CHIPS R’ US- MINDANAO BANANA CHIPS

The global market for processed fruits , most specially the banana chips has grown into a billion dollar market as preference of consumers   lean towards more healthy and organic food. The sales for more natural food is expected to reach $100 billion in 2008  and projected to grow at 20-30% annually. Major markets are the    European Union Members , Germany, United Kingdom and France , United States and Canada, Singapore, China and Japan

 

The  raw material for banana chips is the cardava or plantain banana variety which is processed in various product forms such as fried, dried, vacuum fried and vacuum freeze dried chips and as ingredient for breakfast cereals and trail mixes. Majority of the country's production comes from Mindanao, accounting for 90 percent of output. There are about 15 major companies in the region with average production capacity of 580 metric tons per day.  Fifteen (15) of the twenty four(24) largest banana chips facility is found in Mindanao

Industry data show that the country's annual banana chips exports averages close to $80 million with the biggest shipments going to the US, Taiwan, Hongkong and mainland China.

Davao Region is one of the largest, if not the largest, exporter of banana chips in the Philippines. According to Trade Assistant Secretary Merly Cruz, the region was able to sell $24.77 million of banana chips last year, higher by 32 percent compared with what was exported in 2005.

 

 

China's Crackdown on Banana Chips

The  crackdown that China  recently had   on banana products from the Philippines is one hard lesson that must be learned. Although it was fortunate that China spared banana chips shipment from Mindanao as it only seized two tons of banana chips from the country for containing sulfur dioxide 25 times higher than the allowable level;  Mindanao producers must bear in mind that the incident was something to ponder upon.

 

 In assuring that the shipment that was seized came from Cebu and not Mindanao, the Trade regional offices in Davao Region and in Central Mindanao both claimed that the recall did not affect shipments from these two regions.

 

However, banana chips producers in Mindanao must not be complacent because the incident only pointed out that there is  so much has to be done in order to protect their products from market manipulation or sheer failure to abide by world standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developing the Mindanao Banana Chips 

 In its desire to really push the development of banana chips, the  Department of Trade  Regional office even commissioned a private company to produce 12 variants of banana chips as it called on local producers to commercialize these variants and market them either locally or internationally. These banana chips variants  land in shelves of school canteen as substitute of junk foods.  The regional office of the Department of Education also made a parallel move by requesting canteens in public school to do away with soda drinks and patronize banana chips.

 

Homegrown talent Joey Ayala also  composed a song that would promote banana, considered the number one export of the region, particularly Davao del Norte which hosts the biggest banana plantations.

 

There is also a move to develop just ONE brand for Mindanao banana chips- a  brand that would be synonymous  with excellence and quality.  All Mindanao banana chips  will carry a single brand and packaging. This will  result to better prices, increase in profitability and even reduce   cost through common marketing and promotions efforts.

 

Meeting the Challenges 

The China incident should be a wakeup call for all those involved in banana production, particularly those into banana chips making.

 

For one thing, that  should pave the way for these producers to see to it that their products meet not just the minimum international standards but the highest standards attainable. In this modern world of competition, it always pays to invest in improving the quality of products for international markets.

 

Another issue that must be addressed is for government to help these producers look for additional markets and provide more access to financing.  Just about two years ago when prices of banana chips plunged, the incident showed how vulnerable local producers to market manipulation. But with new markets, there is an assurance that even if marketing to traditional buyers falter, exporters can run to these new buyers. With additional financing, the producers can invest in   new machineries and technologies.

 

Lastly, the government and the producers must sit down and discuss how they should package the products. For example, some school canteen operators refused to sell banana chips because children will not buy because they did not find banana chips as attractive as those junk foods. "The problem of packaging is what is hounding us," says one of them.

 

It pays to improve our products. Otherwise, the competition will just run over us.

Palawan: Gateway to Southern Philippines

PALAWAN has always been considered part of the Southern Philippines.

 

In fact, when the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front signed the so-called Tripoli Agreement on December 23, 1976, the province was included as the 13 ^th province of the autonomous government. However, because of the referendum, the province did not become part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

 

Because of its proximity to Mindanao, the province was also included in the broader subregional group, the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area which the four countries formed in 1994.

 

In 2000, Palawan had a population of about 755,000 with 40 percent of its people natives, while six percent are Muslims.

 

The province, declared as the natural sanctuary of the world, is endowed with natural resources and has become one of the best tourist attractions of the country. Its inclusion in the subregional group, which was created in attempt to push for developments in the identified areas, was intended to alleviate poverty of its people as its poverty incidence in 1994 was at 54.50%.

 

As a result of its inclusion in the subregion, Palawan formed a trade linkage with Kudat, which is part of Sabah in Malaysia.

 

According to the Mindanao Economic Development Concil (MedCo) the formation of the trade linkage was eyed for a port-to-port trading between Sabah and Palawan. In a memorandum of understanding on the cross-border trade linkage, the two sides agreed to undertake a concerted effort that will open the trade link promote investment areas together.

 

Based on the agreement, Palawan can supply marine products, corn, fruits, coconut, virgin coconut oil, cashew nuts and seaweeds, while Sabah, through Kudat, can sell noodles, cooking oil and other grocery items.

 

Retired general Efren Abu, Philippine special envoy for the subregion, believed that the memorandum of understanding between Palawan and Sabah will allow the flow of goods between the two areas with Brooke's Point, a municipality, serving as a gateway to Malaysia.

 

Kudat, northern town of Sabah, is just 137 miles away from Brooke's Point and is just about 12 hours by sea. Brooke's Point is the only municipality in Palawan that has a port.

 

But the subregional group leaders believed that in implementing trade linkages, they must be able to assure the protection and safety of  the business traders as they intensify their travels between and among the identified growth areas.

 

Since a year after its creation, leaders of the subregion have started discussing harmonization of customs, immigration, quarantine and security (CIQS) policies of their respective countries with the hope of coming up with a comprehensive set of policies that will apply to all the members.

 

With its inclusion in the subregion and the continuing discussions on the CIQS, Palawan may eventually become one of the key areas of development in the country. With its natural resources including the wonderful attractions, it is not far-fetched for the province to play a vital role in the development not just of itself but of Southern Philippines. After all, Palawan is nearer to Mindanao than to Metro Manila.

 

ERRATUM:

 

In the previous column, we failed to mention that the late Emmanuel Pelaez, a Mindanawan ,   was elected as vice president of the country in 1965. Our apologies.

MINDANAO NGO’S AND THE ANCESTRAL DOMAIN AGENDA

Ancestral Domain, as one of the three sub-theme agendas made by the Moro International Liberation Front (MILF) for the Mindanao Peace Process, refers to the MILF's demand for territory that will constitute the Muslim native soil, sufficient control over economic resources, and a structure of government that will allow self-governance in ways that are consonant with their culture and with minimal intrusion from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).   It is assumed to be the key for a more enduring peace in Mindanao but because of its delicate nature, there are still many issues and concerns that need to be resolved.

 

This covers five Muslim autonomous provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao, and other areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Saranggani provinces where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes.  These communities, commonly referred to as Indigenous People (IP), include the Ata, Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Isamal, Mansaka, and Manguguanan tribes, among others.   They mostly dwell in forests but have established ancestral land and domain claims over areas and territories said to be their custody, occupied and utilized by the government.

 

As a response to the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP), a number of non-government organizations (NGO's) set up programs in Mindanao. Many of these NGO's have operations that aim to benefit the tribes of Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, and Manguguanan.  Some of them would attempt to focus on the economical development of the forestry situated in the Ancestral Domain to culturally unite all IP to become socially developed, politically empowered, and economically reliant, thus establishing a productive and self-sustaining community.

 

Role of NGO's

                                                                                  

The role of the NGO's in assisting the IP's in Mindanao is very significant since it ensures that socio-economic opportunities would reach these far flung areas. There are NGO's that give them the needed technical and financial assistance and other endeavors to uplift their moral, social, and economic conditions. Most of them also aim to improve the physical and mental being, as well as health conditions of the tribal communities.

 

Provision of materials, micro-finance, and extension services and the establishment of a cooperative to bring added value to forest and agro-forest activities are among the programs being implemented.

 

Ancestral Domain Land Use

Four main productive land uses for the Ancestral Domain were identified, namely forest, agricultural, mining, and settlement.

 

The domain is endowed with a land area of 28,740 hectares and is categorized as public forest or timberland.   Within it are tenurial instruments issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which includes an area of about 480 individual Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) of approximately 1, 038.79 hectares, four forest land agreements with a total area of 187 hectares, and one community based forest management agreement enclosing about 2,766 hectares.

 

 A sustainable reforestation scheme was also designed, which included recommendation of the arbitrary harvesting of Gemelina, the establishment of nurseries for the remaining flora and fauna for its identification and propagation, and the protection of palm species such as Rattan and fiber such as Abaca. Likewise, ordinances to combat "kaingin" and illegal logging will be enforced.

 

Environmental Safeguards

To safeguard the Ancestral Domain from environmental concerns, enforcement of DENR guidelines were promoted on designated areas for mining and prospecting activities. Mining activities in the area cause disturbances such as contamination of water ecosystems, migration, solid wastes, air and liquid chemical pollution, forest degradation, erosion and siltation, and habitat destruction, among others.

 

Hunting conservation of wild animals and land mammals, as well as endangered species of birds inhabiting the Ancestral Domain is also intensified due to unconfirmed reports that unidentified specie of eagle was sighted within its southern boundary.

 

Aside from tourism purposes, there are plans to promote the establishment of bridges and landmarks to clean waterways, connecting the locals to their heritage, thus instilling pride and ownership.   The installation and maintenance of 24 kilometers farm to market roads is likewise requested, as well as the rehabilitation and electrification of identified barangays, such as Purok V Mahayahay, Baylo and Purok II, Pasian.

 

Modern Facilities and Infrastructures

Eight water systems were also solicited wherein each water generation system will have its basic aquifer and hydrologists.   All water plans will include the consumption of water for plants and garden within the residential areas.

 

Seven terminals for public transport utilities were requested with aims to offer the landscape of the overall theme of the Ancestral Domain, its heritage and interdependence upon the forest and the reefs

With the vision to develop community appreciation of sustainable reforestation and the adaptation of biodiversity as an integral part of community lifestyle, the various NGO's collaborated for the set up of nine elementary schools, three secondary schools, two day care centers, a home for the aged, and six tribal health center and medicinal gardens.   This, as a goal, fosters the establishment of 11 tribal villages/settlements with basic facilities.

 

Cell sites are also being built in designated areas of the Ancestral Domain.   Providers such as Smart and Globe are now racing to position posts in Pasian and Diwata.  The development of the wireless connectivity technology makes it feasible for IPO consideration as compared to the installation of conventional system throughout the domain.

 

Other plans included in the proposal facilitates the preservation of the cultural heritages, sanitation, undertaking of intensive information, education, and communication campaign to 300 member households, advanced planning on waste management, establishment of checkpoints for environmental protection, proper cutting and selling of trees, health and nutrition.

Biofuel: A Spark of Light for Mindanao

Our estimated consumption for oil is estimated to grow from 128 million barrels in 2000 to 224 million barrels in 2009. The implementation of the Bio fuel law requiring ethanol and biodegradable diesel in fuel mix will eventually result to a savings of almost $800 million worth of oil imports.

 

Brazil , the world's top exporter and leader in renewable energy uses sugar cane as raw material. It  has produced 15.9 billion liters of bio-ethanol in 2005 of which 90% went to the domestic market.  While the United States

Uses corn and produces 18.9 billion liters of bio ethanol each year.   It needs 132 billion liters to reach its goal of 20% reduction in oil consumption by 2017. With a third of its own corn production being used to produce bio ethanol, corn prices are continuously rising in the US. They are set to plant 90.5 million acres of corn this year or a 15% increase over 2006.

 

 

Corn and Sugar Cane Production

 

Corn and sugar cane are abundant in many regions in Mindanao . Corn production performed significantly with a 11.5% growth brought about by the 3.0% expansion in the harvest areas. This was further boosted through the availability of quality seeds coupled with better market prices which encouraged farmers to plant corn.

 

Corn output increments were noted in most regions particularly in Regions XIII, X and XII. In Northern Mindanao, for instance, the robust performance in corn production was brought about by the farmers' availment of loans extended by the local government units, as well as the shifting to corn from sugarcane owing to the former's higher price.

 

 However, a slowdown in output was reported in ARMM due to slight worm infestation in Basilan, floodings in Maguindanao, landslide in Lanao del Sur and dry spell in Tawi-Tawi.

 

The total corn production was 3,153.64 MT in 2004 ; and  3,143.61 MT in 2005 and 1,183.73 MT for the first six months  (January-June) of 2006. 

Whereas sugar  production  was recorded at 4863.97 MT in 2004 and 3764.10 MT in 2005 and 2925.78 MT in the first six months of 2006.

 

The corn variety in Mindanao is  most often used as feed grains   by the livestock sector.  When I was still seating in the National Corn Board, I learned that the corn farmers from the region was besieged with so many problems that calls for policy reforms or modifications - policies to build infrastructure, improve market information services, and institute relevant standards for corn grading could enhance market competition and facilitate an efficient market exchange.  Infrastructure improvements should include better inter island shipping vessels and upgrading of roads to reduce the high cost of transportation. Regular shipping schedules between major producing and consuming areas would help ensure that corn can be transported when needed. The availability of better storage and marketing facilities both in towns and villages and on-farm would make it possible for farmers to hold corn, rather than dumping it on the market immediately after harvest.

 

 

Future uses of Corn

 

The alternative use for corn as a raw material for ethanol  can provide our thousands of corn farmers an alternative market for their crops.   This may lead to an accelerated growth in the demand for corm which can result  to better  and higher pricing schemes in trading  . Direct investments may also be a major result which would mean more opportunities for livelihood for the farmers.  Perhaps, even policy reforms will be at a faster pace since the government have no other choice but to address the problems so as to increase production.

 

I could not help but remember the  happy faces of the hundreds of corn farmers who attended the recently concluded 1 ^st Mindanao Corn Congress held in South Cotabato, where a P22.8 million worth of corn post harvest, processing and trading center was launched .  All of them are pinning their hopes on this new development.

JOJI ILAGAN BIAN

Joji Ilagan-Bian has been in a total of 24 organizations—and is still currently active in six—owns four schools, and is a columnist for two broadsheets. Yet this mother of three children (yet another feat to add on her list!) has not one complaint about her jam-packed work schedule. "Do what you love and love what you do; so work becomes light and easy and pleasurable," says Joji. "You don't feel stressed out because you are happy doing it. So for me, this is really nothing."

 

"Nothing" for Joji includes taking part in effective organizations, such as the Committee on Population Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance, the Philippine Center For Population Development, the East ASEAN Business Council (EABC), the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), and the Mindanao Commission of Women, amongst many others. She also reaches the public through her two columns: MindanaWorld in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and MinBizTalk in the Mindanao Times.

 

At the start of a new year, Joji states that she is switching into expansion mode with regards to her schools and training centers. Her various educational institutions, including Joji Ilagan Foundation, Inc. College of Business and Tourism, Tumble Tots British Preschool, a fashion school, a call center and English training institute—are now all undergoing a major face lift. "We are more aggressive now than before since we see the potentials of Filipinos when property educated and trained. We will also be opening a welding and technical institute. So I could say we are also in 'pioneering mode'," says Joji.

 

When not planning steps for the country's education, Joji devotes a great chunk of her time in various organizations. She is currently the National Chair for Population and Corporate Social Responsibility for the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be the Mindanao Representative in the Export Development Council. She is also Vice President of Special Projects for the Mindanao Commission of Women, sits on the Board of the Bantay Bata and the Technical Assistance for the Development of the Rural Poor, and is Chair of the Mindanao Technical Vocational Schools Association. Indeed, this wonder woman is involved in issues that cut across all sectors: the academe, business, women, children, and the poor. "It my way of reaching out to all sectors to the best that I can," she says.

 

Joji's two major advocacies, however, are the plight of the small and micro entrepreneurs, and the uplifting of the technical vocational schools in Mindanao. These, in fact, are the causes that led to her active involvement as Chair of the Mindanao Business Council (of which she resided from 1998 to 2003, later becoming a regular consultant), the PCCI Trustee for Mindanao from 1998 to 2003, as a current Trustee of the Philippine-Australian Business Council, and as Chair of the Technical Training for Mindanao. "Through my leadership and influence, certain issues were addressed or are being addressed to further the development of these sectors. For instance, I got the support of the Australian Aid Philippine Human Resource Development Facility to focus on the upgrading of the managers and owners of tech vocational schools in Mindanao. These schools are the ones that will help alleviate poverty and provide livelihood for the magnitude of our Filipinos," says Joji. "We have piloted an enterprise-based school management system among selected schools, and one of the components of the training is an international benchmarking in Australia. This is the first time in the history that such a program has been done to the vocational sector and the impact of these will be unprecedented—the effects of these will bring quality education to the grass roots."

 

Joji traces her passion for educational and training advocacy to her value of sharing and humility. "Sharing because I believe there's no monopoly of leadership and talents. I am willing to share and to pass on what I know to many, hoping that in the end I leave a valuable legacy. Sometimes when you have accomplished so much, you tend to be 'off the ground',   and I try very hard not to . The value of listening and empathy comes handy many times. It makes you understand people better and relate to them," she says.

 

Joji continues that there are difficulties to hurdle along the way—people who aren't comfortable with strong and successful women, overcoming the Filipino's "crab mentality", etc.   Her trick to surpass all these is to just not let these things affect her since she knows she cannot please everybody. As long as she does her best and is able to help others, Joji is perfectly happy. "Life is too short. I believe in enjoying it, loving it and making the most out of it. When you do that, its like living a heavenly life in an earthly environment," she says. "On the other hand, you also have people who appreciate what I do. These are God's gifts to me, I think. These people are my inspiration actually. They push me to do better and to do more."

ILO/SMU TRIPARTITE SYMPOSIUM ON MANAGING LABOUR MIGRATION IN EAST ASIA SINGAPORE MAY 16-18, 2007

Joji Ilagan Bian, a respected business leader from Davao City and Mindanao was invited to attend the ILO meeting in Singapore representing the Employers' Sector under the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). The symposium will be held at the Singapore Management University and will be attended by representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The forum will discuss selected issues in labor migration policies in the region and known impacts especially on the conditions of employment of migrant workers and to draw better lessons from experiences on how policies could be better designed and administered in order to narrow the gap between objectives and the outcome.

Coming Soon: Agribusiness Mindanao

Producer-leaders and representatives from various agricultural producer associations in Mindanao finally took destiny and that of the future of Mindanao agriculture into their own hands when some 500 of them met for the first-ever Mindanao Agri & Food Convention (MAFCON) in Cagayan de Oro City last April 23 -25, 2007.  Mindanao's agricultural production leaders ended MAFCON with a strong declaration of commitment and determination to pursue a unified private-sector-led development agenda for the Mindanao agriculture, fisheries and food industry.

 

"A momentous milestone," Convention Chairman Engr. Edwin Andot, President of the host Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries of Northern Mindanao (CAFFINORMIN) exclaimed.   In his opening statement at the MAFCON, Engr. Andot laid out a deeply significant self-realization in the industry:

 

"We have come to realize that unless we embrace the reality of a globalized market environment, unless we in the production sector upgrade our technologies and cultivation practices, unless we shift our mindsets to be more entrepreneurial in our approach to our farms, we will not successfully hurdle the necessary leap from traditional production to the more profitable world of agribusiness."

 

Over the next three years, the Department of Agriculture has allocated some P2.5B of irrigation funds that will service a total of 175,000 hectares in Mindanao and that another P5.5B is allocated to build over 3,400 kilometers of farm-to-market roads to ensure the realization of a vibrant, competitive Agribusiness Mindanao Super Region.

 

Technical Support for Agri Business

Beyond technical trainings, the producers of Mindanao also need more training in entrepreneurship to transform the traditional production mindset of the Mindanao farmer into being an entrepreneur.  The farmers, fisherfolks and food processors are mostly still at a disadvantage compared to traders who have ready access to market information.   They cannot afford to maintain market researchers and corporate planners who are able to monitor world trade and trends that will help them in production planning.   Along this line, the producer associations recommended that an updated marketing information system for Mindanao's export winners as well as commodity export boards should be established and regularly funded by government.  

 

Moreover, large-scale wholesale and/or auction markets need to be designed and established in strategic locations in Mindanao to provide a more transparent trading mechanism where many buyers and many sellers as possible transact on a daily basis.  This will allow the emergence of market systems with the qualities of a systematic, clear, transparent, and liquid market with defined players, standards, rules of clearing, and settlement.   Strong government support in terms of resources and local ordinance are needed.

 

 

 

One Mindanao wide Agri Body

The most significant result of the conference  was the resolution presented on the floor for the associations to convene and draw up a Mindanao-wide network of agriculture and food producers which is envisioned to take the lead role in pursuing a common agenda through policy advocacy, institutional networking, and information sharing.

 

Thus, at the end of the MAFCON, these associations committed to undertake the following initiatives: endeavor to organize a Mindanao Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Industries which will serve a the main advocacy group of local agri, fisheries and food producers; consolidate and update existing industry development plans to draw up a common private sector-led development agenda; establish and/or strengthen partnerships with other support groups such as donor institutions, non-government organizations, other industry associations to undertake relevant programs and services beneficial to their respective industries.

 

Among the producer associations who supported this initiative were CAFFINORMIN, SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing & Allied Industries, MinFruit Council, NorminVeggies, Paglas Group of Companies, CARAGA Oil Palm Producers Association, Northern Mindanao Poultry Association, Higaonaon Tribal Council of Northern Mindanao, Greater Northern Mindanao Mango Development Foundation , Inc., Northern Mindanao Cassava Industry Association, Banana Industry Development Association Region 10, and Northern Mindanao Corn Producers Association.   More producer groups in other parts of Mindanao will be invited to be part of this agri & food network and be pro-active in the realization of a competitive Agribusiness Mindanao.

 

Indeed, MAFCON has succeeded to be the main discussion and trade platform of Agribusiness Mindanao.   As Convention Director Marriz Agbon puts it, "being the brainchild of Mindanao's agricultural/rural communities, we see MAFCON growing to be the principal forum of exchange of experiences and technologies among Mindanao 's agricultural producing sector.  We envision a MAFCON emerging as the main avenue for crafting the development agenda of Mindanao agriculture.  We are looking at a MAFCON as the priority trade stage for doing business with Mindanao agriculture."

 

I say that a convergence of initiatives led by the private sector warrants full support.   And this group surely has all of us in Mindanao backing them up.

 

Onward, Agribusiness Mindanao!

Vote for Mindanao

Vote for Mindanao

 

This year's national election is less than two (2) weeks away.  As always, and as expected, candidates often talk about the "Mindanao agenda" and the "Mindanao vote" in their campaign sorties.

 

The Mindanao Agenda

 

It is good to note that since the past few elections, the Mindanao agenda has been brought to the national consciousness.   It is no longer an island concern.  It is already a national issue.

 

Our leaders have finally realized that there is truth to the long lament that "Mindanao is the country's cash cow that gets dog food." It is more than just a sentimental rhetoric.   It is an established fact.

 

The vast potentials

 

Mindanao is the Philippines' second largest island, with 34% of the country's land mass and 25% of its population.  

 

The island enjoys a generally fair tropical climate, because it is situated outside the typhoon belt.   It grows most of the Philippines' major crops such as rubber (100% of national production), pineapple (91%), cacao (90%) as well as banana, coffee, corn and coconut (over 50%).

 

Mindanao is likewise endowed with rich mineral resources. Its metallic deposits include lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its non-metallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and limestone.

 

It is ironic however that Mindanao has always lagged behind the rest of the country economically.   Despite its size, vast natural resources, and comparative advantages in agro-industrial development, Mindanao's economy has been moving slow.

 

Far from the leaders hearts

 

One of the major factors of the island's  weak points is its distance from Manila, the country's capital.  Coupled with the lack of infrastructure facilities in many regions , the   businesspersons in Manila found it cheaper to do business with some neighboring countries than with Mindanao.

 

But more than the physical distance, what hurt Mindanao most was the lack of concern of the country's leaders.   The island is not just far from the country's capital, it was far from its leaders' hearts.

 

The island finally given attention

 

But as reported by the Growth with Equity in Mindanao, the 1990s ushered in a new environment that signaled the start of the island's economic turnaround. The national government shifted to more market-oriented and deregulated national policies, and increased the budget allocation for improving the island's physical and social infrastructure.

 

A vast improvement in the peace and order situation was brought about by the government's efforts to resolve the Muslim-Christian conflict. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created in August 1989 to allow Muslims to govern themselves at the regional level. Thereafter, peace and development efforts were intensified.

 

The confluence of these positive developments created a more viable investment environment in the island.

 

The Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) was also created aimed at facilitating an integrated island-wide socio-economic development.

 

Despite these positive developments, there is still a lot more to do for Mindanao.   It is true that in terms of budget, the share for Mindanao has posted increases, but this is still insufficient.  There is so much catching up to do, after the decades of neglect.

 

Thus, the Mindanao agenda is even more timely and relevant.  And the most important in the agenda is the principle that peace and development in the island are closely intertwined.  One cannot exist without the other.

 

Thus, peace talks with rebel groups must be pursued.  That is the only way to attain lasting peace.   All-out war policies supposedly to eradicate the rebel groups have been tried.  They did not bring peace because peace can be attained only through non-violent means.

 

More public investments must be poured to build infrastructure facilities and to catalyze private investments as well.   When investor's confidence is low because of peace and order perception problems, real or otherwise, it is the government that must remain confident.   Public and private investments will generate more jobs, and the people will have an opportunity to improve their quality of lives.

 

The tri-people of Mindanao

 

The problem of Mindanao is not as simple as it may appear.  It is rooted in history.  Thus, leaders must be sensitive to the unique Mindanao culture.  The peaceful co-existence of the Moro, lumad, and the Christian settlers is the key to sustainable peace and development.

 

The Mindanao Vote

 

But is there such thing as a Mindanao vote for those who will champion the Mindanao agenda?

 

Based on our electoral history, it seems that there is no such thing as a Mindanao vote.   If there were a solid Mindanao vote, it would be easy for a Mindanaoan to win a seat in the Senate.  It would be even enough to elect a President for that matter.

 

Mindanaoan by heart

 

But must one be a Mindanaoan to push for the Mindanao agenda?

 

Not really.  Of course, the best person to fight for Mindanao in the House of Congress is a true-bloodied Mindanaoan who has a deep understanding and strong grasp of the Mindanao problem.  However, it does not follow that given a seat in the Senate, a Mindanaoan can or will truly advocate for the Mindanao agenda.  And even a non-Mindanaoan can push for the Mindanao agenda if he really understands that the said agenda will benefit the whole country.

 

It is good to have Mindanaoan leaders elected in the Senate. On May 14, 2007 , there will be four (4)    Senatorial candidates from the Senate – Prospero Pichay, Migs  Zubiri,  Koko Pimentel, Sultan Kiram – who will rely heavily on the support of fellow Mindanaoans.      And it is also equally  important to have other  leaders who have hearts for Mindanao. 

 

Indeed, one need not be a Mindanaoan to push for the Mindanao agenda.

Business Talks in Sultan Kudarat

Created as a separate province along with Maguindanao and North Cotabato in November 22, 1973 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 341 , Sultan Kudarat (SK) was once a part of the former empire province of Cotabato. Tacurong City is the center of trade and commerce while the capital town and government center is in Isulan. It is a bustling province with a population of over 500,000 growing at 3.4% annually. The Province is strategically located in the BIMP-EAGA region and the coastal areas and towns are directly facing Australia and the three major ASEAN growth partners (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei), making it a potential backdoor of the Philippines to these countries.
Untapped deposit of copper, iron, ore ,silver, gold and semi-precious stones, including guano deposits in the mountainous areas of Bagumbayan, Columbio and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig,Lebak and Esperanza. . However, as of this date, only one concessionaire has applied for guano permit in commercial quantity. Non-Metallic minerals such as marble, sand, gravel, limestone and boulders are tapped for commercial production.
Forestland covers 50% of the province total land area. Fifty-five species of commercial trees including G-melina, apitong, dao, guijo, kalantas, lawaan, molave, manggachapui,yakal and narra abound in different parts of the province.
There is sufficient water resources for irrigation, hydropower and inland fishing coming from 16 big rivers, 23 large creeks, 11 major springs and waterfalls and 2 lakes and several marshes.
Basically and primarily an agricultural province, we can see that SK is endowed with rich and vast agricultural potentials and advantages. It grows and could produce relatively all kinds of agricultural commodities with comparatively higher level of productivity, making it not only self-sufficient, but a leading producer and supplier of agricultural products in the region. It is one of the major producers of rice and corn in the country and is well-known for palm oil. The NFA-SPGC Grains Complex is the largest grain complex in Southeast Asia KENRAM Phils., a palm oil processing/extraction plant is one of the more significant landmarks of the province
SK’s vast fishing grounds and inland bodies of water are overflowing with various aquatic products considered ready sources of food and livelihood for its people. There are two (2) seaports and four (4) fish landing ports to support this business activity.
The level of business activity in a certain place is usually reflected in the number of banks operating in the area and so I was surprised to know that the province have ten(10) rural banks and twenty (20) commercial banks and three (3) shopping centers . Communication facilities is equally impressive with five (5) Telephone Companies, four (4) internet providers and twelve (12) internet cafes and eleven (11) satellite towers , four (4) FM radio stations and one (1) TV Station.
Literacy rate is high at 88% and this must be due to the adequate presence of state colleges and private universities.
There is, an on-going construction of the commercial airport at President Quirino but it was temporarily stopped. Horizontal improvement which included the construction of the runway and terminal building in the total amount of PhP 4,047,498.50 were already implemented.
Launches and other motorized bancas are used in ferrying commuters and goods from the coastal towns of Lebak and Kalamansig to Cotabato City and vise-versa, and from Palimbang to Kiamba in South Cotabato. Lately, a water jet (fast craft) started plying between Kalamansig and Cotabato City, which shortens travel hours from eight to three hours.
The province is now one of the most progressive agri-industrialized area in the SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Saranggani,Gen.Santos) region thru the full development of its agriculture, fishery and forestry potentials and sustainable utilization of its mineral resources and the formation of productive, viable and self-reliant communities thru the development of its human resources .
2ND SOCCSKSARGEN AREA BUSINESS CONFERENCE
In a bid to boost the business potentials of Sultan Kudarat and to attract investments, the province is set to host the 2nd SOCCSKSARGEN Area Business Celebration which serves as the highlight of the 1st Business Week Celebration on April 16-21, 2007. The whole week celebration will feature various activities that includes financial forum, jobs fair, trade exhibits, business matching and other activities that will showcase the trade and investment potentials of the SOCCSKSARGEN region.

Jointly hosted by the Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (SKCCIFI) and the Isulan Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ISKCCI), the Conference, to be held on April 19-21, carries the theme “Seizing Regional and Global Opportunities: Enhancing Agribusiness Competitiveness.” The two-day event will gather members of the business community from the region and the neighboring regions, including the different national government offices and local government units to discuss economic issues and advocacies that will help make the region globally competitive.

Key government officials and business leaders have been invited to speak and present topics and issues on how the region can seize opportunities and be a major player in the economic map of Mindanao.

The conference will have six plenary sessions which will tackle the following topics: National Policies on Enhancing Agribusiness Competitiveness: Challenges and Opportunities; Overseas Development Assistance: Focus on Mindanao Competitiveness; Halal; Accessing Global Markets; Biz Buzz Opportunities: What’s New?; and Economic Platform of Political Parties: Glimpse of Philippine Future Competitiveness. There will also be breakout sessions on business opportunities in agribusiness focusing on livestock and poultry, aquamarine products and high value crops.