FOOD security in Tagum City will be tackled in this year’s Tagum City Urban Development 2018, a summit spearheaded by the local government unit staged today at the Tagum City Government Center.
“Tagum city is urbanizing and in fact our present production rates right now from our agriculture can only fit up to 10 percent of our total population,” Tagum City Planning and Development Office (CPDC) officer Arturo B. Manigo Jr. said, underscoring the importance of managing development in securing the future of food supply for the city.
Philippine Statistics Authority 11 (PSA 11) records show Tagum City has a population estimated at 259,000 as of 2015. The city is the largest in terms of population size in Davao del Norte, followed by Panabo city with 184,599 in the same period.
“The urban summit is conceptualized originally for Tagum City, but of course it will affect all of us,” Manigo said adding that nearby cities and municipalities in Davao del Norte can also benefit from the summit in terms of addressing concerns in their own respective areas.
Tagum Urban Development Summit coordinator and environment planner Clint Calledo said this year’s summit is expected to address sustainability for agriculture sector, environmental awareness, and the encourage use of green infrastructure.
Manigo also underscored the importance of local laws and ordinances that will support and sustain the city's efforts on the development of Tagum City.
“Because Tagum is only 19,580 hectares (ha), we want progress but it should be a managed development progress, so that our Tagum can be for all people from all walks of life,” Manigo said.