PAGADIAN CITY โ Select technical staff of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) participated here on May 11, 2023, in the joint technical workshop for inter and intra-regional priority projects of Mindanao regions for fiscal years 2023-2028, facilitated by the secretariat of the NEDA Board – Regional Development Committee Mindanao Area Committee (NB-RDCom MAC).
Said activity aimed to harmonize the alignment of the updated regional growth centers in the Mindanao Spatial Strategy/Development Framework (MSS/DF) based on the priority criteria through identifying the inter and intra-regional projects in the Mindanao region and ensure its inclusion in the Bangsamoro Development Investment Program (BDIP) 2023-2028, Annual Investment Program (AIP), and the Bangsamoro Spatial Development Framework (BSDF) 2024-2050.
Engr. Mohammad Hadafie A. Abubakar, chief of BPDAโs Infrastructure Planning Division, led the delegation from the BPDA composed of Hannan Ibrahim, Engr. Moโmen Embil, and Engr. Aldihan Usman.
Abubakar discussed the Bangsamoro governmentโs proposed inter and intra-regional priority projects that will support long-term spatial development of the BARMM, including connectivity projects leading towards the updating of the regional growth centers in Mindanao.
Ibrahim, Embil, and Usman participated during the group workshop to identify the missing inter-regional connectivity links to update the growth centers in the MSS/DF using Geographic Information System (GIS) and prepare an enhanced list of the identified inter and intra-regional priority projects for further review of the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC).
Further, Phlorita A. Ridao, RDC IX vice chairperson and NEDA IX Regional Director underscored the distinct participation of all Mindanao regions as it will be a part of updating the MSS/DF saying, โWe are here to ensure that no region (in Mindanao) will be left behind. We also aim to transform GIDAS into economically viable communities as we are ONE MINDANAO.โ
Joey A. Recimilla, Director for Planning and Project Development Office of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), presented the Mindanao Investment Program and Mindanaoโs role in the Philippinesโ priority thrusts, international agreements, and the Brunei DarussalamโIndonesiaโMalaysiaโPhilippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
These proposed inter and intra-regional priority projects include intra-regional roads and bridges; intra-regional connectivity projects for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS), conflict-affected, and vulnerable areas; inter-regional projects to enhance ecosystem and community resilience; inter-island/inter-regional/international projects to facilitate trade with BIMP-EAGA or ASEAN community, and major growth centers in Visayas and Luzon; and inter-regional projects that will enhance energy, water security, and digital connectivity.
Following the presentations and group workshop, the delegates from NEDA regional offices of Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and Caraga Administrative Region presented and discussed their respective lists of inter and intra-regional priority projects. (๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฟ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐-๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ค๐๐กโ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐โ๐๐, ๐ต๐๐ท๐ด-๐ต๐ด๐ ๐๐)