*Fresh investments to boost city’s economy
*Sees more capital investments in Davao CityBy Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor announced over the weekend that a newly approved upscale residential development in Barangay Bago Gallera is projected to attract fresh investments and create job opportunities in Davao City.
Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., chair of the Committees on Government Properties and on Housing and Subdivision Development under Presidential Decree 957, said the project is the first approved high-end subdivision under the current term.
“I have good news. We have a newly approved development at Bago Gallera. It is the first high-end subdivision development we’ve approved this term. The company is Contempo,” Quitain said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum.
Quitain said the development is expected to have both economic and employment impacts, particularly for residents in the area, as construction and related activities move forward, including increased local business activity and job opportunities.
“This development will generate income for the city. We hope that despite the current crisis, investors will continue to see Davao City’s potential and that their projects will prosper here,” the councilor added.
Quitain also underscored efforts to streamline the approval process for subdivision and development applications, noting that efficiency within the City Council is being prioritized to encourage more investors.
“We can speed up the process. Once an application reaches the City Council, it’s referred for a first reading and then downloaded to my committee. I will immediately conduct hearings,” the councilor said.
He explained that in about a month, everything the concerned offices need to do will be completed, and they can have the resolution approving the development permit and other necessary permits to start their project.
Quitain added that, after council approval, monitoring and implementation fall under the executive offices, including the City Planning and Development Office and the City Engineer’s Office.
He emphasized that his office remains open to concerns from buyers and residents about developers, noting that safeguards are in place before any project is approved. “We make sure everything is in order, especially for public protection.”
In a related update, Quitain said demolition is ongoing at the Victoria Plaza site, a former landmark now undergoing redevelopment. He added that the fire and police stations in the area will be relocated to make way for the new development.
According to Quitain, the developer, New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC), has committed to providing two separate lots at no cost for the construction of the two government facilities. He added that they will be relocated near Bajada.
