VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte recognized the joint efforts of local officials and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for crafting the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao.
The National Economic Development Authority and JICA signed the Philippine-Japan Technical Cooperation Project on Friday, Nov. 10, at SMX.
Duterte also thanked JICA for being a constant and invaluable development partner of the region, particularly on technical and financial assistance for various projects.
“Their continued support will enable us to create a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to development planning, leading to higher economic output and the integration of fiscal and non-fiscal plans,” she said in her message.
Duterte said the signing sheds light on the grand vision for a sustainable metropolis.
“The signing of the Record of Discussions for the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao is a significant milestone, marking the official start of the Philippine-Japan Technical Cooperation Project,” Duterte said.
Duterte also recognized the support and backing of NEDA in developing regional development plans and “ linking local government projects to funding agencies and other government partners.”
Meanwhile, the vice president said the master plan will stimulate a more balanced urban planning and development, covering agricultural and commercial industries, climate resilience, ecological balance, and integrity.
“It will assist us in planning for educational growth and development, physical and technological connectivity, human and transportation mobility, and the enhancement of integrated health and social services,” Duterte said.
“This also supports the national spatial strategy by facilitating regional agglomeration to encourage the growth of sub-regional centers and help pull developments into adjacent physical areas,” she added.
Duterte sees this as a gateway for a Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area.
As the former chairperson of the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Council of the Regional Development Council XI for 2018-2021, she lauded the efforts of the RDC XI for “ carrying the torch and continuing the vision.”
“We can empower more local economies in the Davao Region to be competitive and independently initiate economic and multi-disciplinary approaches with our BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN neighbors,” she added.
The vice president urged the stakeholders to “work towards a shared sense of responsibility and accountability as we generate commitments across different sectors and jurisdictions.”
Duterte is confident that the Metropolitan Davao Master Plan will contribute significantly to turning into reality the development plan outlined in the Philippine Vision 2040.
The master plan will ensure sustainable and balanced urban development in Metro Davao including agri-ecotourism and urban greening, Davao Gulf coastal resource management, land use planning, and joint service delivery of urban facilities and services such as traffic, housing, solid waste and wastewater, digital connectivity, water, energy, public security, and flood control.
Metro Davao was institutionalized by virtue of the Republic Act 11708, or the “Act creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority or the MDDA”, approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte on April 13, 2022.
