DAVAO ORIENTAL (PIA) -- Signifying that protecting the nature and environment is equivalently protecting the people, Regional Development Council XI chairperson and Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon expressed her take and initiatives on the agendum Ecological Integrity and Preparedness and Resilience: Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Resilience during the breakout session of the monumental conduct of the 2nd Mindanao Development Forum 2023 on May 18 at the Acacia Hotel, Davao City.

With Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA’s) thrust in accelerating growth in an inclusive economy through the Mindanao Development Forum and its aim in accumulating further strategic ideas for growth and progress, Malanyaon took the opportunity to provide insights and possible actions in recognition of the critical role of the environment which contributes to a negative impact to the society and affect the lives of individuals if taken lightly.

Local Government Units and communities in disaster prevention and preparedness, improvement of the Region’s Ecosystems Resilience including the use of nature-based solutions and stern implementation of the enhanced National Greening Program,” the Governor added.

Together with Malanyaon in prioritizing Ecological Integrity, Preparedness, and Resilience were Undersecretary Joselin Marcus E. Fragada of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Director Raylindo Aniñon of the Office of Civil Defense XII, Province of Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr., the RDC XIII chairperson, and Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas, the chairman of ASEAN Sciences Diplomat.

Among the government’s actions in protecting the environment is the rehabilitation of the forest through the national greening program which seeks to grow a billion trees for the unproductive and degraded forests for environmental stability, biodiversity conservation; enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation, and helping reduce poverty and provide food security through green jobs generation and employment opportunities.

Malanyaon also brought the concern to Usec. Fragada and the MinDa regarding the safeguarding of the protected areas being threatened by the encroachments of the mining companies, especially the Province of Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. Moreover, the governor is rigorous in her environment’s advocacies, not overlooking illegal logging activities.

Philippine Development Plan. Among the other factors taken into consideration were: Food, Water, and Energy, Digital Transformation and Innovation, Connectivity including Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics, People’s Well-being including Health and Education, Trade and Industry Development Towards Jobs Creation and International Partnerships and Peace, Security, Governance, and Institutions.

The forum, which was realized 10 years after its first conduct, was graced by the strategic international development partners, ambassadors, different government officials, and other agencies representatives to pave the way for generating insights to explore opportunities in building strong partnerships for Mindanao as a safe, peaceful and suitable avenue for investment, business, and opportunities.

Malanyaon, who represented Davao Region’s development council, took part in attending to her role in setting the direction of economic and social transformation in the whole region with the corresponding integration of the priority regional programs and projects in the national investment program and budget which will be aided the national government in its whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. (PIA/PR from Provincial Government of Davao Oriental)