BusinessWorld Online
November 23, 2012

DAVAO CITY — This city’s planning and development office has completed a new comprehensive land use plan that will be submitted to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for approval before the end of the month.
Chief city planner Roberto P. Alabado III said the plan, to be observed for the next 10 years, addresses four concerns, namely: disaster risk reduction, climate change impact mitigation, transport system integration and sustainable development.

“Once you apply for… clearance, you are instructed to build your house or building according to the level where the floods rise the highest,” Mr. Alabado explained, noting that the city has seen floods as much as a meter deep.

The new plan, Mr. Alabado added, also requires commercial establishments to provide easements for loading and unloading of passengers in order not to impede vehicular traffic along main roads.

He said the envisioned new zoning ordinance will likely take effect early next year. — J. B. Escovilla