On Wednesday, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project (MTCIP) during the 21st NEDA Board Meeting held at Malacañang Palace.
“It’s one of the main road programs for Mindanao. I think that we should, as much as possible, proceed with the project," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during the meeting.
The project aims to enhance Mindanao's transportation network, improve the delivery of agricultural goods from remote areas, preserve road assets, and reduce costs related to regular and periodic road maintenance.
Furthermore, the project funded by the World Bank (WB) is also expected to link the Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Soccsksargen regions.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan stated that the MTCIP will contribute to the department's goal of improving Mindanao's transport network, which will greatly benefit the country's agricultural sector.
“Mindanao Transport Connectivity Transport Project is part of the master plan for high-standard Highway Network Development Project, which identified major projects that would be developed from North Luzon, Central Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Bonoan said.
He added that the project aims to provide high-level traffic services by ensuring fast and safe travel, supporting vital transport and socio-economic activities that contribute to the development of both the regions and the country as a whole.
