Conflict in the Philippines is jeopardizing the country's economic and social development. The long-standing conflict in Mindanao has roots in the historical poverty and discrimination experienced by Muslims in the southern Philippines. USAID promotes the economic development of Mindanao through infrastructure projects such as ports, roads, warehouses, community centers, boat landings, solar dyers, water systems, and trading centers; improved governance and social services; expanded economic opportunities; improved agribusiness competitiveness; and expansion of export of targeted commodities, particularly fruits and vegetables. In agriculture, USAID is funding research to promote new technologies that will safeguard the local food supply and increase farmers’ incomes. USAID provides selected communities of former MNLF combatants with pre- and post-harvest facilities needed to achieve more profitable farming and fishing, and implements community development activities for selected barangays in the Sulu Archipelago.
 
USAID helps promote more efficient local governance, strengthen mechanisms for conflict resolution, and advance local economic development in Mindanao cities and municipalities. USAID is also supporting the expansion of the bank-provided microfinance to the microenterprise and micro-agriculture sectors.
 
ACTIVITIES