The Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) XI convened, through online video conferencing, for its 3^rd Quarter CY 2020 Regular Meeting on 8 September 2020 wherein three project proposals and updates on a newly-created government entity were discussed.

In his opening message, the IDC XI Chairperson and DPWH XI Regional Director Allan S. Borromeo informed the members that the “Build, Build, Build” Program remains to be a priority of the Duterte Administration as the implementation of crucial infrastructure projects shall help in the recovery of the national economy after reporting a 16.5 percent contraction in the gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2^nd quarter of CY 2020.

The Committee recommended to RDC XI the endorsement of the proposal of the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) for the conduct of Local Government Unit Capacity Development on the Preparation of
Hydrologic Studies to the People Survival Fund Board. This project aims to improve the Region’s resiliency to the effects of climate change through the integration of the hydrologic studies of local basins in the LGUs’ Local Climate Change Action Plan.

Meanwhile, the proposed Davao City Expressway Project was not endorsed due to the change in the implementation modality and financing strategy from Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Public-Private-Partnership (PPP). Said modification necessitates a revised set of project documents from DPWH that will be reviewed and evaluated by the Secretariat. The proposed project as designed is a 29.21 kilometer two-lane per direction 60-80 kilometer per hour expressway divided into three sections (Section 1 – Davao City Coastal Road to Ma-a Interchange, Section 2 – Panacan Interchange to Ma-a Interchange, and Ma-a Interchange to Dumoy Interchange). The objective of the project is primarily to improve the transport logistics and trip conditions of residents in the downtown area with an elevated highway to the port and airport.

The endorsement of the Proposed Mati Fish Port Project, which involves the reclamation of a 5-hectare area within the Pujada Bay, was likewise deferred pending the submission of the required documents including the Environmental Compliance Certificate, among others. The Proposed Mati Fish Port Project shall (1) Provide the fishers with a terminal point for the unloading or loading of fish and other aquatic products, (2) Centralize fish trading activities in an area with the proper business climate, (3) Reduce spoilage through fast, systematic and sanitary practices, (4) Develop and boost the fishing industry of the area; and (5) Generate date in pursuance to the fisheries development plan of the national government.

Also covered in the meeting were updates on the Operationalization of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Mandatory Establishment of Local Housing Boards/Offices. Local Housing Boards are important considering its powers and functions, namely: (1) Monitor all evictions and demolition activities, (2) Secure from the Board the checklist, Compliance Certificate (COC); and (3) Issuance of Eviction and Demolition COC on a proposed eviction and demolition.