Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has formed a steering body for the Metropolitan Davao Development Initiatives – a single direction towards developing the coastal cities and towns along the Davao Gulf.

The newly-formed Davao City Coordinating Committee will work closely with the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee (MDDCC) in seeing the proper implementation of the medium and long-term plans and programs of the city and its land use, consistent with regional and national development objectives and priorities.

Its functions also include preparation of priority programs and projects, identifying sources of funds, and packaging of projects for funding institutions. It will also ensure the proper monitoring of projects and programs and recommend solutions should there be problems of implementation.

Recall that MDDCC was created by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI as a transitory structure for inter-LGU cooperation that serves as a mechanism for coordinated planning, investment programming, project facilitation, and monitoring of the Metro Davao initiatives.

Each LGU within the Metro Davao needs to form a steering group to coordinate with the MDDCC.

Metro Davao comprises Davao City, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, and the Municipality of Carmen, Digos City, and the Municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur.

Mayor Sara, who is the chairperson of the Committee, is joined by Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte as co-chairman and members City Administrator Zuleika Lopez, Legal Officer Osmundo Villanueva, Jr., City Planning and Development Coordinator Ivan Cortez, OIC-City Engineer’s Office Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta, OIC-Interim Architect Office Clyde Eric Verga, Acting City Environment Chief Marivic Reyes, City Agriculturist chief Leo Brian Leuterio, and OIC City Traffic and Transport Management Office Dionisio Abude.

Also, members are Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Police Col Kirby John Kraft, OIC-District Engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engr. Richard Ragasa, Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Reynaldo Guillena, and the President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry John Carlo Tria. CIO