Davao City - Mindanao Development Authority Chair Jesus G. Dureza today offered to relinquish his post to give President Aquino “a free hand and full opportunity” to choose the head of the agency that will carry out the new administration’s policies in Mindanao .
In a letter-memo dated 29 July 2010 addressed to the President, Dureza said it is now “timely, appropriate and best” that the new President makes the choice on who will carry out the mandate of the new law creating MinDA. He was appointed by former President Arroyo upon the enactment of Republic Act 9996 creating the MinDA early this year and has a fixed term of six (6) years.
Dureza had been involved in Mindanao since the time of President Ramos up to the Arroyo administration doing peace negotiations, development work, conflict resolutions and personal interventions during critical situations.
He presently holds the following positions: Philippine head of the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP EAGA); the National Program director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) “Act for Peace Programme” that covers former conflicted affected areas and impoverished areas in Mindanao; Co-chair of the Mindanao Working Group composed of country representatives of the international donor community; head of the oversight group in the implementation of USAID projects in Mindanao, among others.
While offering to give up his post, Dureza in his memo made clear that he is “not turning his back from his work in Mindanao” as he said that there is a lot more to do for all; neither is he undermining the “fixed term” clause of the new law, nor is he setting aside the honor and trust given by President Arroyo who appointed him and “to whom I am most grateful”
“The important consideration now is that the birth of the new agency and the assumption into office of the new president provide an opportunity for a fresh start”, he pointed out.
Dureza said President Aquino’s choice to head MinDA is critical in carrying out the Aquino administration’s policies and effectively handling the peace and development challenges “unique to Mindanao and its people”.
Citing the strategic importance of Mindanao to the country as a whole, Dureza offered to voluntarily relinquish the position upon the assumption of the new chair chosen by President Aquino “to enable a smooth and seamless transition and to avoid a hiatus in the operations of the Authority”. He however committed to continue to support Mindanao work.(MinDA/PIA9-BST)
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