THE Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (Arena) Davao proposed a Regional Government Center (RGC) at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Bago Oshiro, Davao City to bring better public services to Dabawenyos.
Arena former president and National Economic Development Authority (Neda) regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said that the other 11 regions including Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) have their own government centers with a "one-stop center" concept.
Lim said RGC would bring administrative efficiency and better services since the government offices will be nearer each another.
"In Davao City, the Regional Government Agencies are widely dispersed, such as Neda or the Regional Development Council is in Bangkal, Department of Education is located in Torres, Department of Social Welfare and Development in Uyanguren, Department of Trade and Industry in Monteverde, Land of Transportation Office in Ecoland, Commission on Higher Education in Obrero. These areas are very far from each other which is very inefficient, time-consuming and tedious for our clients," she added.
She said the RGS is proposed to be situated in Bago Oshiro to prevent overcrowding and congestion in the business district of the city. She also said the location would guarantee higher savings from rental cost.
She added 68 hectares will be allotted for the national government agencies offices, five hectares for parks and recreation center, and 18 hectares for government sites primarily for government employees’ housing. They have also allocated 10 hectares for relocation of the informal settlers.
Newly-installed Arena president and Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Anthony Sales said during the press conference that they still do not have the exact amount needed for the development of the site as it would still depend on the respective budget proposals of the national government agencies involved.
Lim said the 2019 budget proposal of DPWH-Davao Region, RDC endorsed P440 million for site development plan including construction perimeter fence, common service facilities, and sewerage system. The proposal was submitted to the Office of the President through the City Mayor’s Office on January 11.
“We would want this to be done as soon as possible because the services are urgently needed,” Sales said.
Sales added they hope that within June 2019 all of the documents needed for Presidential Proclamation will be complied since these are one of the requirements to proceed with the development works including construction.