THE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is crafting a comprehensive plan for the proposed Mindanao Disaster Resiliency and Resource Center to expedite its approval by the national government.
During a media forum on December 4, 2024, at Ayala Malls Abreeza, MinDA Chair Leo Magno said they aim to complete the plan by year-end for submission.
“We have been going around trying to market the disaster and resiliency resource center, in fact, humingi tayo ng tulong sa national government para pondohan into (We have been marketing the disaster and resiliency resource center and have sought funding support from the national government),” he said.
To enhance the center’s design, MinDA benchmarked similar facilities in Japan.
Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met with MinDA to discuss the project.
Magno outlined the envisioned center as a one-stop-shop equipped with advanced weather monitoring systems, storage for 200,000 food packs, a training facility for disaster response, a helipad, and parking for emergency vehicles to ensure swift mobilization.
“We are dreaming of a resource and resiliency center na makakatulong at makakahanda para sa Mindanao (We dream of a resource center that will help prepare Mindanao for disasters),” he said.
While the initial plan was to build the center in central Mindanao, studies recommend locating it in the eastern region, which is more disaster-prone.
MinDA plans to visit Region 10 to finalize the proposal and ensure it meets all requirements before submission to the Office of the President.
Once established, the center will strengthen Mindanao's disaster resilience, enabling the region to respond promptly to emergencies without relying on external assistance.
A resolution for the center’s creation was adopted during MinDA’s inaugural meeting on June 27, urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to authorize the project. RGP