Japan and the Philippines sign an agreement for the Metro Davao master plan programme
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METRO DAVAO. National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (left) and Japan International Cooperation Agency Philippines chief representative Sakamoto Takema lead the signing ceremony of the Records of Discussion for the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao at SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday (Nov. 10, 2023). The projects will stimulate economic activity in the region while also addressing urban development and environmental conservation. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
MindanaoHerald | Japan and the Philippines sign an agreement for the Metro Davao master plan programme | DAVAO CITY – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) signed the Record of Discussions (ROD) here on Friday. This is part of the process of making a master plan for the long-term and complete growth of cities in Metropolitan Davao.
The signing was led by Arsenio Balisacan, who is Secretary of NEDA, and Sakamoto Takema, who is the head of JICA in the Philippines.
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte was there to see it.
Duterte said in her speech that the partnership agreement was a big step forward that marked the start of the “grand vision for a sustainable metropolis in the region.”
“The JICA has been an important development partner in the Davao Region for many years, helping with technical issues and giving money to different projects.” “With their continued support, we will be able to make development planning more comprehensive and cross-sectoral, which will lead to higher economic outputs and the integration of fiscal and non-fiscal plans,” she said.
The ROD lists the deals that both the Philippine and Japanese governments have made about how to carry out the joint project. The goal of the project is to create a master plan for the long-term growth of the metropolitan area and the areas that it affects in the Davao Region.
The main goal of the plan is to boost the economy in the area while also focusing on environmental protection and urban growth.
“The masterplan includes many important parts, such as growing the business and agricultural sectors, being able to handle climate change, maintaining ecological balance, and being honest. Duterte said, “It will help us plan for educational growth and developments, physical and technological connectivity, human and transportation mobility, and the improvement of health and social services that work together better.”
The master plan helps the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) get resources and provide services by giving them a road map.
It also wants to strengthen the partnerships and teamwork between the 15 local government units (LGUs) that make up Metropolitan Davao. Metropolitan Davao became a special administrative region when the MDDA Law was passed in April 2022.
The cities of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal are in Davao del Norte. Digos City is in Davao del Sur, and Mati City is in Davao Oriental. In Davao del Sur, the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop are in Davao del Sur, as are Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita and Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental.
At the same time, Balisacan asked the local chief executives of the 15 LGUs to fully back the project because it is a great chance for Metropolitan Davao to reach its growth goals.
“It is especially important for Metropolitan Davao to coordinate and push for socioeconomic growth and long-term development.” “This collective development will help the 3.4 million people who live in the area,” he said.
Following the steps in the Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao is in line with the goals set by the Marcos government in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028.
As part of the PDP’s cross-cutting strategy, the government wants to make it easier for local and national governments to work together by making them equal partners in the country’s growth plan.
From his point of view, Sakamoto said that the plan was a big step toward strong and fair growth in Metro Davao.
“I didn’t just pick Davao as my official trip location by accident. He said in his speech, “Rather, it is a strong and symbolic message of JICA’s seriousness to contribute to the fair development of the whole Philippines.”
The Davao City Bypass Road, better flood control and drainage, and a complete wastewater management masterplan are some of the projects that JICA is helping with in the area.(via PNA)
