Bangsamoro Dev't Corridor to help spur growth in Marawi

Bangsamoro Development Corridor (BDC) is seen to help in the rehabilitation and spur the growth in Marawi City in the long term, said Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) chairman Secretary Datu Hadji Abul Khayr Alonto0.

The BDC is a new addition to the Mindanao Development Corridor, a spatial strategy that ensures that development is not limited to the growth centers but is spread out to developing areas. The initiative seeks to provide intervensions responsive to the context and aspirations of the Bangsamoro.

"While the reconstruction of Marawi is urgent in the immediate term, its long term development cannot be stand-alone initiative. We have to look at the bigger picture and plan for the development of the bigger Corridor -- Bangsamoro Development Corridor," said Alonto, who was a speaker on a plenary session on Mindanao Opportunities Focusing on Marawi Reconstruction during the Philippine Business Conference at the Manila Hotel on October 19, 2017.

He said one of the objectives of the BDC is to reconnect Marawi and

Lanao del Sur to the major gateways and markets in Mindanao.

"We need to people to feel the development that we envision for them and that will only be possible if we are able to provide efficient infrastructure facilities that will support and sustain the economic activities in these areas," Alonto said.

Meanwhile, he urged the private sector to work hand in hand with the government in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

"The business sector will continue to play a crucial role in rebuilding Marawi, particularly spurring economic activities in the area. You can always go back to the corridors program as the refercence point for our possible collaboration," Alonto said. RJL