Dureza offers to yield post
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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MINDANAO Development Authority (Minda) Chair Jesus G. Dureza on Thursday offered to relinquish his post to give the President "a free hand” to choose the head of the agency to carry out new policies for Mindanao.
In a letter dated July 29, 2010 addressed to the President, through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Dureza said it is now "timely, appropriate, and best" that the new President makes the choice on who will carry out the mandate of the new law creating Minda.
Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency
Dureza was appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo upon the enactment of Republic Act 9996 creating the Minda early this year.
Dureza had been involved in Mindanao since the time of former President Fidel Ramos until the Arroyo administration doing peace negotiations, development work, conflict resolutions, and personal interventions during critical situations.
He also presently holds the following positions:
* Philippine head of the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asian Growth Area;
* National Program director of the United Nations Development Program ‘Act for Peace Programme,’ which covers former conflicted affected areas and impoverished areas in Mindanao;
* Co-chair of the Mindanao Working Group composed of country representatives of the international donor community; and
* Head of the oversight group in the implementation of USAid projects in Mindanao, among others.
While offering to give up his post, Dureza clarified he is "not turning his back from his work in Mindanao," saying there is a lot more to do for all, He also said he is not undermining the "fixed term" clause of the new law or setting aside the honor and trust given by the former President.
"The important consideration now is that the birth of the new agency and the assumption into office of the new President provide an opportunity for a fresh start," he said.
Dureza said President Benigno Aquino III's choice for Minda’s head is critical in carrying out his administration's policies effectively for Mindanao.
