TOWARDS the end of 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and its Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) has approved five projects that will soon be implemented in Davao.
On November 29, 2019, the Neda Board has approved the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project and the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project.
The P18.66 billion Davao Public Transport Modernization Project will be implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). According to Neda, "The project involves the delivery of a modern, high priority bus system (HPBS) for Davao City, wherein interconnected bus services will be prioritized along the 137 kilometers (km) core network and feeder routes composed of 489 km." Implementation is scheduled this year.
Meanwhile, the P23.04 billion SIDC will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The project involves the construction of a toll-free four-lane bridge that will link Davao City and Samal Island. Implementation of the project is scheduled this year with the construction period scheduled from 2021-2024.
On December 20, Neda ICC-CabCom has recommended for Neda Board approval Davao City Coastal Bypass Road with the Bucana Bridge Project; changes in scope and cost of the ongoing Davao City Bypass Construction Project; and unsolicited proposal for the Davao International Airport.
The two bypass road projects are expected to improve the traffic situation in Davao City. The modernization of the Davao International Airport is seen to spur economic activities not only in the Davao region but in the entire Mindanao.
It is good to know that these projects, which has long been promised by the government, are making progress. This is espcially true for the bridge that will connect Davao City and Samal, which has reportedly been discussed since the 1970s based on the archives of Mindanao Times.
Dabawenyos are excited for these upcoming infrastructure projects that will surely spur development for the city and its neighboring areas.
We hope that this time, these projects will be implemented in fullswing. This means that we will see more actual milestones in the coming months. We also hope that government workers and contractors will put the interest of the Filipino first before thinking about getting a chunk of the budget for their personal gains. History has shown that government projects will go to waste because of corruption.