THE Mindanao Railway Project Tagum-Davao-Digos (MRP-TDD) will affect 23 barangays and 10 subdivisions in Davao City alone.
The barangays affected are Ma-a, Bago Oshiro, Sirawan, Marapangi, Lubogan, Buinugao, Crossing Bayabas, Baracatan, Bankas Heights, Magtuod, Langub, Catalunan Pequeño, Catalunan Grande, Baliok, Tibungco, San Isidro, Mudiang, Mahayag, Waan, Tigato, Indangan, Cabantian and Buhangin.
While the subdivisions affected, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are Monteritz, New Ecoland, Alsons Development, Decca Homes, and Narra Park. While City Planning and Development Office Housing and Home Site Division chief Roy Ryan Rigor reported South Pacific Residential Estate, Decca Homes- Catalunan, Villa Señorita and Garden Heights- Mudiang to be also affected with the implementation.
During the city council session on Monday, December 3, councilors said they should discuss further the said project and fair compensation for the affected areas in the city.
“Nobody is against it. In fact, everybody is excited with the Mindanao railway project because it will it will boost the economy in the area,” Committee on Public Works and Highways chairperson Councilor Jesus Zozobrado III said in an interview with SunStar Davao on Monday, December 3.
“What is only important is that we do it in a proper way. All those who will be affected should be addressed properly and perhaps compensated,” he said.
The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Davao Region Director Maria Lourdes Lim sent a letter recommending the endorsement of the said project and prohibiting the construction of new structures along the alignment of the railway.
However, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said during the council session on Monday that there have been complaints from affected individuals and the city should address it so as to avoid being accused of negligence.
He suggested the possibility of moving the alignment upward and develop the outskirts areas so as not to affect the subdivisions where other councilors also agreed upon to have proper consultation with the barangays, subdivisions and property owners that will be affected.