P-Noy named Surigao business leader to represent traders at Mindanao Development Authority

by Ben Serrano

December 21, 2010

            SU|RIGAO CITY (PNA) - Acknowledging the role of businessmen in small cities for sustainable development and equitable progress for the country and Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III named yesterday Surigao City’s young businessman and acknowledged Caraga’s business leader Johann Jake Miranda to represent Mindanao’s business sector to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

            The 36 years old business leader from this city was President of the multi-awarded Surigao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) prior to his appointment as Mindanao Business sector representative.

            Created under REPUBLIC Act No. 9996 otherwise known as Mindanao Development Authority Act or MinDA, the development body has many functions, duties and responsibilities, one of such is to formulate an integrated development framework for Mindanao that is consistent with the peace and development initiatives of the national government,

            Secretary Lualhati Antonino, Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority recognized Mr. Miranda's proven leadership and vigorous desire to help uplift the economic conditions of Caraga Region, which currently lags behind the rest of the country in terms of development.

In a press statement, Antonino added that Mr. Miranda can very well contribute to the President's developmental agenda for Mindanao such as pushing for public-private partnership at all levels.

With Mr. Miranda’s appointment at MinDA whose main office is based in Maramag, Bukidnon, President Aquino is expecting Miranda to bring voices of all businessmen and private corporations of the six regions in Mindanao; region 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga and ARMM.

During his stint as SCCI President, Miranda was given a citation by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organizing the Surigao Young Business Alliance (SYBA), pioneering the conglomeration of a growing organization of young businessmen and professionals under the age of forty based in Surigao City. Other cities in Mindanao soon followed this prototype organization.

 SCCI garnered the Most Outstanding Chamber Award for three straight years from 2008 to 2010  Miranda’s leadership.  Previous to this, in 2007, Surigao was hailed as the Most Business friendly City in Mindanao. 

             Miranda’s feats also earned him the support of local business players particularly from the small and medium enterprise. His appointment was also supported by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry national leadership.

               Mr. Miranda is also the chairman of the Surigao Provincial Tourism Development Council.