-Most progressive cities in India
-Only 3 American cities in the list (Las Vegas, Atlanta and Austin)
by Antonio M. Ajero
DAVAO, which had been adjudged the most livable city in the Philippines during the last decade, is now one of the fastest growing cities of the world.
It is ranked No. 87 of the world’s fastest growing cities in the most recent listing of The City Mayors Foundation, an international think thank of urban affairs, and organizer of the World Mayor Project which has been awarding the World Mayor Prize since 2004.
Davao is the only Philippine city in the top 100.
It is listed with a projected average annual growth rate of 2.53 percent from 2006 to 2020.
The tables provide assumed annual growth rates for cities and urban areas between 2006 and 2020. The assumptions are based on past growth/decline and forecasts by international and national statistics organizations.
No. 1 in the list is Beihai, a city in China, with an assumed growth rate of 10.58 percent, followed by Ghaziad of India, with 5.2 percent; Sana’a of Yemen, 5 percent; Surat of India, 4.99, and Kabul in Afghanista, 4.74.
Twenty-four cities in the top 100 are in India, eight in China, seven in Pakistan, four in Indonesia, three in Mexico and three in the United States of America (Las Vegas, Atlanta and Austin).
The other Philippine city, Metro Manila, appears in the next 100, particularly No. 190 with a growth rate of only 1.55. No other city in the Philippines appears in the top 300.
Earlier, Davao was listed among the 40 most livable cities in Asia by the defunct Asiaweek, news magazine, which ranked the cities annually for five years. In the beginning, Davao was one of the three Philippine cities in the list trailing behind Cebu and Manila. After three years, it overtook Manila and Cebu to become the most livable in the Philippines.
City Planning and Development Coordinator Roberto Alabado III said “this is another recognition that our city is on the right track to becoming a truly world class city.”
“The business-friendly environment, the urban infrastructure, social and protective services continue to attract investors and migrants to enjoy he fruits of the most livable city in the Philippines,” Alabado said.
He added that “this is a challenge to all of us
To provide more quality services and infrastructure to further enhance our quality of living.”
“The biggest recognition for Davao City so far!” This was the reaction of Eriberto Barrriga Jr., executive vice president of ICT-Davao, Inc.
“It only proves that when the entire community work together and put behind, principalities, differing opinions and vested interests, amazing things really happen,” said Barriga, who also chairs of the Regional IT and e-Commerce Committee of the Regional Development Council in Region 11.
Barriga said Mayor Sara is doing a great job in maintaining the ecosystem, though “a lot of work still need to be done but only through shared passion and commitment will we see Davao in the Top 10!”
“Great and exciting things are just looming in the horizon for Davao,” Barriga said.
Dr. Pilar C. Braga, chairman of the Davao City Council on trade and commerce said “our city planners should work double time to catch up with development, revisit zoning ordinance, traffic and transport management, food security, urban housing for informal settlers, etc. etc.”
“Good news! Let’s promote this story. It will be great for tourism and will bring in more investment into the city,” said Vicente Lao, chair of the Mindanao Business Council.
Prof. Adrian Tamayo, an economic researcher based in the University of Mindanao, has this to say:
“Davao City;s macroeonomic fundamentals are in place: peace and order, investment promotions, good and effective local governance, infrastructures such as roads, bridges, and ports.
“The spike in the construction industry attributable to the increasing number of malls, condominiums and other property projects shows the attractiveness of the city as retirement haven, for conventions, and tourism.”
Dr. Malou G. Monteverde, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president, said that Davao City is honored to be recognized with the international think tank dedicated to urban affairs and good governance…
“It shows the strong governance of the Dutertes ever since,” she said.
She said “these are fruits of the hard work and the balancing act of developing innovative and sustainable solutions to urban problems of housing, transport, education and employment coupled with environmental, technological, social and security challenges especially our peace and order situation…working for harmony with the other drivers such as the economic sector and benchmarking other national and international cities.”
“The challenge now for Davaoenos is how to sustain the growth and manage the risks and problems that comes with rapid urbanization,” she added.
