The signing ceremony of the Records of Discussion between the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Friday officially kickstarted the formulation of the Metropolitan Davao Master Plan.
Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of NEDA and JICA chief representative Sakamoto Takema signed the technical cooperation project on the Metro Davao Master Plan at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday.
The signing also signifies that the Davao Region can now look forward for the implementation of a metropolitan development approach, the first outside Metro Manila and at the same time, a s stronger Philippine-Japan Development Cooperation through this project.
Metropolitan Davao was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11708 approved by former president Rodrigo Duterte on April 13, 2022, entitled “an act creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority or MDDA.”
The MDDA covers 15 local government units (LGUs) in the Davao Region namely the cities of Davao, Tagum, Panabo, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Digos, and Mati; municipalities of Carmen, Maco, Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, Sulop, Sta. Maria and Malita.
It was created to coordinate and implement services across its component LGUs in the areas of development planning, transport management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control, and sewerage management, urban renewal, zoning, land use planning and shelter services, health and sanitation.
Takema said for the success of the project, JICA will send experts from Japan and that it is also essential that officials in Davao Region and the JICA experts will form and work as a team.
“They will work together, share their experience and knowledge and I am sure that we can see the brilliant future of Metropolis Davao,” Takema said in his message.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has served as chairperson of the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee (MDCCC), expressed confidence that implementing the Metropolitan Davao Master Plan will significantly contribute to achieving the overall development plan outlined in the Philippine Vision 2040.
“Above all, this plan is not just for us but for future generations. It will allow our children to enjoy the fruits of our hard work and benefit from the competitive advantage of expanding and building on diversified strengths,” she said in her message.
