Metropolitan Davao unlocks new development ideas thru JICA master plan

Metropolitan Davao is another step closer to its vision of sustainable and inclusive development as key stakeholders convened to advance the Project for the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan. The Project’s 2nd Steering Committee Meeting was held on December 2, 2024, at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City to present the Progress Report to the members of the Steering Committee and discuss the next steps for the Metro Davao Master Plan which will identify development priorities in the area covering the period of 2025 to 2045.

This partnership between the Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) seeks to transform Metropolitan Davao into a model growth area through a balance of economic progress, environmental conservation, and improved urban management. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Priscilla R. Sonido, Regional Director of NEDA XI with participants from the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies, Consulate General of Japan in Davao, and JICA. JICA Expert Team (JET) Leader Mr. Ken Kumazawa shared a presentation on land use optimization, transportation network improvements, and sectoral integration to address critical challenges, such as disaster risks and education for industry readiness.

Further supporting the project, a Workshop on Citizen-centered, Data-driven Urban Management was conducted on December 4, 2024, at the JICA Philippines Office. Experts from both the Philippines and Japan discussed international trends in urban management, the application of smart technologies, and the importance of fostering citizen-centered solutions. It featured discussions from Dr. Tetsuo Kidokoro, Metropolitan Management Growth Expert, JET, and Prof. John Justine Villar, of the National Center for Transportation Studies of the University of the Philippines, Diliman highlighting cutting-edge practices in smart urban mobility and data-driven logistics.

JICA Senior Representative FUKUI Keisuke emphasized the significance of early action, drawing parallels with challenges faced in other urban centers like Metro Manila. “This master plan is timely that by working together now, we can ensure Metro Davao avoids urban pitfalls of larger cities and sets a benchmark for sustainable metropolitan development.”

JICA’s involvement transcends traditional urban planning by offering capacity development efforts, including training in Japan, to equip Philippine agencies and LGUs with expertise needed to sustain the master plan. These efforts and the holistic approach cover critical areas such as traffic management, disaster risk reduction, agri-tourism, and urban greening, among others.

Once realized, the plan is expected to benefit all the residents in Metropolitan Davao, while creating ripples of economic growth across Mindanao and the Philippines.

Stakeholders reaffirm their commitment in moving forward to create a resilient, inclusive, and thriving Metropolitan Davao. The collaboration exemplifies the power of international partnerships in addressing global urban challenges with localized solutions.

During the 2nd Steering Committee meeting for Davao’s Urban Development Master Plan.