The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the University of the Philippines (UP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday to promote and sustain various development and policy research activities in Mindanao, and accelerate the island’s peace and development goals.

In a press briefing Wednesday, MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta said the UP System could help with logistics, scientific research, and digitalization.

“They have all the bright minds there,” Acosta said, adding that UP will help MinDA primarily in data consolidation.

“If MinDA or the government will work without the academic background in terms of experts and data consolidation, it will be difficult,” Acosta said, underscoring the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving significant impact outcomes on the ground.

She said the MinDA-UP agreement promotes mutual understanding through policy research, project advisory, management, and outreach programs, aiming to support sustainable development in Mindanao and establish a basis for future cooperation.

In addition, the MOU promotes institutional support for Mindanao-wide platforms that encourage multi-sectoral convergence, such as the Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation Inc. (MSCFI) and the Mindanao Knowledge Center (MKC).

Lawyer Angelo Jimenez, the UP president, said the two entities will collaborate on research, with focus on governance, conflict mitigation, environment, and outreach projects that will facilitate Mindanao’s socioeconomic development.

Jimenez said they will also jointly conduct capacity-building activities, information exchanges, and other related initiatives or programs.

“We are committed to sharing the entire range of resources – technical, scientific, and academic resources of the university, including logistics, to contribute to the success of not just MinDA but the entire Mindanao region,” he said. (PNA)