DAVAO City is eyed to become a “Smart City” based on the study presented by Palafox company during the Metro Davao Urban Master Plan third public consultation Thursday, July 19.

Palafox communications manager Mikey Ramos said, “Davao City has a potential in becoming the next ‘Smart City’ in the future because of its social welfare programs.”

Ramos said that through the enactment of Peace 911 in the city, social services on security are delivered to Dabawenyos.

The Peace 911 created by Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio aims to solve insurgencies in the hinterlands. Through localizing the goal to attain peace in the community, Peace 911 is seen to solve issues on peace through providing livelihood programs.

Among the plans proposed in the event are the Davao Gulf Bridge that will connect Davao to Samal Island; Roxas Park and Sky Garden, which is a renovation of the city’s Night Market; and Marina Cruise and Ferry Port, a cruise port for international cruise ships and other sea transporting vessels.

Municipalities like Sta. Cruz and Carmen remain to be potential industries for agriculture.

Ramos also said that Panabo is also a prospective harbor city.

“We are looking at Panabo to be another huge port for different ship cargos coming into the region. Davao is already accommodating a lot of shipment cargos so we have to look into different possible locations and Panabo is a best fit,” Ramos said.

He added that Davao, Tagum, and Digos cities are also best in knowledge-process industries demanded by BPO industries. The emerging number of universities in these places, Ramos said, is a factor for economic development.