As part of the 12-Step process in comprehensive land use planning, the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) XI reviewed the City Government of Davao’s draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), 2019-2028 during its 3^rd quarter meeting on August 23, 2021.  The review was participated by the members of the RLUC XI, its Technical Working Group (TWG), and representatives of other reviewing agencies.   

By virtue of Executive Order No. 72, series of 1993, which provides for the preparation and implementation of the CLUPs of local government units pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991 and other pertinent laws, and EO 770, s. 2008, the RLUC XI is tasked to review the comprehensive land use plans of highly urbanized cities to ensure their consistency with the Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) and national policies set forth by the National Land Use Committee (NLUC).

During the meeting, City Planning and Development Coordinator (CPDC) Ivan L. Cortez presented the salient features of the draft City Government of Davao CLUP, 2019 – 2028.   As espoused in the draft CLUP, Davao City shall implement a multi-nodal concentric spatial strategy to connect growth and satellite areas to urban areas,  improve the flow of farm input and services and accessibility of crops, fruits and other food products, and elevate livability factor by allowing nodes and districts to flourish as pocket socio-economic centers.  The districts of Poblacion, Talomo, Agdao, Buhangin and Toril shall continue to serve as the major growth centers, while districts of Tugbok and Bunawan shall serve as the minor growth centers. 

RLUC XI Secretary Rosendo M. Aya-ay presented the consolidated comments and recommendations of the 12 government agencies representing the RLUC XI TWG, and seven other reviewing agencies identified in the 2013 CLUP Guidelines issued by the then Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), which is now under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

On the overall assessment, the draft CLUP of Davao City is found to be compliant in terms of Process.  It is substantive and compliant in terms of the Form and Content, with recommended enhancements.   Thus, the RLUC XI issued a Resolution endorsing the recommendations of RLUC XI members, TWG, and reviewing agencies for the enhancement of Davao City’s CLUP, 2019-2028.

RLUC XI Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim congratulated the City Government of Davao and recognized their effort in coming up with the updated comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinance.   She said that the enhanced version of the CLUP will be presented during the RDC XI 4^th quarter meeting on December 2021.   She believes that with the Davao City’s CLUP, 2019-2028, adoption and enactment of the zoning ordinance will pave the way for the realization of Davao City’s vision as a “a globally livable City and a center of excellence in governance, investment, tourism, climate change adaptation, disaster resiliency, and sustainable growth driven by an empowered citizenry”.

The Davao City’s CLUP, 2019-2028 is already the fifth edition following the formulation of the 1996 CLUP and enactment of its Zoning Ordinance. 

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-Ruth C. Lasquite, NEDA XI