THE DAVAO City government is pursuing plans to develop industrial parks with two potential sites, one each in the northern and southern parts, already identified, a local official said.
Christian D. Cambaya, a unit head of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, said the property being considered in the north is privately owned while the southern spot is under the state-owned National Development Company (NDC).
Establishing industrial parks in Davao City has long been on the drawing board but hampered by budgetary constraints. There are two accredited agro-industrial parks, one light manufacturing, and more than a dozen information technology special economic zones.
“We have identified in the north largely industrial areas in Tibungco, Bunawan and these areas are feasible because it is very close to the Sasa Port,” Mr. Cambaya said during the Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall last week.
He noted that proximity to a seaport is one of the requirements for developing a special economic zone.
The 80-hectare private property is currently planted with coconuts.
For the 25-hectare NDC property in the south, Mr. Cambaya said negotiations are underway.
A pre-feasibility study will be conducted starting this month to determine the specific type of ecozone that would be ideal for the city.
“Pre-FS first then a full-blown FS will be undertaken, which is more expensive. But during the pre-FS, at least we can identify already the bird’s eye view of what type of park is good for Davao City,” he said.
“By 2023 we can already have the full-blown FS,” he added. — Maya M. Padillo