By Sonya Delgado
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has expressed optimism about the establishment of the Mindanao Disaster Resiliency and Resource Center (MDRRC) as local government units (LGUs) across the island show readiness to donate land for the project.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized the significance of the MDRRC, describing it as a vital facility for improving disaster preparedness and response across Mindanao.
“The facility will serve as a hub for disaster preparedness, mitigation, early response, recovery, and management. Strategically located at the center of Mindanao, it will also house a state-of-the-art warehouse for storing relief goods and resources, ensuring swift and coordinated disaster response,” Magno explained during a press briefing.
Magno revealed that the project draws inspiration from Japan’s advanced disaster prevention systems, which MinDA officials recently studied.
“Last month, we explored Japan’s cutting-edge disaster prevention systems, and we aim to replicate their best practices. The MDRRC will be a model disaster headquarters, enhancing the region’s preparedness for natural calamities and fostering world-class emergency response capabilities,” he said.
The center will also offer public education programs on disaster awareness and resilience, making it a comprehensive solution to the island’s vulnerability to calamities.
Magno noted that several LGU leaders have expressed willingness to donate land for the center, demonstrating strong local support for the project.
“This is a dream for Mindanao, and we’ve already initiated discussions with the national leadership. There are multiple avenues to make this project a reality, and three national agencies have already expressed their intent to support it,” he said.
He added that while achieving a fully-fledged replica of Japan’s disaster systems may be ambitious, adapting the core concept would still bring substantial benefits to the region.
Magno reiterated that the MDRRC is not just a facility but a transformative initiative for Mindanao.
“This center represents a bold step toward a resilient Mindanao, capable of addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters. It’s a vision that the national government, LGUs, and MinDA are working together to achieve,” he stated.
With local and national support, the proposed MDRRC is poised to set new standards for disaster preparedness in Mindanao, serving as a model for similar facilities across the Philippines.