PIA Press Release
Wednesday, January 04, 2012 Socio-Economic Planning Secretary pushes for strategic action planning after TS ‘Sendong’by Peleta B. AbejoCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 4 -- Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr. met with Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano on January 3, here and informed the chief executives about the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is currently preparing for the rehabilitation and recovery of the affected areas in Northern Mindanao after Typhoon Sendong. This action plan shall focus on what is exactly going to happen in the next three (3) months. Emphasis was placed on the development and rehabilitation of the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan river basins. Both Governor Moreno and Mayor Emano responded positively to the NEDA initiative and expressed full support and commitment in assigning their respective focal persons to participate in the strategic action planning activities that shall be conducted soon. Sec. Paderanga, together with Director Susan Rachel G. Jose of the NEDA Regional Development Coordination Staff, also met with the NEDA regional office staff and NEDA Caraga Director Carmencita S. Cochingco to guide them on the major aspects that need to be considered and prioritized in the preparation of the SAP focusing on the development and rehabilitation of the Agusan, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan river basins in partnership with the regional line agencies and local government units. “We should start looking at what needs to be rehabilitated. It is very important to ensure that the physical framework for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan are done right away as basis especially in the relocation of affected families,” Sec. Paderanga said. He added that proper documentation of the damages shall be ensured as it is very important in determining the needed interventions. NEDA-X Director and Regional Development Council (RDC) Vice-Chair Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. stressed on the need to make the RDC and the affected communities aware of the existing risks for them to decide which option they should take to avoid damages in the future. Sec. Paderanga ended his meeting with the staff with a note to “work wisely and smartly to make our work count.” (NEDA/RDC/PIA-10) | 
