In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for regional economic growth and the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) Building a Better Mindanao initiative under Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, MinDA and the Pagadian-ZDS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (PZCCIFI) co-organized a pre-conference policy consultation on July 28, 2026, in Pagadian City.
The strategic forum convened local business leaders, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders to consolidate regional economic priorities ahead of the upcoming 35th Mindanao Business Conference, set for August 11–13, 2026, in Cagayan de Oro.
The consultation yielded concrete policy recommendations focused on accelerating sustainable development across the Zamboanga Peninsula and the broader Mindanao region:
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Logistics & Infrastructure Modernization: Key discussions highlighted the need to upgrade regional transport networks and strengthen sea and land connectivity to streamline inter-island trade.
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Agricultural Modernization & PPPs: Stakeholders called for expanded public-private partnerships in agriculture to build resilient value chains, enhance local food security, and create sustainable employment.
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Halal Economy & Trade Competitiveness: Participants advocated for standardizing practices and upgrading processing facilities to position Mindanao as a primary, competitive hub for the global Halal market.
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Digital Inclusion & Telecommunications: To build long-term economic resilience, the assembly pushed for broader telecommunications access and improved service reliability across rural areas.
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Local Governance & Resource Protection: Attendees emphasized the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in securing agricultural supply chains, curbing illegal trade practices, and enforcing strict coastal environmental safeguards.
These action points directly reinforce the Marcos administration’s national socio-economic agenda and the Bagong Pilipinas movement, which champion equitable growth, food sovereignty, and countryside digital transformation. By aligning local private-sector insights with national policy, MinDA aims to ensure that flagship investments yield tangible economic benefits for all Mindanawons.
Key participants leading the consultation included Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Area Vice President for Mindanao Nenita Malbas, former PZCCIFI President Hazel Lu, incoming PZCCIFI President Mohamad Amjad Calib, MinDA Investment Promotions Division Head Helen de Castro, and MinDA Policy Formulation Division representative Sheila Mae Almasa.
