MinDA, UP ink deal for Mindanao dev’t
Sharing a common agenda for sustained peace and development in Mindanao, the Mindanao Development Authority and University of the Philippines signed today, May 8, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on initiatives for good governance, conflict-mitigation, environment protection, among others.
“We’d like to involve MinDA
in every aspect of our work that could be of use for Mindanao’s peaceful
development. The nation cannot enjoy the fruits of progress unless there is
just, equitable, and sustainable peace in Mindanao.” Jimenez said in his
message during the MOU signing.
The partnership is a result
of the series of discussions of MinDA with UP President Angelo A. Jimenez on
his strategic plans for the university and Mindanao. As the first Mindanawon president
of the University of the Philippines, Jimenez underscored the commitment of his
administration in implementing reforms and interventions to
sustain Mindanao’s peace and progress.
“This is the best time for
us to strengthen our partnership with the UP system with a new UP president
whose heart beats strongly for Mindanao,” said MinDA Secretary Maria Belen S.
Acosta.
Acosta added that the
partnership aims to leverage UP’s expertise in various fields of academic
endeavors. Recently, Jimenez bared plans to expand UP Mindanao’s course
programs, with particular focus on health, engineering, and entrepreneurship to
support the island-region’s human resource needs.
These are likewise aligned with MinDA’s agenda on people’s well-being, connectivity through infrastructure development, and trade and industry. The partnership is also aligned with the goals of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sociocultural and education pillar.
“We will work together to enhance educational opportunities for Mindanao’s students and youth through scholarships, exchange programs, and joint research initiatives under this pillar,” Acosta adds.
Although MinDA had previous partnerships with select UP campuses, this is the first collaboration of the agency with the entire UP system for a multi-sectoral convergence in Mindanao and in BIMP-EAGA. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)
