MINDANAO Development Authority (Minda) Secretary Datu Hj. Abul Khayr Alonto said changing the form of government into federalism can boost in the fast-tracking of the Metro Davao Urban Development Plan.
Alonto underscored the importance of having a more empowered regional state government in forwarding huge and ambitious plans to develop cities like Davao.
By changing the current government system, Alonto added, Mindanao can decide for its own.
“Because a unitary type of government system does not help in developing Mindanao, it only holds progress,” Alonto said during a media briefing on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at Casa Leticia Hotel, Davao City.
Alonto added by strengthening the regions through autonomy in a federal type of government, projects and development like the Davao urban development plan can be faster and efficient because bureaucratic processes will be lessened.
Palafox principal architect-urban planner, president, and founder Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. underscored the relevance of the shift of government's effect on the economic development of the future metro Davao.
Palafox said the city can earn more directly given with the future investors of the city with the development plan.
“Davao could even earn bigger with the shift of government,” Palafox said.
Alonto said the region states can decide on how to use their income independently with the economic effect brought by federalism.
Alonto added it is already high time to shift the attention of development outside the imperial Manila.
“With this shift of government, we can help alleviate the current situation of Mindanao and be able to forefront economic development,” Alonto said.