The government is prioritizing infrastructure projects and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth and enhancing local connectivity across the country, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
The commitment was underscored following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the Zamboanga Peninsula on Feb. 12, 2026. During a meeting at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, the national government, members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX, and local chief executives agreed to enhance coordination to ensure the timely implementation of development programs.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan reiterated the administration’s focus on accelerating regional development to boost local productivity.
“By advancing these initiatives in the Zamboanga Peninsula, we are improving connectivity, enhancing local productivity, and laying down the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development,” Balisacan said.
DEPDev Undersecretary for regional development Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos briefed the president on completed and ongoing flagship initiatives.
As of December 2025, the government completed the Governor Camins-Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Highway and the Veterans Avenue Flyover in Zamboanga City to ease congestion.
The reconstruction and major rehabilitation of the Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur was finished to support rice and crop production.
Marcos led the inauguration of the Mahayag Dam during his visit. Abad Santos also provided updates on active projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex, the Sindangan-Bayog-Lakewood Road, and the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project.
Other ongoing works include the Daang Maharlika (N1) Improvement, the Western Nautical Highway Network Improvement and various coastal roads.
Major long-term projects such as the New Zamboanga Airport, the San Ramon New Port Project, and the Zamboanga Peninsula Integrated Fisheries Development Complex remain under development.
Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Rodolfo John Roberto Palattao IV led discussions on inter-agency support for the region, while RDC IX chairperson and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II thanked the president for the visit, noting it reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to transformative development.
