To further strengthen the disaster response capabilities of key stakeholders in Mindanao, officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office and Field Office Caraga met with Butuan City Mayor Hon. Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, on July 5, 2024.

 

Key officials from DSWD CO present were Dr. Diana Rose Cajipe, Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), SAS Leo Quintilla, Special Assistant to the Secretary for DRMG; and Engr. Irish Flor Yaranon, the Chief Administrative Officer for the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau. They were accompanied by Field Office Caraga officials, led by Asst. Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes and Disaster Response Management Division Chief Aldie Mae Andoy.

The meeting focused on the progress of establishing the Mindanao Disaster Resource Center (MDRC) in Barangay Pinamanculan, Butuan City. With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, MDRC will serve as the central hub for disaster response and support across the Mindanao region.

 

One critical consideration in establishing the resource center is its accessibility via a commercial airport and its proximity to major seaports. Butuan City is considered an ideal location for the disaster resource center due to its strategic geographical position, with major roads connecting it to nearby provinces and regions.

With strong support from Butuan’s Local Government Unit (LGU), the MDRC is set to be established soon in Butuan.

 

Moreover, DSWD Central Office officials took the opportunity to personally visit the proposed site for the Mindanao Disaster Resource Center (MDRC) and the regional warehouses of DSWD Field Office Caraga.