THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) is exploring Japan’s cutting-edge disaster prevention systems to be replicated for the Mindanao Disaster and Resiliency Center and strengthen the region’s readiness against natural disasters.
In a statement during their recent visit to Tokyo, Japan’s Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park on Nov. 16, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, MinDA chairperson, expressed hope that similar infrastructures could be adapted in Mindanao.
“Even if we cannot establish an exact replica of this center, the core concept would be highly beneficial for Mindanao,” he said.
The facility serves as a model disaster headquarters, offering world-class emergency response capabilities and public education programs.
The visit featured a mock disaster drill, replicating the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami scenario, to test preparedness for a magnitude 7 event.
Inspired by Japan’s approach, Magno emphasized the urgency of such measures for Mindanao.
“Gone are the days when Mindanao was free from typhoons and other severe natural events. We must lay a strong foundation for our disaster preparedness,” Magno stressed.
MinDA envisions the Mindanao Disaster and Resiliency Center as a central command hub, facilitating swift information dissemination and coordinated disaster response across the region.
Magno, together with MinDA board member and Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey, were also joined in their learning session by SGV representatives Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed, Thyrza Marbas, and Kazuma Nakagomi, who shared insights into Japan’s resilient infrastructure and operational strategies.
Photo from MinDA
