Dean Antonio "Tony" LaViña of the Ateneo School of Government and who is from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City shared 10 tasks we need to undertake and focus attention on if we are to respond meaningfully and effectively to future Sendongs. He shared his reflections during a meeting of superiors and directors of work in the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus held 3 to 5 January 2012.

1. How to wind down relief
2. Resettlement
3. Helping the middle class
4. Accountability
5. Communication of the science
6. Disaster risk analysis, reduction and preparedness (short-term)
7. Climate change adaptation (long-term)
8. Land use is key
9. Enforcement of environmental laws: mining and real estate development is a big question
10. Addressing long-term climate change

Tony also shared stories of survivors, the relief efforts, the initiatives of private groups, Xavier University, in CDO as he went around and gathered people to reflect on what happened, what the limitations and lessons were, and what can be done to minimize the risks and prevent the tragic loss of lives.

Tony writes an opinion column, Eagle Eyes, and his latest story on a Sendong survivor is available at Manila Standard Today.