Davao Region eyes more developments

DAVAO CITY — The National Economic and Development Authority regional office here disclosed that investment and tourism opportunities are expected to increase in the Davao Region next year as global, national and local economies fast-track their post-pandemic recovery efforts.

NEDA-11 regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said three major developments are expected to boost ventures in the region with a focus on business, tourism and public-private partnerships.

“The MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) are expected to fully recover and thrive with the current administration recognizing the sector’s role in post-pandemic economic regeneration, job creation and poverty reduction,” she said.

The Regional Development Council-11 has recently declared the Davao area as a tourism and investment-ready destination.

Lim said that the Department of Tourism 11 has started developing various tourism circuits — nature, culture, sun and beach, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, eco-adventure, dive and marine sport, and farm — as economic boosters.

“On the international connectivity, the Davao International Airport shall reopen and add direct flights, particularly international flights, as other countries ease up travel restrictions,” she said.

For infrastructure development and projects, Lim said the completion of the Davao City Coastal Road Project is targeted by March next year.

The highly anticipated completion of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and Davao City Expressway Project will also link the city’s main areas with the centralized movement of passengers and cargo such as in the seaport and airport, relieving traffic pressure in the downtown area.

Lim said the completion of the Davao City Coastal Road Project is targeted by March next year.