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Muslim Mindanao Autonomous Region, Philippines
Provinces:
Mindanao
It is centrally located in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mindanao has vast natural and human
resource base and locational advantages for agribusiness,
industry and tourism.
Abundant Agriculture and Rich Natural Resources
Mindanao's 102,000 square kilometers of land, comprising
one-third of the Philippines' total land area is blessed with
abundant year-round rainfall and is sheltered in the country's
only typhoon-free zone. These factors allow year-round
production of a wide variety of crops. Mindanao leads the
country in production and export of banana, pineapple, corn,
coffee, coconut, durian, raw rubber, palm oil, cotton,
cutflowers, seaweed and high-value tuna. Mindanao is also a
major producer of livestock, mango and crabs. Additionally,
Mindanao is rich in Metallic mineral resources and, including
gold, nickel, zinc and manganese. Its many natural and
cultural attractions make the island one of the most exciting
tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
A Rapidly Expanding Economy
Mindanao, with agri-based and export-oriented economy, has
for decades been home to many successful national and
multinational agri-business firms. The agriculture, fishery and
forestry sectors accounted for about 41% of total Mindanao
output in 1995, with industry contributing 25% and services
34%. Between 1993 and 1995, exports grew at an average
annual rate of 18% and during the same period, investment in
the island increased at an average annual rate of 31%.
The People of Mindanao
With a population of over 16 million people, Mindanao is
home to a quarter of the Philippines' total population. The
people of Mindanao are relatively young with two out of five
people under 15 years old. Half of the population is of working
age. Mindanao's labor force is well-educated, trainable,
highly-skilled and conversant in English.
A Focus on Infrastructure Development
In keeping with the national aspiration of becoming another
"Asian Tiger", Mindanao has initiated a massive
infrastructure
program focusing on the upgrade and expansion of
telecommunications and the physical integration of the whole
island. A modern telecommunications network, incorporating
IDD-NDD, cellular, Internet, fax, telegram and satellite
broadcasting, already services all major sites and is now
being expanded to rural areas.
The arterial road network, connecting all major population
centers, has been constructed and all segments are either
paved or in the process of being paved. Many of the island's
primary air and seaports have been established that
integrates Mindanao with the island's southern neighbors.
The people of Mindanao are building a vibrant economy led
by globally competitive agri-enterprises and supported by
modern infrastructure.
Some Info Gathered and copied from this Homepage
