Business groups in Mindanao

Business groups in Mindanao are preparing a policy agenda that will help address the power problem in the island and its impact on business.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, said the policy agenda would be presented to President Benigno Aquino III during the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) to be held in Aug. 2-4 in Butuan City.

The drafting of policy agenda is being spearheaded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and MinDA with the backing of the US Agency for International Development.

This early, MinDA and PCCI are holding a series of consultations and meetings with local officials and business leaders in the cities of Zamboanga, Cagayan and Gen. Santos.

Antonino said the information and the issues collected during the consultations and meetings would be collated and consolidated and made as basis in drafting the policy agenda.

"These consultations are part of our continuing efforts in policy modification and advocacy to ensure that Mindanao imperatives in key sectors are addressed by the national government," Antonino said in a statement.

Prior to the presentation to President Aquino, Antonino said the draft would be presented to Cabinet cluster for the higher level round table discussion.

The policy agenda also include other issues that affect Mindanao competitiveness and improve the island's economy.