#MINDANAO

In recent years, we have seen the improvement of road networks within Mindanao, and as a result, more bus trips to and from major cities. Mindanawons now have access to many attractions in various places, creating local economic opportunities for residents. The challenge and opportunity is broadening this connectivity further.

In the case of Mindanao, a key artery is the city of Cagayan de Oro. It has two main bus terminals, one serving bus trips from the coastal metropolis to the west of Mindanao and another serving the east, which includes the heavily used route to Davao. The city’s port is also a major cargo and passenger shipping hub to Luzon and the Visayas.

As a commuter, I will need to transfer terminals in Cagayan de Oro City when I go to Zamboanga or Dipolog. This will need taking another mode of transportation through the city to reach the other terminal. This means removal of baggage, loading the same into a jeepney or taxi, and unloading this again at the next terminal before boarding the next bus. This creates a double handling situation which means additional costs for the passenger, and a potentially difficult one for those who may find it difficult to carry luggage.

What solutions can be put in place to make it more seamless for travelers?  Would it not be better for commuters to alight and board in one station instead of transferring to another station? The ability to transfer within one station makes it convenient for travelers. This can ramp up affordable travel and, in turn, boost local economies, since local tourists can be encouraged to take trips within Mindanao. 

People can visit the diverse destinations where there are  great beaches, springs, and waterfalls, as well as diverse food and cultural attractions such as the national museum branches in Zamboanga, Davao, and Butuan that offers an insight into the history of the islands. Already, many food bloggers are featuring Mindanao’s delectable culinary scene and its vibrant collection of restaurants. This attracts the attention of visitors.

To boost local connectivity further, I hope that the Mindanao Railway will be built. This can ensure seamless travel between Mindanao’s major economic centers and ensure connectivity for those seeking to live work and play in these cities. It will bump up local economic growth while managing vehicular traffic congestion and helping create more balanced development, since workers need not rent abodes within the cities to work there on a daily basis.

It is also my hope that more Mindanao airports can be upgraded to accommodate international travel. One such hope lies in the creation of the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA). Enacted in 2019 through Republic Act 11457, it created DIAA, turning it into a government corporation that can have some level of financial autonomy to reallocate incomes toward funding upgrades.

In all, having more seamless connectivity within and outside Mindanao will spur more travel and trade within the diverse, resource-rich island, and connect it with a global market and supply chains, unlocking its potential to provide more food for the rest of the country, and be an economic powerhouse with ASEAN. This will create more opportunities in each local economy within the island, building the bright future for its current 25 million strong population, and the next generations to come.