by Antonio M. Ajero
DABAWENYOS have identified more than 50 factors behind the growth and progress of Davao City in the past and most likely in the coming years.
This, according to an opinion survey conducted through text messaging by Edge Davao during the period of November 15-17.
Of the 120 persons “texted,” 102 responded and listed what they thought were the reasons behind the phenomenal economic growth of this extended community that is home to 1.5 million people which will celebrate its 75the year as a chartered city in March of 2012.
“Stable peace and order” was at top of the list of 45 poll respondents, followed by “transparent, strong and effective governance” with 44 votes.
“Being an investment-friendly place ’’ and its year-round “favorable weather” shared third place with 15 votes each, followed by “excellent quality of manpower resource ” with 14 votes.
“Vast tracts of land for development” and “friendly and hospitable people” got 13 votes each to land in 5th place.
The other factors cited were “its good schools” with 10 points, “media” 9 points, “strong and dynamic civil society” 8 points.
Five factors got 7 votes each: “abundant potable water,” “abundant power supply,” “aggressive migrants,” “strategic location” and “affordable lifestyle.”
“Presence of basic infrastructure facilities” scored 6, while “tourism” got 5 votes, the same as two others –“effective police and military enforcers” and “strong public-private sector partnership.”
The other factors that served as magnets for growth and progress of the city were the “low cost of business operation,” “business process outsourcing industry,” particularly call centers, “banks,” “aggressive property and real estate developers,” “competitive cost of labor,”
“expats” referring to Chinese and South Koreans, “malls and condominiums,” “ICT industry,” and “economic progress” itself.
Also listed were “popular support for local government unit officials,” “support for SMEs (small medium enterprises),” “smooth vehicular traffic,” transportation facilities such as “international airport and seaports,” “abundance of raw materials,” “excellent medical facilities,” “top caliber medical professionals,” “critical mass of consumers,” “leisurely pace of life,” “abundance of fruits and vegetables,” “mystical charm of the city,” advent in the city of the country’s top property developers and mall makers like Ayala, Henry Sy, Gokongwei, “consumer’s growing buying power,” the city’s “good image in the country and abroad,” the “overseas Filipino workers,” “the church,” “Central 911,” “strong middle class,” “honesty of the citizens,” “award-winning chamber of commerce,” “outstanding entrepreneurs,” “tax incentives,” “good food,” and Davao Cty’s being “a melting pot for migrants.”
The opinion poll respondents included influential business leaders, some government officials, lawyers, a few media practitioners, professionals, civic leaders and prominent members of civil society and corporate executives.
The Dutertes
In both “peace and order” and “good governance” factors, the names of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte were mentioned at least 8 times, lauding their political will in implementing ordinances that have improved the discipline of the citizenry.
Among those who responded to the text poll survey were former Local Government OIC secretary Lito Monico Lorenzana, his businessman son Carlo,Davao City Chamber of Commerce president Dr. Malu G. Monteverde, seven other past presidents of the Davao City Chamber, mining company executive Rogelio “Jing” Bantayan, business leader and Rotarians Jesse Fortich, Oscar Paras and Virgilio Sojor, Butch Jocom, banker and Rotary past district governor Boy Reyes, Trade regional director Marizon Loreto, peace panel member Ednar G. Dayanghirang,
Former justice secretary Silvestre Bello III, lawyer Samuel Matunog of the software industry, retired development planner architect Chito Gavino,
banana industry executive Stephen Antig, Assistant secretary Yo Montenegro of Mindanao Development Authority, three city councilors, and many others.
Fastest growing cities
In a related development, data obtained by Edge Davao indicated that Cotabato is the country’s fastest growing city in population with an average annual rate of 6.52 percent, followed by Lapu-lapu 4.20, Puerto Princesa with 3.68, Zamboanga with 3.54, General Santos with 3.53, Quezon with 2.92, Mandaue with 2.86, Lucena and Angeles with 2.61, Cagayan de Oro with 2.54 and Baguio with 2.50.
Davao City with 2.44 is only no. 11 in the list.
No. 87
Davao City is listed No. 87 fastest growing city in the world by the City Mayors Foundation, an international think tank which looks into local affairs.
Davao is the only Philippine city listed in the top 100. In the same list, only five Asean cities are included. The first four are found in Indonesia, while the fifth is Davao.
The next top 100 (numbers 101 to 200) listed Manila as No. 190.
