NEDA, JICA discuss Davao infra dev’t project with incoming President Duterte

President-elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte (Facebook photo)

MANILA—The Japanese government and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently discussed Japan’s offer of support for the institutionalization of urban infrastructure planning and formulation in Davao City with its outgoing mayor and President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Susumu Ito presented the Davao City Infrastructure Development Plan and Capacity Building Project to assist in the formulation of Davao City’s urban infrastructure plan.

“The Japanese government’s timely offer of assistance will enable the Davao City government to respond to the challenges of urbanization resulting from increased economic activity in the city,” said NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan, who was present during the meeting on June 21, 2016 in Davao City.

The project will capacitate both local and national government personnel on new urban infrastructure planning methodologies and best practices, which is expected to be implemented over an 18-month period.

The capacity building project involves the following activities: 1) Introduction of new urban infrastructure planning methodologies and best practices; 2) Developing technical know-how on the formulation of planning manuals, guidelines, training materials and tools; 3) Learning to input sector-specific development priorities and regional development needs to the urban infrastructure planning exercises; and 4) Developing trainers/local experts through the conduct of “Training of Trainers” sessions locally and in Japan.

Also present during the meeting was NEDA Region XI Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, who expressed optimism on the implementation of the project.

“This will lead to more joint Philippines-Japan activities aimed at helping Davao and the rest of Mindanao fulfill their economic growth potentials under the Duterte administration,” she said.