Mindanao: The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the United Nations are strengthening their collaboration to address key development challenges on the island, focusing on clean water, public health, and community resilience.

According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership was discussed during a courtesy meeting between MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno and Tristan Burnett, UN Philippines resident coordinator ad interim and chief of mission of the International Organization for Migration on October 1.

In a statement Wednesday, Magno highlighted the urgent need to improve access to clean water, noting that nearly half of Mindanao's municipalities face an inadequate supply. "Water insecurity directly impacts public health, nutrition, and education-particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas," he said.

Magno presented MinDA's Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Framework, which promotes an integrated approach to sustainable development by linking water security, energy access, and food production. He emphasized that MinDA's efforts align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to accelerate inclusive development in Mindanao through improved basic services and resilient infrastructure.

Burnett cited the potential contributions of UN specialized agencies, including the FAO, WHO, UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UN Women, and IOM, in improving water resource management, sanitation, energy access, and health systems in underserved areas.