Davao City — The Mindanao Development Authority, or MinDA, is optimistic that the recent incident at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur will not affect the outlook of Mindanao as a viable place for growth and development.

In a statement, MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta said Mindanao, as a whole, continues to grow and flourish despite the challenges, particularly on peace.

"Although there are packets of tension in some places, it is not unique to Mindanao. All other places have similar concerns," she said, adding that, despite the challenges, Mindanao continues to expand, grow and prosper given its natural endowments and peculiarities.

The statement of Acosta was also supported by Ed Bullecer, board of American Chamber of Commerce Mindanao, saying Mindanao is still viable for investments.

"The general reaction from the businessmen is that this kind of violence has been happening as part of the history. It's business as usual, and the Marawi incident, we pray for the victims and [the incident] it's not enough to dampen our spirit," he added.

Bullecer also said that their associates have not canceled any of their plans to come to Mindanao Island.

"We haven't heard cancellations from our associates from abroad. Many interests have already been expressed specifically in Mindanao," he assured.

Security strengthened

Bullecer also thanked the security sector for the assurance of making the island safe. 

"We, as businessmen take comfort in that.  We just continue in good spirit and be good partners to business especially those coming to Mindanao," he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Mindanao expresses solidarity under the call of "One Mindanao," amid the challenges in Marawi and the series of earthquakes in the eastern Mindanao region.

The Chamber condoled with the victims of the Marawi incident over the senseless act of violence and, calls upon the security and law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Chamber recognizes the efforts of the national government and the LGUs in the guarantee of safety and order all over Mindanao, making sure that the incidents are confined to limited areas.

"The PCCI-Mindanao expresses confidence in the overall safety and peace in Mindanao and observes the general impression of the normal activities of work, school, business and commerce. Thus, Mindanao, as a whole, remains stable, orderly and secure," the statement added.

Also, the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Mindanao expressed solidarity, stating, "We stand together with the government and communities in rejecting all forms of violence. Viewing this unfortunate incident as a hurdle in our journey towards a peaceful Mindanao, we remain committed to working with the government in pursuit of a harmonious Mindanao for all."