Duterte wants the US special forces from Mindanao but the DENR is negotiating with six US companies to bring investments in the region.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking into the possibility of gaining $1 billion worth of investments for Mindanao from at least six foreign investors.
DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said that the agency met with different groups and investors from the United States, seeking financial assistance for the development of the Mindanao region.
However, Usec. Leones refused to name the six foreign investments group but hinted that they are big companies.
“It’s just a matter of [identifying] what concrete projects we want to be financed. We will still talk about it. But the $1 billion is there. They have already committed”, Leones said.
“They are big foreign companies. In fact, one group, they committed to help us with our solar renewable energy projects”.
The DENR will involve all the communities, stakeholders, civil society organizations and local government units in the planning session which is expected to start on November.
“What’s good about this is we are not the only ones who will do the programs. The plans are also drafted by communities and stakeholders in the area so that they can own them” he said.
Usec. Leones gave the investors that guarantee that they would get full support from the Philippine government once they bring investments in the Philippines.
The foreign companies are expected to come to the country to discuss their proposed investments or projects.
As of now, the DENR is identifying specific areas in Mindanao where these foreign groups can put their investments into.
The idea was developed after DENR Secretary Gina Lopez was able to convince these investors to consider putting their money in Mindanao during her visit in New York last September.
Lopez attended private sessions with investors on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) Assembly.
At least 29 sites in Mindanao are eyed be the location for these investments.
