DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno is confident that Mindanao will soon establish a resiliency resource center to manage and respond to disasters and emergencies effectively.
MAGNO (FB)
Magno revealed that a resolution was adopted during MinDA’s inaugural meeting last June 27 calling on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to authorize the creation of the Mindanao Resiliency Resource Center since Mindanao does not have one yet.
The MinDA chairman said Luzon and Visayas already have the resource center. He added that they encourage the national government to support the Mindanao resiliency resource program as such an initiative is significant for the entire Mindanao.
Magno guaranteed that a concept paper for the center would be ready next month following the resolution. He emphasized that the center is needed to address the negative impacts of climate change which has caused unusual rainfall in various areas in Mindanao.
“The MinDA is not the only agency acknowledging these challenges related to climate change. We are seeking support from other agencies,” Magno said, adding that rainfall in Mindanao has increased by 50 percent, causing unprecedented disasters.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Beja-Emano also supported the need for the center.
Magno recalled that 20 years ago, Mindanao was typhoon-free until climate change changed that. He said the MinDA aims to be the lead agency in establishing the Mindanao Resiliency Resource Center, which is all about being “ready or prepared.”
He said they recognize the necessity of a resiliency center to assist, analyze, and support the various regions in Mindanao. He added that they also hoped the center would receive funding from various sources.
Magno said the project would be an inter-agency initiative. The DSWD and the Office of Civil Defense could store their food packs and solar-powered water purifiers here and it would be a one-stop shop to address people’s needs during disasters, he added.