Metropolitan Davao looking to become model city for sustainability through master plan collaboration with JICA

Metropolitan Davao is shaping its future as a sustainable and inclusive urban hub of the south. The 3^rd Steering Committee Meeting for the Project for the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao was held on August 19, 2025, in Sotogrande Hotel, Davao City. The meeting highlighted refined strategies and priority actions that will shape the region’s development from 2025 to 2045.

This partnership between the Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) XI aims to transform Metropolitan Davao into a model of balanced economic progress, environmental stewardship, and efficient urban management. It started in March 2024 and targets to complete the Final Report by November 2025.

The meeting was chaired by DEPDev XI Regional Director, Ms. Pricsilla R. Sonido and attended by Governors of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, Municipal Mayors from Carmen and Digos, and over 50 representatives from 15Local Government Units (LGUs) of Metropolitan Davao and various National Government Agencies in Region XI. Also in attendance are the Consul-General of Japan in Davao, and JICA.

During the meeting, JICA Expert Team (JET) Leader Mr. KUMAZAWA Ken outlined six strategic directions: (1) establishing livable and sustainable urban areas, (2) developing a strong multimodal transport network, (3) fostering creative and inclusive economic growth through agri-industry, ecotourism, and innovation hubs, (4) preserving the Davao Gulf as a vital ecological and economic resource, (5) promoting climate resilience through flood control, slope protection, and disaster-preparedness, and (6) advancing metropolitan governance with smart, data-driven systems.

The Interim Report presented by the JET frames these directions under the vision of ASCENDS — Advancing for a Sustainable, Comprehensive, Economically Inclusive and ENvironmentally SounD, Safe and Peaceful, Metropolitan Davao.

In line with JICA’s development philosophy, the proposals combine “hard” measures (infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges, water supply, sewerage, flood control, and solid waste facilities) with “soft” measures (institutional reforms, urban planning tools, environmental protection, disaster management, and capacity development of LGUs). This integrated approach reflects JICA’s model of pairing infrastructure development with governance and capacity building to ensure growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

With the Interim Report now in place, the next phase will refine priority projects, secure stakeholder consensus, and finalize the master plan for implementation starting this 2025. Once realized, the plan is expected to benefit over 5 million residents across Metropolitan Davao, driving economic growth not only in the region, but across Mindanao and the Philippines.