BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2006

Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines. Along with the Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao contains about 18 million people - 24 percent of the entire Philippines population. At 128,625 square kilometers, the island contains an abundance of natural resources, but despite these assets, the region has experienced limited urban development and economic growth due to conflict over the last 20 years.

Managed by the Berger Group, the USAID-funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program was established to accelerate economic growth and assure as many people as possible benefit from the growth. The Berger team is currently updating programs in a number of urban areas, including Zamboanga City, Cotabato City and Bongao.

Zamboanga City is a main regional center and transport hub in Western Mindanao. Home to over 600,000, the city has experienced a long period of underinvestment in urban services. Following surveys of the city's needs and extensive discussions with government and private sector stakeholders, the Berger team assisted the city administration to develop a priority master investment plan, including improvements to roads; the construction of bridges to connect isolated communities to the city center; building post-harvest solar dryers for seaweed, a major commercial product in the area; and providing computers, internet service and other facilities for over 30 schools. Support has also been provided to producer associations to increase trade and investment productivity in the local agro-industries.

Cotabato City is home to 200,000 people, and although its investment in infrastructure and education has significantly lagged the national averages, it serves as the regional center for

a population of several million. The Berger team reviewed urban needs and established priority programs, including investments in community centers, upgrading water supplies and road network improvements to connect isolated communities. Computers and internet services were also provided to 13 high schools.

Bongao (population 60,000), one of the most remote municipalities in the Southwestern Philippines, is a central collection point for products from the many islands of Tawi Tawi. Its most urgent need was to improve the existing urban services to support a growing mariculture industry. After a systematic review of area needs and plans, including extensive discussions with local government, NGOs and other public and private stakeholders, GEM assisted in preparing an urban master plan and implementing priority improvements, including upgrading Bongao Port by extending its berthing capacity and providing a Roll-on, Roll-off ramp, which completes a "nautical highway" of similar facilities connecting the main urban centers on each of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago.

Additionally, Berger has assisted Bongao to construct six boat landings; upgrade the municipal water supply and distribution system; work with private phone companies to improve cellular phone service; install computers and internet service in nine schools, benefiting over 6,000 students and 70 teachers; implement matching grants to Parent Teacher Associations in seven schools to provide library facilities; and provide support to strengthen the local Chamber of Commerce and producer organizations' efforts to improve the enabling business environment.