"Unlocking Mimaropa's Potential: The Future of NEDA" This title captures the main theme of the post, which is about unlocking the potential of the Mimaropa region in the Philippines and its implications for the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Unlocking Mimaropa's Potential: The Future of NEDAAs we look to the future of economic development in the Philippines, it is clear that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) must consider including Mimaropa in the Luzon Economic Growth Area. This bold move will unlock the region's untapped potential, drive growth, and create new opportunities for all stakeholders beyond 2025.The Powerhouse ProvincesAt the heart of this initiative are four island provinces – Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. These provinces possess a unique combination of natural resources, strategic locations, and untapped potential. Palawan, in particular, has been identified as an economic powerhouse similar to Singapore, capitalizing on its abundant resources and location.A Vision for SustainabilityTereso Panga, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), envisions Palawan as a beacon of sustainability, technological innovation, and a clean, green economy. This vision aligns perfectly with the proposed inclusion in the Luzon Economic Corridor, which spans Metro Manila, Batangas, and Central Luzon.Unlocking Agri-Agro Industrial DevelopmentPalawan's potential to become a key player in Agri-Agro Industrial Development is undeniable. The province's fertile lands, abundant water resources, and strategic location make it an ideal hub for agricultural growth. This, coupled with its inclusion in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), positions Palawan as a critical player in regional development.The Aerotropolis RevolutionDirector General Gregorio Catapang Jr. of BuCor has outlined major projects to drive economic transformation, including the establishment of an 1,200-hectare Aerotropolis – an airport city designed to double the size of NAIA and accommodate direct international flights to Palawan. This game-changing initiative will stimulate tourism, trade, and investment.Complementary ProjectsOther key initiatives include: Agropolis: Connecting agricultural hubs to urban markets to strengthen food security Aqua Marine Special Economic Zone: Supporting international shipping and enhancing food production Ecopolis: A sustainable urban hub dedicated to business and financial servicesPEZA's New EraRecently, a memorandum of agreement was signed between BuCor and PEZA, granting PEZA a 50-year authority (extendable by another 25 years) to develop 2,191 hectares of idle BuCor land into a Special Economic Zone. This underutilized land will be transformed into agroforestry ecozones, aquamarine parks, and other economic hubs designed to stimulate rural development and investment.A Bright Future AheadAs we gaze into the crystal ball of economic development, one thing becomes clear – the future is bright. The inclusion of Mimaropa in the Luzon Economic Growth Area will unlock new opportunities for all stakeholders beyond 2025. It's time to think outside the box, be bold, and unlock the potential of this region.Keywords: NEDA, Mimaropa, Luzon Economic Growth Area, PEZA, BuCor, Aerotropolis, Agropolis, Aqua Marine Special Economic Zone, Ecopolis, sustainability, technological innovation, clean green economy.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.