Davao City to help resolve land issues af fecting economic zone development

DAVAO CITY — The city government said it will facilitate talks between landowners and developers to establish an economic zone to attract more foreign investors, the development of which is on the wish list of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII).

Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, speaking at a media forum, said city officials may act as facilitators to guide the process along.

“There are issues of ownership and rights. If a party does not want a joint venture participation agreement then we cannot force them. As far as the city is concerned, we can facilitate,” said Mr. Dayanghirang, who chairs the city council committee on finance, ways and means, and appropriations.

DCCCII President Arturo M. Milan, at the same forum, said the business chamber is trying to convince two landowners with property located in the 2nd District, near the city’s airport and seaport, to agree to a joint venture arrangement.

Mr. Milan said major developers have expressed interest in the project, which would be the city’s first industrial ecozone.

“There are landowners and there are also prospective developers, but because of the high value of raw land in the city now, developers no longer want to buy land because it will take up all their capital. What they want is a joint venture. They will develop the zone and the participation of the landowners will be their equity in the corporation,” he said in English and Filipino.