To strengthen the disaster and climate resilience of its emerging tourism and agribusiness sectors, the provincial government of Davao Oriental entered into a partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the Australia-supported Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change (Shield) Program.

Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr. and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié recently signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Shield in Mati City. First Secretary for Development Paul Harrington from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and Shield consortium partners from UN Habitat, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society were on hand to witness the landmark signing, together with regional officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and key local government officials of Davao Oriental.