COTABATO CITY, Philippines?Presidential Assistant Jesus Dureza has been named head of the newly created Mindanao Development Authority (Minda).

Dureza said by text message that he will lead Minda, which was created to consolidate all development efforts for Mindanao, during the next six years.

Minda was created through Republic Act 9996 and will replace the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco).

The creation of the agency, which will operate under Malacañang?s tutelage, was welcomed by Mindanao officials.

?It is important to address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and implementation of various Mindanao wide inter-regional development plans, programs and projects,? Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, who chaired Medco, said when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the bill that created Minda on February 17.

The new body will consolidate peace efforts and the development of the agribusiness sector in Mindanao, he said.

Minda will put up its main office in Maramag, Bukidnon but management offices will also be established in various parts of the island.