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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Pushes P145B Highway To Fast-Track Mindanao Growth
Photo credit: PCO
Big infrastructure plans are moving full speed ahead as Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. orders the release of PHP 145.56 billion for the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway project—seen as a major boost for connectivity and economic activity in the region.
To make sure the project stays on track, the Department of Budget and Management issued a Forward Obligation Authority (FOA), guaranteeing steady funding from 2026 to 2034. The move is designed to prevent delays and ensure continuous construction progress.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the highway is expected to bring faster travel, stronger economic movement, and more opportunities—especially across Mindanao.
One of the biggest game-changers? Travel time between Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay is projected to drop from around 6.5 hours to just 3.5 hours, cutting travel nearly in half.
Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo emphasized that the directive reflects the administration’s push to accelerate high-impact infrastructure projects. He said the goal is simple: no delays due to funding gaps, with financing secured all the way through completion.
The project will be funded through a mix of loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank, along with government counterpart funding.
Once completed, officials say the highway will help lower transportation costs, improve the flow of goods and services, and drive growth in key sectors like agriculture, logistics, and tourism across Northern and Central Mindanao.
To make sure the project stays on track, the Department of Budget and Management issued a Forward Obligation Authority (FOA), guaranteeing steady funding from 2026 to 2034. The move is designed to prevent delays and ensure continuous construction progress.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the highway is expected to bring faster travel, stronger economic movement, and more opportunities—especially across Mindanao.
One of the biggest game-changers? Travel time between Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay is projected to drop from around 6.5 hours to just 3.5 hours, cutting travel nearly in half.
Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo emphasized that the directive reflects the administration’s push to accelerate high-impact infrastructure projects. He said the goal is simple: no delays due to funding gaps, with financing secured all the way through completion.
The project will be funded through a mix of loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank, along with government counterpart funding.
Once completed, officials say the highway will help lower transportation costs, improve the flow of goods and services, and drive growth in key sectors like agriculture, logistics, and tourism across Northern and Central Mindanao.
Mar 23, 2026
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