Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9996)
Republic Act No. 9996 is officially titled the "Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Act of 2010."
The State declares its policy to accelerate the socioeconomic growth of Mindanao, increase trade, tourism, and investments, encourage private enterprise, and advance efforts toward peace and development through a coordinated and integrated approach.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is created to promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active participation of all sectors to effect the socioeconomic development of Mindanao.
The Authority covers all provinces and cities in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, Caraga, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Province of Palawan is included only for matters related to its involvement in the BIMP-EAGA.
The main office of the Mindanao Development Authority is located in Maramag, Bukidnon.
The Chairperson is appointed by the President for a six-year term and must hold a degree in law or a master's in economics, business, public administration, law, management, or their equivalent with at least ten years relevant experience. The Chairperson must also be a resident of Mindanao for at least five years before appointment.
Key functions include formulating integrated development frameworks for Mindanao, prioritizing and implementing inter-regional projects, promoting investments, coordinating with national and local agencies, acting as the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA, managing donations and grants, and monitoring project implementation.
MinDA acts as the official Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA, leading coordination, policy formulation, monitoring related activities, and representing Mindanao and Palawan in BIMP-EAGA initiatives.
The Board includes the MinDA Chairperson, Chairpersons of Regional Development Councils for Regions IX, X, XI, XII, XIII and REDPB of ARMM, a Senate-designated Senator, House Committee Chairs on Mindanao Affairs and BIMP-EAGA Affairs, a Mindanao Local Chief Executive, President of the Mindanao Confederation of Governors and Mayors, Administrator of SPDA, Head of the Office on Muslim Affairs, and three private sector representatives from Mindanao business, academic, and NGO sectors.
MEDCo is abolished and all its appropriations, assets, liabilities, and personnel are transferred to the Mindanao Development Authority. Employees continue without demotion or pay reduction, and separation benefits apply as per existing law for those who retire or leave.