The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) welcomed Maria Luisa Montemayor-Sian as its newest member of the Board of Directors, representing the civil society sector.
Her oath of office was administered today by MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno during the 22nd Board of Directors Meeting held in Misamis Occidental.
Secretary Magno emphasized the significance of Sian’s appointment keeping MinDA’s programs people centered, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
The MinDA Board is composed of representatives from the Senate, Congress, Regional Development Councils, the private sector, a designated Mindanao local chief executive, the Secretary of the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos, and the Administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA).
“We look forward to your guidance in strengthening MinDA’s partnerships with civil society and amplifying grassroots voices,”Magno said.
Sian brings with her more than two decades of leadership experience in development programs across Mindanao. She most recently served as Chief of Party for the USAID Logistics Services in Mindanao Program (2020–2025), where she directed complex operations supporting humanitarian and development logistics implemented in partnership with non-government organizations.
She has long been active in civil society, serving as Corporate Secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce–Mindanao, a former director of Soroptimist International of the Americas–Philippines Region, and Past President of the Venture Club of the Americas–Philippines Region.
Her career includes leading roles in the USAID Rebuild Program, the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, and other flagship initiatives that strengthened peacebuilding, economic growth, and disaster recovery efforts in the region.
Sian’s entry into the MinDA Board highlights the agency’s commitment to inclusive representation, ensuring that civil society perspectives are woven into the strategic planning and implementation of Mindanao’s development agenda.
The MinDA Board is composed of representatives from the Senate, Congress, Regional Development Councils, the private sector, a designated Mindanao local chief executive, the Secretary of the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos, and the Administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA).
Guided by the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a more inclusive and resilient Mindanao, the Board plays a crucial role in translating national priorities into regional strategies.
As mandated by Republic Act 9996, the Board provides strategic direction and guidance for MinDA’s priority programs and projects, ensuring alignment with both national and local development goals.
It also has the authority to explore financing sources for Mindanao-wide and inter-regional initiatives, reinforcing the Marcos Administration’s call for stronger partnerships and sustainable investments that uplift communities across the island.
