AMBASSADOR of Singapore to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei Hong said the island nation will support the endeavor of Davao City to address the housing problem among informal settlers.

During a courtesy visit with Mayor Sebastian Duterte on November 11, the ambassador said Singapore’s housing model could be studied and incorporated into Davao City.

He also suggested other housing options such as incentives for informal settlers, securing funding from international agencies, and replicating quality public housing models.

Duterte said providing proper housing for informal settlers is a priority that goes hand-in-hand with Davao City’s overall growth.

“I would not want for our informal settlers to be left out. I am still looking for a model that will be feasible for the city. We remain optimistic that this concern will be addressed comprehensively by the city but we welcome the technical assistance and help being offered by the Singaporean embassy on this matter,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Duterte also met with the ambassador of Argentina to the Philippines Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, and the Indonesian Consul to Davao City Dr. Achmad Djatmiko on November 11.

During Duterte and Bocalandro’s meeting, the two leaders expressed interest to establish a sister city relationship between Davao City and an Argentinian city.

The potential Argentinian sister cities are Mendoza, which is the largest wine producer in Argentina, and Rosario and Cordoba, which are known for their tourism and education.

“Our shared goal of mutual trust and linking with other countries for partnership in whatever possible aspect is one key to our city’s further growth,” Duterte said.

On the other hand, Duterte and the Indonesian Consul Djatmiko expressed mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships between Davao City and Indonesia, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investments, security, culture, and education. ICM