W hat’s going on in Mindanao—aside from the recent Maguindanao massacre and the new “energy crisis” (Is there really one, as some have asked?)

Many other activities are going on in Mindanao, with local and national leaders and groups working together for the peace and development of this second largest island in the Philippines and the eight most populous in the world. “Mindanao is larger than 125 countries worldwide, including the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Taiwan and Ireland” (Wikipedia).

One major development is the passage of RA No. 9996 (Mindanao Development Authority or MinDA Act of 2010) on Feb. 17, 2010. Another is the Formulation of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan. These are major initiatives that few Filipinos have heard of.

Other recent developments in Mindanao include the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), which includes the Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) Project,  followed by the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, and the Mindanao climate change adaptation plan.

L earn more about the latest in Mindanao by tuning in/watching Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! (KK!) on Feb. 24, 2010, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Manila time), as Dr. Cora Claudio, president, EARTH Institute Asia, converses with Undersec. Virgilio Leyretana Sr., chair, Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo); Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, Cagayan de Oro District; and Edgar Bullecer, CEO, Unifrutti, Davao.

KK! Is accessible through DZRH-AM radio (666 in Metro Manila, other kHz nationwide), TV (Ch. 9 in Metro Manila, other cable TV channels nationwide), and Internet http://dzrh.prepys.com or (http://dzrh.tripod.com. Join the Quiz, contests, campaigns and projects of EARTH and KK! To join all, register at 2299: earth<space>your message. 

EARTH Institute Asia and  DZRH co-produce KK!, with the support of Unilever, Unilab, Toby's Sports, Le Cellier French Wine Selection, Yehey.Com, Management Association of the Philippines, and  Brahma Kumaris, and with the cooperation of various organizations--GREEN Army, PFST, TOWNS, PBE, AIJC, PEIA, DENR, MabuhayRadio.com, and  other groups and  individuals. 

Inquiries: 671-3266, 0917-829-1718, or earthinstitute@gmail.com. # # #