Peso-investment with multiple returns

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) road projects linking multiple municipalities bring an average return of P2.74 for every peso invested, in terms of reduced transport and vehicle operation costs, and increases in the net value of agricultural produce due to quicker farm-to-market travel.

This is according to a study by the Institute for Socio-Economic Development Initiatives at the Ateneo de Davao University.

USAID boat landings bring in an average return of P1.90 for every peso invested, in terms of reduced passenger landing and cargo handling fees, among other benefits.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Local fishermen find it easier to dock their boats and deliver catch to markets with the help of the Tumbao Boat Landing facility on the shore of Buluan Lake in Maguindanao. (Contributed photo)

U.S. Embassy and USAID officials recently inaugurated a 15.3 km provincial road, which was upgraded to improve access for Liguasan Marsh communities. The road upgrade was a collaborative project of the Maguindanao provincial government and USAID-GEM.

The Tumbao boat landing on the shore of Lake Buluan was also inaugurated. This is one of the 1,450 community infrastructure projects built with USAID-GEM assistance in Mindanao’s conflict-affected areas. These projects help generate economic activity and support the gains of peace.

While in Maguindanao, the U.S. officials also met with graduates of the Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao Leaders (CIPYML) managed by USAID-GEM in partnership with the Philippines House of Representatives. This group of former interns was composed of an IT specialist with the Armm government, a consultant-manager for a Mindanao-wide health program, the executive director of the Armm Bangsamoro Youth Affairs Office; the communications specialist for a World Bank program; a legal officer in the Office of the Attorney General-Armm; and Armm Regional Cabinet Secretary. These young leaders, in their own right, now contribute to Armm development through their chosen fields.

The Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program is funded by USAID and is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority.