Mindanao Pushes Coordinated Disaster Recovery and Reintegration
The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Region XI (JRTF-ELCAC XI) formally advanced Program LAKAS during a regional assembly in Davao City, highlighting a preventive approach to disaster recovery, community protection, and reintegration.
Presiding over the meeting, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region XI and Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, emphasized the value of regular engagement among member agencies to keep initiatives aligned, responsive, and focused on long-term peace and development goals.
Program LAKAS and Regional Priorities
Program LAKAS is a first-of-its-kind initiative under JRTF-ELCAC XI, providing disaster management and human rights training for KALINAW members as part of the Transformation Program’s security component. The program was conceptualized to address disaster-related vulnerabilities while preventing uncoordinated recovery activities through a structured, government-led, and rights-based approach.
Key points highlighted during the assembly included:
- Strengthening disaster preparedness and recovery competencies among rescued and former rebels
- Ensuring coordinated, accountable, and government-led response mechanisms
- Supporting long-term reintegration and community resilience
Regional Director Dayanghirang reported intelligence on unidentified groups conducting uncoordinated disaster- and psychosocial-themed activities in parts of Davao Oriental, underscoring the importance of Program LAKAS as a legitimate and protective government response.
Reintegration and Whole-of-Government Commitment
During the meeting, former rebels from the KALINAW Family presented a token of appreciation to Secretary Magno, recognizing his continued support for their reintegration and personal development. Secretary Magno committed additional funding support for KALINAW and noted that requests for schooling at Rizal Memorial College, Inc. may be endorsed for approval.
In line with directives from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., MinDA continues to convene JRTF-ELCAC platforms that integrate disaster governance with transformation and reintegration initiatives, reinforcing people-centered recovery and anticipatory governance across the region.
Building Resilient Communities Across Mindanao
By advancing Program LAKAS, JRTF-ELCAC XI reaffirmed its commitment to protect communities, sustain peace gains, and institutionalize coordinated disaster recovery and reintegration efforts—strengthening the shared vision of Building a Better Mindanao.
