An agreement reached between President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and Mega Harbour Port and Development, Inc. has paved the way for the construction of a P38-billion port city and the mounting of an urban renewal program in Davao within the next five years.
The Davao Coastline and Port Development Project was signed by the outgoing Davao mayor and Mega Harbour representatives on June 21.
The project includes a world-class port city where an industrial park-cum-international port and a commercial business district will rise. The central business district will be host to business process outsourcing establishments, banks, a convention center, and malls.
At the same time, an urban renewal program will be established, featuring a flood control mechanism to be built across the proposed port city to alleviate flooding of the coastal residential area comprised of Agdao and Poblacion Districts and Barangay Bucana, and regain the lost coastline of Davao City.
With the renewal program, this coastal area is expected to be transformed into a well-planned and self-contained community. The project will work within the present community structure and seek ways to provide the residents with amenities and services that will uplift their living conditions.
The stretch of the coastal residential district will be lined with greenery, main roads will be cleared, and zoning is to be rationalized. Pockets of organized commercial outlets will be in place to showcase local products.
“It is a bold venture for urban renewal and poverty alleviation,” Mega Harbour said in a statement. “These improvements shall include environmental solutions that will mitigate possible dangers in the future.”
It pointed out these enhancements will help improve the socioeconomic standing of coastal residents by promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and providing employment opportunities.
The project will also adopt the green urbanism concept where care for the environment and following the natural footprint of Davao are prime considerations. From the regained coastline, hotels and resorts will be built.
All this, Mega Harbour said, will strengthen Davao City’s stake in the tourism and convention industry.
“Opportunities shall abound (born) of this development. Benefits shall accrue to Davao City and most especially to the residents of Agdao and Poblacion Districts up to Bgy. Bucana. And, highly advantageous multiplier effects shall materialize and fulfill the promise of a progressive future for Davao City,” Mega Harbour said.
The company is the country’s first port city developer under businessman Reghis Romero II’s conglomerate (RII Builders) whose track record includes port development and operations, township development, low-cost housing, and property management.
