Mindanao island is endowed with vast natural resources with an estimated half of the country’s mineral wealth. Ironically, poverty incidence in Mindanao is the highest among islands at 33.8% and eight of the top ten poorest provinces are in its regions. (Philippine Statistics Authority 2015 Report on Poverty Incidence, March 2016) Major contributing factors to the people’s impoverishment are 1) situations of conflict due to insurgency and cultural factors; 2) geographical disadvantages and socio-cultural isolation of highland and small island populations; and 3) limited opportunities for productive activities and limited access to social services due to prolonged government neglect.