Davao City inks MOU with PRA for Davao City Reclamation Project

Davao City officials and representatives from the Philippine Reclamation Authority on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, signed a Memorandum of Understanding – in line with the application of the city to reclaim and develop more or less 57 hectares along the reclaimable areas enclosed by the Davao City Coastal Road Project in Davao City.

The signing was led by Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, Acting City Administrator, Atty. Francis Mark Layog, Atty Janilo. E. Rubiato General Manager and CEO and PRA member of the Board, and two more PRA members of the board, Mr. Dioscorro E. Esteban Jr. and Mr. Nolasco K. Bathan.

Davao City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Ivan C. Cortez, in a message during the MOU signing, said that the application stems from the strategy of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in avoiding structures along the Davao City Coastal Road.

“The city government deemed it necessary to secure the spaces between the coastline and the coastal road with the Philippine Reclamation Authority as one of the first steps in ensuring we can develop the space properly as warranted by socioeconomic and environmental demands of the city,” he said.

Cortez said that on March 18, 2018, a letter of intent was officially sent by the City Mayor’s Office to the PRA. From then on, the city worked with various offices concerned and processed the documentary requirements, including the financial requirements.

Among the requirement is the Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution and Ordinance authorizing the City Mayor to enter and sign, on behalf of the City of Davao, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and PRA relative to the application for reclamation along Davao City Coastal Road Project in Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte said that the initial plan is for the reclaimed to become an open space for people to enjoy leisure activities.

Rubiato said that their office has determined that the city is pre-qualified for the reclamation. He said that the MOU basically outlines the requirements and the deadlines for submission.

He added that the reclamation is a good thing because persons living along the coastline, Bago Aplaya-Agdao, may occupy the said area even without proper engineering.

“Without proper engineering, the structural integrity of the reclaimed land won’t be sustained and the environment would not be protected. With our guidance, we will make sure that the city, the plans of the city and the methodology will be okay so that the structural filling up of the submerged area will be to the standard. Importantly, the environment will be protected if there will be effects at least we can institute mitigating measures,” he said.

Cortez added that some portion of the 57 hectares applied for may not be totally reclaimed because some portions will be allotted for fishermen. CIO