including for his infrastructure programme.

Marcos has vowed to defend national sovereignty but has spoken strongly of the need to enhance ties with China in other areas.

($1 = 56.2700 Philippine pesos)

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by William Mallard

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

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Marcos wants Philippines to renegotiate loans on China-backed rail projects

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered the transport ministry to renegotiate loan agreements struck by his predecessor with China for railway projects worth $4.90 billion, an official said on Saturday.

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Road and Rail Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines: Current State, Issues, and Challenges

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URL: https://www.pids.gov.ph/publication/discussion-papers/road-and-rail-transport-infrastructure-in-the-philippines-current-state-issues-and-challenges?fbclid=IwAR00ZQB3GJwwtCCZm2h4yuP1ksBtk8YzavbcXKWLpR1AoIKOHBXSYpCNnO8

Title: Road and Rail Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines: Current State, Issues, and Challenges

Author(s): Adoracion M. Navarro, Jokkaz S. Latigar

Date published: December 13, 2022

Key contents: This webinar talks about the quantity and quality of the road and rail transport sector in the Philippines.

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Road and Rail Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines: Current State, Issues, and Challenges

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In this study, the analysis of quantity and quality indicators in the road and rail transport sector shows that the Philippines continues to suffer fr

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URL: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214092?fbclid=IwAR3wIq5ZtsbqMkIh8Cba4gri-74ZeNsfrJlF7U6G9yxT4fsNaeMOxeeZD8E

Title: Solons seek probe on public structures’ standard after Mindanao quake

Author: Zaldy De Layola

Date Published: November 21, 2023

Key Contents: Many police officers and rescue workers stated that many of the injuries and casualties following the earthquake that happened in Mindanao have been caused mainly by falling debris and structures, collapsed concrete and steel works, and many more. Tulfo had also confirmed the vulnerabilities in construction and the inflicted damage on infrastructures through a visit, and he added that repair, replacement, or development of the damaged infrastructure must be urgently addressed.

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URL: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSFALknrt/

Title: "Ayus lang yan Mindanao keep it up lalago karin not now but soon"

Author: @dtjack (TikTok)

Date Published: January 30, 2024

Key Contents: The author posts a slideshow of pictures showing a comparison of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao's city landscapes. In these pictures, Mindanao is shown to have the least amount of city lights, and the author expresses his pity over Mindanao not being developed as much as the other parts of the country

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National Irrigation Administration criticizes flood control projects | ANC (Start at 4:47)

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5 - Local or National News Video Segment

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5 - Local or National News Video Segment

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URL: https://youtu.be/v1bydGPA2UM?t=287&si=6fJXPdm_OGsHn2F9 (start at 4:47)

Title: National Irrigation Administration criticizes flood control projects

Author: ANC 24/7

Date Published: February 11, 2024

Key Contents: The National Irrigation Administration criticized the flood control projects in Davao de Oro as local authorities chose to build dikes to prevent flooding, which the agency calls ineffective. The administrator of the agency, Engr. Eduardo Gullen stated that these flood-control projects have not stopped massive flooding in the area as authorities have put the wrong structures.

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PH economic official: Mindanao to suffer social costs if it secedes | ANC