Manila: The head of a recently-established development coordination body has offered to resign to give newly-elected President Benigno Aquino a free hand to choose his replacement.

Jesus Dureza, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), has offered to relinquish his post to give Aquino "a free hand and full opportunity" to choose the head of the agency that will carry out the new administration's policies in the resource-rich main southern Philippine island.

In a letter-memo dated July 29, 2010 addressed to the President, Dureza said: "it is now timely, appropriate and best" that Aquino makes the choice on who will carry out the mandate of the new law creating MinDA.

The law creating MinDA was among the last edicts performed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before she stepped down from office last June 30.

It was just four months ago when she formally enacted Republic Act 9996, the law creating the MinDA, a body which main function is to coordinated development activities in Mindanao.

Dureza was appointed by Arroyo upon the enactment of Republic Act 9996 which specified a fixed term of office of six years for MinDA chair.

Vast experience

Dureza, who hails from Mindanao, had been involved in the southern main island since the time of President Fidel Ramos up to the Arroyo administration. He has wide experience in peace negotiations, development work, conflict resolutions and personal interventions during critical situations.

The official currently holds the following positions: Philippine head of the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP EAGA); the National Programme director of the United Nations Development Programme "Act for Peace" that covers former conflict affected 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 projects of the United States Agency for International Development in Mindanao, among others.

While offering to relinquish his post, Dureza in his memo made clear that he is "not turning his back from his work in Mindanao".

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 honour 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 Aquino's choice is critical in carrying out the administration's policies.