Prospects for Mindanao

In an area ravaged by war and widespread violence and disorder, one sees booming sales in electronic and telecom products like cell phones and ipods, the revenue of computer shops, the side income fromconstant reformatting of computer boot programs due to viruses, trojans, etc. and so many other relatively novel but brisk business activities in Zamboanga and Sulu, Mindanao. This is the birthing place of the MNLF, MILF, Abu Sayyap or Abu Sayyaf.

This is notwithstanding the kidnapping of 3 minus 1 ICRC workers by the Abus.

In General Santos, the pace is even higher. This is on the other hand the stronghold of the MILF. The same is true even of Basilan, where MILF and Abu Sayyap both hold sway. So it holds as well in Lanao. This area is relatively more peaceful and moderate due to a focus on enterprise rather than on religion and its applications for jihad.

In the rest of the areas, whether there are or there aren't communists running around and ambushing soldiers or keeping away from their path, this boom is also strongly felt. Much more so in Butuan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, among many others.

The future for Mindanao is good. It is a beautiful part of a country that is still waiting to be tapped to its fullest potentials.

The future for Mindanao is bright. Specially for cyber business.