MinDA, OCD push forward plans for Mindanao Disaster Resiliency Center
MANILA – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) are ramping up efforts to strengthen Mindanao’s disaster preparedness through the establishment of the Mindanao Disaster Resiliency and Resource Center (MDRRC). A key benchmarking meeting held on February 11 marked an important step toward realizing this goal.
The discussion focused on adopting advanced disaster response strategies and studying the operations of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Operations Center, which will serve as a model for the MDRRC.
MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno led the meeting with top OCD officials, including Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, CESO IV, MNSA; Assistant Secretary Jekereen Joy Casipit; and Director Cesar Idio, to exchange insights and strategies for building a cutting-edge facility in Mindanao.
“With support from our partners at the OCD and NDRRMC, I am confident that we can replicate this state-of-the-art operations center in Mindanao,” Magno said. He emphasized that the planned center will complement existing NDRRM regional operations hubs and provide critical support for disaster response across the region.
MinDA has proactively engaged with national agencies and key stakeholders over the past year to advance the project. Several local government units (LGUs) have already expressed their commitment to donate land for the center, reflecting strong grassroots support for the initiative.
The proposed MDRRC is envisioned as a disaster response hub, modeled after Japan’s highly advanced disaster prevention systems. It will serve as a central command for disaster preparedness, mitigation, early response, recovery, and management.
The facility will also include a modern warehouse for relief goods and emergency resources, ensuring rapid and well-coordinated disaster response operations. “This project is a game-changer for disaster resilience in Mindanao,” Magno added, stressing its alignment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for a safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient Philippines.
The MinDA-OCD collaboration also aims to foster stronger regional coordination, providing a reliable resource hub to support and enhance the capabilities of local disaster response teams.
Joining Sec. Magno during the meeting were MinDA Executive Director Janet Lopoz, Director Joan Barrera, and Planning and Research Chief Argie Leparto, underscoring MinDA’s commitment to the project’s success.
With continued support from national agencies and local stakeholders, the Mindanao Disaster Resiliency and Resource Center promises to be a cornerstone of disaster management in the region, helping protect lives, livelihoods, and communities across Mindanao. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)
