- THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) launched its first Mindanao Youth Convergence 2024 on Dec 18-19 to prepare the young generation for climate disasters.
MinDA partnered with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) for the event, which aimed to equip young leaders on disaster resilience and promote a sustainable Mindanao.
MinDA chairperson Sec. Leo Tereso Magno said the youth plays a significant role since they are the most active in the communities and possess the potential to become future leaders.
OCD deputy administrator for strategic and special concerns Asec. Hernando Caraig Jr. said the possible programs will involve capacity-building to strengthen their skills in adapting to climate disasters since Mindanao is now more vulnerable to typhoons than ever before.
Caraig added that they recommended to the Department of Education (DepED) to integrate disaster preparedness training in curriculums for students to learn at an early age. He shared that last year, the OCD XI received requests from different schools for the training.
Magno shared they plan to establish a Mindanao Disaster Resilience and Resource Center, which also includes a storage facility and a one-stop-shop for government services. The center’s location is still being identified.
According to the World Risk Report, the Philippines topped the list of countries most at risk from natural disasters in 2024, followed by Indonesia, India, Colombia, and Mexico.
Photo by Bing Gonzales
