DAVAO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing climate resiliency efforts in Mindanao during a courtesy meeting held at the MinDA Office on April 21, 2025.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno and UNIDO Country Representative Ted Monroy led the discussions, highlighting the urgency of sustainable solutions in the face of growing climate challenges in the region. As part of their immediate collaboration, the two organizations have launched a series of co-creation workshops designed to finalize the details of several climate adaptation projects set for implementation over the next three years.
One of the flagship initiatives under this partnership is the “Harnessing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus to Address and Adapt to Climate Change Impacts in Tawi-Tawi” project, which recently secured USD 10 million in funding from the Adaptation Fund. The project was officially approved during the 44th Adaptation Fund Board Meeting held on April 11, 2025, in Bonn, Germany.
The Tawi-Tawi initiative — the first Adaptation Fund project to be approved for the Philippines — will focus on improving water security in the municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai. The project aims to benefit more than 71,000 residents by ensuring reliable access to safe water while also boosting the local seaweed farming industry, a key livelihood in the island province.
Magno underscored the significance of the partnership in building both climate resilience and economic stability across vulnerable communities in Mindanao.
“Through this strengthened collaboration with UNIDO, we are not only safeguarding livelihoods but also paving the way for long-term economic resilience, especially in communities most vulnerable to climate change,” he said.
In recognition of UNIDO’s ongoing support, the MinDA Board of Directors earlier passed a resolution expressing its gratitude to the organization during its 20th Board Meeting held on March 24, 2025.
The co-creation workshops, involving MinDA, UNIDO, and other key stakeholders, are expected to play a pivotal role in refining project components to align with the Marcos Administration’s broader push for inclusive and sustainable development. The discussions will focus on enhancing water infrastructure, improving seaweed farming productivity, and integrating renewable energy solutions to strengthen local economies.
These initiatives form part of MinDA’s “Building a Better Mindanao” campaign, which envisions positioning the island-region as both a driver of national growth and a model for holistic transformation.