METRO DAVAO. National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (left) and Japan International Cooperation Agency Philippines chief representative Sakamoto Takema lead the signing ceremony of the Records of Discussion for the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao at SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday (Nov. 10, 2023). The projects will stimulate economic activity in the region while also addressing urban development and environmental conservation. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
DAVAO CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed here Friday the Record of Discussions (ROD) for the formulation of a comprehensive and sustainable urban development master plan for Metropolitan Davao.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Sakamoto Takema, chief representative of JICA in the Philippines, led the signing ceremony.
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte witnessing the event.
In her speech, Duterte described the partnership agreement as a significant milestone marking the beginning of the "grand vision for a sustainable metropolis in the region."
“Over the years, the JICA has been an invaluable development partner in the Davao Region, providing technical assistance, and financial support for various projects. Their continued support will enable us to create a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to development planning, leading to higher economic outputs and the integration of fiscal and non-fiscal plans,” she said.
The ROD outlines the agreements on the implementation by both the Philippine and Japanese governments for the joint project, which aims to formulate a master plan to ensure the sustainable urban development of the metropolitan and its influence areas in the Davao Region.
Its main objective is to stimulate economic activity in the region while also addressing urban development and environmental conservation.
“The masterplan covers various critical aspects including developing agricultural and commercial industries, climate resilience, ecological balance, and integrity. It will assist us in planning for educational growth and developments, physical and technological connectivity, human and transportation mobility, and the enhancement of integrated health and social services,” Duterte said.
The master plan serves as a roadmap supporting the resource mobilization and service delivery of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA).
Moreover, it aims to solidify the cooperation and partnership of the 15 local government units (LGUs) comprising Metropolitan Davao, which was officially established as a special and administrative region with the passage of the MDDA Law in April 2022.
Metropolitan Davao includes the cities of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop in Davao del Sur; Carmen in Davao del Norte; Maco in Davao de Oro; and Malita and Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental.
Meanwhile, Balisacan urged the local chief executives of the 15 LGUs to give their all-out support to the project as it presents a great opportunity to realize the development prospects of Metropolitan Davao.
“There is a particular need to coordinate and promote socioeconomic growth and sustainable development in Metropolitan Davao. This collective development shall serve to benefit the 3.4 million residents of the area,” he said.
The implementation of the Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao is in line with the Marcos administration’s goals under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
Identified as one of the cross-cutting strategies of the PDP, the government seeks to develop greater collaboration between local and national governments by positioning them as equal partners in the development agenda of the country.
Sakamoto, for his part, said the initiative represents a significant advancement towards achieving robust and equitable development in Metro Davao.
“The selection of Davao as my official trip destination is not a mere coincidence. Rather, it is a strong and symbolic message of JICA’s seriousness to contribute to the equitable development of the entire Philippines,” he said in his speech.
JICA's support projects in the area include the Davao City Bypass Road, flood control and drainage improvement, and a comprehensive wastewater management masterplan. (PNA)
