law creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) in a bid to “spur economic growth and hasten delivery of services” in Metropolitan Davao.
Senator Francis Tolentino on Thursday announced at a panel hearing the approval of various measures, seeking to create the MDDA to be composed by Davao City, as well as cities and towns from Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental.
At least three enabling legislations proposed in Senate Bill Nos. 2116, 2153, and 2157 were separately filed by Senators Imee Marcos, Ronald Dela Rosa, and Christopher Go that will be reconciled with its counterpart House Bill No. 8930 filed by Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab.
Also in attendance at the Senate hearing on the bill was presidential daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, affirming support for the creation of the MDDA, even as the mayor indicated she would consult the Regional Development Council on some provisions of the bill, including the power to grant franchise to public utility vehicles operating within MDDA and the election of MDDA chairman.
At the same time, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) endorsed the creation of the MDDA, seeing the move is consistent with the national and regional development plans of the Duterte government.
Moreover, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Regional Director Alex Roldan, also conveyed support for the creation of the MDDA, assuring senators the DILG is “willing to restructure its offices in the area, if needed.”
For their part, DILG officials also conveyed support for the proposal, even as Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa pushed for the inclusion of municipalities of Padada, Hagonoy, Sta. Maria, and Malalag, Davao del Sur in the MDDA. Mayor Duterte assured him that Davao City interposes no objection to the inclusion of these municipalities.