One of the good things that has happened to the Davao Region is the establishment of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority or MDDA.
The MDDA came into being after President Duterte last April 27 signed Republic Act No. 11708, “An act creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority,” thereby establishing the special development and administrative region out of six cities and nine municipalities into Metropolitan Davao.
Metro Davao is composed of the cities of Davao, and Panabo, Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, Digos City in Davao del Sur, Mati City in Davao Oriental and the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag and Sulop in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Malita and Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental and Maco in Davao de Oro.
Like-minded leaders in the area agree that the MDDA will be a boon to the region’s development.
RA 11708 was authored by Davao City’s 3rd District Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, while its senate version was pushed by Sen. Francis Tolentino.
The group behind the MDDA idea is headed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The MDDA will certainly have added impetus if Inday Sara will eventually become the country’s vice president.
MDDA will facilitate the convergence of the best minds which will maximize the region’s potentials.
If the MDDA proves to be a success in the future, it will inspire the formation of more “development authorities” in other regions of Mindanao. It will even enhance the idea of federalism.
