From Davao City to Davao Occidental: MDDA Bill Promises Coordinated Growth

 

Metro Davao Development Authority Bill Nears Enactment, Says Sen. Bong Go

Davao City, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed confidence that the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority Act (MDDA Act) will soon be signed into law, setting the stage for a transformative shift in regional development and governance across the Davao Region.

Speaking to reporters after monitoring the Malasakit Center operations and overseeing financial assistance distribution at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Saturday, March 19, Go emphasized his commitment to advancing integrated planning and public service delivery in Southern Mindanao.

“I filed Senate Bill 2157. Ito pong Metro Davao Development Authority, suportado po ito ng mga kasamahan ko sa Senado. Ipinasa namin at inaasahan po namin na dumating na po ito sa mesa ng Pangulo and hopefully sana po kung maihabol sa March 21,” Go said. The Senate approved the consolidated measure on January 17, 2022.

“Meron pong ceremonial signing ang Pangulo sa Malacañang… maisali na rin po ito at finally magkakaroon na po tayo ng sarili nating MDDA,” he added, noting that the MDDA will align development priorities and boost coordination among local government units (LGUs) throughout the metropolitan area.

Expanded Jurisdiction in Senator Dela Rosa’s Proposal

In addition to Senator Go’s version of the bill, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa authored Senate Bill No. 2153, which sought to create the MDDA with a broader geographic scope that included several municipalities in Davao Occidental. His proposal was part of the discussions that helped shape the final consolidated measure.

During committee deliberations, Dela Rosa advocated for the inclusion of the following component local government units within the MDDA’s jurisdiction:

• Davao City

• City of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) – Davao del Norte

• Digos City – Davao del Sur

• Mati City – Davao Oriental

• Municipalities of:

  • Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, and Malalag – Davao del Sur

  • Carmen – Davao del Norte

  • Maco – Davao de Oro

  • Malita and Sta. Maria – Davao Occidental

Dela Rosa said the inclusion of those municipalities would ensure that the MDDA covers a more comprehensive metropolitan area encompassing the economic, social, and infrastructure interdependence across provincial boundaries. He also indicated that other future cities and municipalities created within these areas could be included as provided by law.

Why This Matters

Senator Dela Rosa’s expanded definition of the MDDA jurisdiction reflects a broader vision for regional cooperation and development — recognizing that urbanization and economic linkages do not stop at provincial lines and should include growing municipalities in Davao Occidental as part of long‑term integrated planning.

Once enacted, the MDDA will function as a centralized coordinating authority for metropolitan planning, transportation management, disaster response, solid waste management, urban renewal, land use planning, and infrastructure development across the region — all while preserving the autonomy of individual LGUs.

Next Steps

With strong backing from lawmakers and local executives, the MDDA Act is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening economic resilience, improving public services, and enhancing competitiveness for Metro Davao as a significant regional hub in southern Philippines.

Sources: Senate of the Philippines| rmn.ph | gmanetwork.com | senate.gov.ph | sunstart.com.ph | plitico.ph | newsline.ph | Senate Legislative Documents  | inquire.net | autoindustriya.com | neda.gov.ph |