REGION 10 has remained to be the economic leader in Mindanao, according to the National Economic Development Authority (Neda-10) and the Regional Development Council here (RDC-10) in a forum held Thursday.
From 2010 to 2012, the region’s economy grew by 6.6 percent in 2010 to 2012 with the fastest average growth in GRDP at 5.8 percent in the last 10 years.
Northern Mindanao is also the leading agriculture producer and is in a close competition with regards to services by the Davao region.
Cagayan de Oro, according to Neda-10 regional director Leon Dacanay, will remain to be the “metro” or center and the most strategic location in the region, as well.
Released during the forum is the updated Regional Development Plan for 2013-2016 emphasizing on the framework Neda-10 aims to implement in the coming years.
“Recent developments demand the need of an updated plan basing on the gains and accomplishments in the midterm plan period. The updated RDP shall continue to focus on the President (Aquino)’s social contract with the Filipino which is transparency, poverty reduction, sustainable economic growth, lasting peace and justice, and adaptation to the changing climate and the integrity of the environment,” Dacanay said.
To assert its role as the gateway to Mindanao, region 10 must focus on certain areas through the ‘Gateway.’
u2018Gateway’ stands for Good governance and peace and order; Access, logistics and other infrastructure services; Trade, industry and tourism; Environment and Sustainable Development; Well-being and improved welfare; Agriculture, fishery and forestry; and Youth empowerment and education aligned with science and technology making it productive and effective.
??Through this framework, Mindanao will be able to pursue becoming the most effective, efficient, and attractive transshipment hub and venue for industrial ventures.
Dacanay, Promote CDO Foundation Inc. President Jaime Rafael Paguio, and Dr. Erlinda M. Burton of the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture Inc. (RIMCU) of Xavier University, were among the key speakers of the forum which was attended by participants from the private and government sectors and representatives from selected academic institutions in the city.