The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that construction of the ₱37-billion Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project (MTCIP) is expected to begin in 2027.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for multi-sector coordination, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon issued Special Order No. 167 to formally establish the MTCIP Project Steering Committee (PSC). The committee will oversee strategic implementation, inter-agency coordination, and periodic project reviews.
The PSC includes representatives from national agencies—such as the DOF, DEPDev, DBM, DILG, and the Mindanao Development Authority—alongside local chief executives from Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Davao region, Sarangani, and General Santos City. The World Bank, a co-financier, is represented by senior transport specialist John Kobina Richardson.
Backed by early endorsements from local and regional development councils between 2023 and 2024, the MTCIP aims to enhance connectivity across Mindanao. The project will upgrade the 422-kilometer Cagayan de Oro–Davao–General Santos corridor and rehabilitate three agricultural roads totaling 128 kilometers.
Co-funded by the World Bank (₱25.46 billion) and the Philippine government (₱11.54 billion), the initiative enters a 22-month design phase in January 2026, followed by construction and a five-year maintenance program.
MTCIP also includes an Integrity Management Plan to strengthen road sector governance, promote climate resilience, improve digital mapping, and ensure transparency through audits, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response planning.
