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Greater integration of an improved multimodal transport system and development of appropriate logistics facilities are needed to achieve the vision of Davao as southern Philippines’ international logistics
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The vision is one of the strategies under the Davao Regional Development Plan 2023 to 2028
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The region is eyed as an international logistics hub given its strategic location as an international trade gateway to Asian trading markets
Greater integration of an improved multimodal freight transport system and development of appropriate logistics facilities are needed to achieve the vision of Davao as southern Philippines’ international logistics hub.
The vision is one of strategies under the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2023 to 2028, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 11 officer-in-charge-assistant regional director Rosendo Aya-ay said in a presentation during the recent 5th Mindanao Shipping Conference organized by PortCalls.
Specifically, it calls for improvement of facilities in cities and municipalities identified under the proposed Davao Integrated Port Complex to enhance international and inter- and intra-regional travel and trade linkages in Davao Gulf.
DRDP 2023-2028, approved by the Regional Development Council XI in December 2022, serves as the blueprint for Davao Region’s development directions from 2023 to 2028. It highlights recommendations on the overall direction of the spatial development of the region, as well as strategies to develop and protect individuals’ and families’ capabilities, and to transform production sectors to generate more quality jobs and produce locally and globally competitive products.
Davao as an international logistics hub was originally proposed by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao, under its former district collector Atty Erasmus Sandino Austria, given the region’s strategic location as gateway to Asian trading markets such as China, Japan, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Aya-ay said Chapter 17 of the DRDP is focused on achieving the vision of Davao Region becoming a logistics hub, harnessing the potentials and opportunities of Davao Gulf and the region with its resilient and rich biodiversity as a haven for human growth and development.
He said several strategies under the DRDP should be pursued to achieve the vision, including the development of an efficient and integrated transportation system which implies facilities and services for sea land and air transport are integrated and connected across and between these modes, especially for freight to support trade efficiency and productivity.
For improved multimodal freight transport system, all national primary, secondary, and tertiary road network systems, especially those that lead to seaports and airports, should be upgraded to high-quality standard specification, according to the plan.
Aya-ay said the road network must be integrated to sea lanes in the Davao Gulf and directly connected to the primary arterial inter-regional road network of the region.
A road traffic decongestion program, including the widening of national roads and bridges, construction of high standard highways/expressways as well as construction of bypasses/diversion roads, flyovers interchanges and underpasses, should also be implemented.
As well, the capacity and efficiency of all public ports along Davao Gulf must be increased to improve sea lanes and the overall logistical capability in the region.
For Sasa port, the improvement of facilities for international and transshipment of cargo with state-of-the-art port operations support equipment must be pursued.
The modernization of Sasa port will support the improvement of connectivity and efficiency among urban centers and regional growth hubs which in turn will strengthen the positioning of Davao as a metropolitan center and international logistics hub in southern Philippines.
The capacity of Davao International Airport should also be increased through modernization of facilities.
The implementation of Republic Act No. 11708, also known as the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority Act, is “on its way”, Aya-ay said, adding NEDA has already submitted the draft implementing rules and regulations to the Office of the President.
A nominee for the position of chair has even been endorsed.
Meanwhile, DRDP said it is essential that support facilities for the port complex in Davao Gulf should be developed. These include terminals and exchange points, road terminals, water terminals, rail terminals, warehousing and depots, logistics centers, storage, materials handling, cross-docking, consolidation and break bulking, and value-added logistics.
Finally, DRDP said there is a need to pay close attention to planning the land use of cities and municipalities hosting ports and logistics facilities under the proposed DIPC. – Roumina Pablo
