Speaking at the 1st Mindanao Infrastructure Summit held at the SMX Convention Center on October 10, Magno highlighted how robust infrastructure connects supply chains, facilitates the movement of goods and services, and drives economic expansion.
"Unfortunately, Mindanao has long struggled with low employment opportunities and high poverty rates due to fragmented infrastructure development across regions. We need essential connectivity to unlock opportunities and improve the lives of our people," Magno said during his keynote speech.
The summit stems from a MinDA Board Resolution passed during their 14th Board Meeting on July 27, 2024, which stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to build quality infrastructure that supports a resilient and thriving Mindanao.
"In developing regions like Mindanao, infrastructure is crucial for unlocking economic potential, improving living standards, and achieving inclusive growth," Magno added.
"Infrastructure encompasses both physical and digital elements, connecting people, communities, goods, information, markets, and resources. It is an enabler of development."
Magno underscored that quality infrastructure plays a foundational role in regional socio-economic development. It impacts trade, investment, productivity, social inclusion, tourism, disaster resilience, and overall quality of life. By creating a virtuous cycle of growth and development, infrastructure benefits local communities and the broader economy alike.
Quoting President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, Magno reiterated the administration's commitment to sustained, strategic, and timely infrastructure projects as the nation works toward its 2028 targets.
"We are currently in a transformative period for infrastructure development," he remarked.
The summit also served as a platform to share updates on key infrastructure projects under construction or nearing completion across Mindanao.
Magno highlighted that these efforts are part of the broader initiative to build a "Bagong Pilipinas" under the Marcos administration, with Mindanao poised to flourish alongside the country's other major islands in terms of physical development and economic progress.
"Infrastructure will elevate the quality of life for our citizens, enhance trade and commerce, attract investors, harness our productive capacities, promote social inclusion, boost tourism, and ensure disaster resilience—all vital for securing the prosperity of our nation," Magno noted.
He concluded his speech with a call to action, urging the audience to shift the narrative of Mindanao from being a "land of promise" to a "land of fulfillment."
"It is right to call it a land of promise, but with our collective efforts, I hope we can soon call it a land of fulfillment."
Magno also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to achieve this vision for Mindanao.
MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Magno
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