THE Mindanao Development Authority (Minda), headed by Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, has tapped internationally acclaimed Filipino climate expert and science diplomat Glenn Banaguas to spearhead climate change and disaster mitigation efforts across the region under the aegis of Climate Smart Mindanao 2050. The ultimate goal of the initiative was to enable the region to reduce its carbon footprint and empower its people to proactively assess and manage its climate risks.

“Climate change response is a fundamental pillar of Minda’s long-range plans for Mindanao,” Acosta said at the memorandum of collaboration signing in Makati City on September 14.

“Mindanao deserves nothing less than our undivided support and protection, as it is a source of economic, cultural, historical and national pride,” Banaguas said.

Climate Smart Mindanao 2050 was an enhanced version of the original Climate Smart Mindanao program, which was supported and implemented by the late Minda secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz and Assitant Secretary Romeo Montenegro for the welfare of Mindanao residents.

The enhanced Climate Smart Mindanao 2050 has actively worked toward developing the capacities of the region and its people to address climate change as well as toward net zero emissions.

“It is also the goal of Climate Smart Mindanao 2050 to continue promoting peace and deescalate tensions by bringing parties in conflict together to address environmental and social issues,” Banaguas added.

Banaguas’ pioneering environmental work earned him the prestigious UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2022, making him the first individual Filipino recipient in the award’s 35-year history.