The evaluation was not only due to qualitative analysis but also of quantitative indicators like cost of electricity, water rates, cost of doing business,  and crime solution efficiencies.

Speaking of electricity, Meralco charges P10/KWh, DAVAO LIGHT charges only P6.44/KWH, VECO charges P6.92/KWh, Pampanga P7.63/KWh. Meralco is overcharging by P2 to P3 per KWh, despite all of them paying the same taxes.

The situational analysis that Davao City is blessed to have one of the best tasting water in the world. In terms of quality, it is next to Netherlands. It is also abundant with Mount Apo as its recharge point.  A study shows there is a giant aquifer covering large areas from Calinan to Dumoy and Toril.  Water is one of the major assets of Davao City in terms of luring more investors.

While other major Philippine cities are either suffering from water source insufficiency, poor quality, salt water and high processing cost, Davao City enjoys an abundant ground water source and quality equaling or even exceeding around 74,088.637 liters/day.

One of the most serious problem is the incidence of frequent recurrence of flash floods
brought about by rapid urbanization. The city is cognizant of the flooding problem, thus measures are now embarked. Major drainage and laterals in the Poblacion area are built  and
other canals improved. There are three (3) major areas considered:

1)  In the south, the areas covering Toril district along the alignment of Marapangi creek,
      Lipadas River and portions of Tugbok and Calinan district, with an approximate are of
      12,854 hectares.

2)  Along the alignment of Talomo River covering the areas of Matina Pangi, Matina Aplaya,
      Langub, Magtuod, Maa and Talomo Proper with an area of about 12,857 hectares.

3)  Along the alignment of Davao River covering the areas of Poblacion, Agdao, Buhanging,  
      Tigatto, Pampanga, Sasa and Panacan up to the alignment of Lasang river in the north,
      with an area of about 9,398 hectares.

The rapid population growth WAS already anticipated by the city planners. There was a proposed transportation route system, the plan seeks to establish on a long term basis, a mass transport system including LRT system for the city to ensure efficiency of circulation and minimize maintenance cost of roads. The plan shows efficient linkages among the identified zones of the city as well as flow of people, goods and services in the citys outlying barangays. Soon to happen.

Carrying out the Comprehensive Development Plan of the city is now being reviewed, including the Zoning Ordinance.

Admirable indeed, Mayor Duterte’s vision is to make Davao City livable for the present and future generations to come. The City government consistently pursued a policy geared towards the optimal utilization and development of its finite human as well as natural resources, within the context of balanced ecology, empowered citizenry, and the emerging circumstances surrounding the City’s Role in the Asia Pacific Region more particularly in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), as a major investment center.

Long Live Davao City!  Viva Davao City!

(Writer is financial planner, practicing CPA, ex-international banker, President of MPV Asset Management Company. She can be reached at mpvaldez_2000@yahoo.com or 0919-743-7365)