Lifting the ‘Down’

BY MAYA M. PADILLO

Persons with Down syndrome may be different from the majority but they are definitely equally valuable.

An old notion associated with persons with Down syndrome that they struggle learning and could not be employed is wholly unfounded.

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby.

Even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities. People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ (a measure of intelligence) in the mildly-to-moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children.

Persons with Down syn- drome can actually be taught and perform well along with peers.

Thanks to the people and organizations that give them a chance to show their skills.

Several companies have broke society’s old standing stereotype to train persons with Down syndrome as they fully understand that these individuals are not only employable but could also become wonderful assets to a workplace.

Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. (AOF) Foundation, the CSR arm of the ANFLO Group of Companies, has opened its doors to persons with Down syndrome by giving them a chance to work as interns at some of Anflocor’s sister companies.

In partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc.- Davao (DSAPI-Davao), Anflocor’s AOF Foundation created a program named “Work Exposure for People with Down Syndrome”, which welcomes interns with down syndrome and exposed them to the office set up.

Currently, there are 13 interns with Down syndrome, wherein nine are working as interns at Anflocor and the others at its sister companies. And they are receiving honorarium for their service.

“This is a good exposure for them. Niagi ni sila ug screening pero dili ingon ana ka istrikto before namo gidawat. Gina-handle namo sila with care,” said Jheanne Lee S. Juyo, Human Resource and Management Development manager for Anflocor.

These individuals embody the saying “angels in the workplace” as they are making the workplace’s environment extraordinary.

“Meron tayong tinatawag na “angels in the workplace” kasi sometimes pupunta ka ng office, stress ka, may kinikimkim kang problema, meron kang makikitang bata na nagbibigay sa iyo ng saya,” said Norman L. Clemente, executive director for AOF Foundation.

Raihanah Acedo, corporate communications and creative services senior supervisor of Anflocor, described them as friendly, courteous, and shy but sociable.

Lanie P. Vergara, assistant coordinator for DSAPI-Davao, said because of the exposure at Anflocor, some of these interns learned how to mingle.

“After niya diri (Anflocor), uli siya sa ilang balay bantay sa ilahang tindahan, murag continuity sa ilahang natun-an dinhi sa Anflocor. Na busy sila tungod sa exposure. Maka-happy kay tungod sa Anflocor, ang community as a whole, kay makita sa ilahang ID, muFLIFTING, P19

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND EJF REM CASE NO. 18,779-23

OR (PAG-IBIG FUND), MORTGAGEE, - VERSUSJOSE LUISITO K. TEJANO MARRIED TO NELLYN L. TEJANO, MORTGAGOR/S. X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against the mortgagors JOSE LUISITO K. TEJANO married to NELLYN L. TEJANO, with postal address Blk. 02, Lot 01, Molave Homes Subd., San Miguel Indangan, Buhangin, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 10, 2022 amounted to ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE PESOS & 85/100 (Php 110,875.85) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges plus other legal expenses incident to the foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00

A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-359125

A parcel of land of the consolidation and subdivision project (Lot 1, Block 2 of the consolidation and subdivision plan Pcs-11-002823, being a portion of Lots 3447-A, 3447-C, Psd-11-048338, xxx, xxx, xxx), and containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN (127) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 14, 2023.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 15, Davao City rtc1dav015@2judiciary.gov.ph (082) 298-3336 / 09236095058

LYNIBETH M. MALONES SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-DVO-23-00339-SP

Petitioner, -versus - FOR: RECOGNITION ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN JUDGMENT (DIVORCE)

THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF MANILA AND CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR’S OFFICE OF DAVAO CITY, Respondents. X----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X O R D E R

By this Verified Petition and for the reasons therein stated, the above named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court, after due notice, publication and hearing, that the foreign judgment of divorce obtained by Yuichi Hori with the petitioner be duly recognized under Philippine jurisdiction and that petitioner be declared legally capacitated to remarry and to revert back to the use of her maiden surname and that the Office of the City Civil Registrar of Davao City be ordered to cancel the marriage contract of petitioner with Yuichi Hori issued under Registry No. 97-3055 or annotated the appropriate remarks thereon.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City, on June 2, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, interested person may appear ad show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in Davao City and of general circulation in the said City and the Provinces of the City of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law and to submit proof of compliance thereof within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order.

Likewise, petitioner is further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, a copy of this Petition and, likewise, submit proof of compliance thereof also within thirty (30) days from receipt hereof. Failure to comply with these twin directives shall cause the dismissal of the Petition.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, February 9, 2023.

(SGD.)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND EJF REM CASE NO. 18,765-23 OR (PAG-IBIG FUND), MORTGAGEE, - VERSUSDELFIN O. SUPSUPON JR. (MARRIED TO VANESSA S. SUPSUPON), MORTGAGOR/S. X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND, against DELFIN O. SUPSUPON JR. married to VANESSA S. SUPSUPON with postal address at Blk. 69, Lot 19, DECA HOMES ESPERANZA, TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness which the mortgagors failed and refused to pay as of September 30, 2022 in the sum of (Php=713,832.68) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges as of September 30, 2022; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

146-2016008299

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO.

A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 19 BLOCK 69 OF THE CONSOLIDATION-SUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-11-005103, BEING A PORTION OF THE CONSOLIDATION OF LOT 469-C-3, LOTS 469-C-5 TO 14, LOTS 469-C-19 TO 20, AND LOT 469-C-23, ALL OF PSD-11-043263 XXX) SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY TIGATTO, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. CONTAINING AN AREA OF EIGHTY (80) SQUARE METERS MORE OR LESS. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 13, 2023.

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (SGD.) SANTI JULIAN G. SOLOMON Sheriff IV

WIDOWED MORTGAGOR. X----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against the mortgagor CRISHER R. GARGAR, widowed, with postal address at #735

BULACAN ST., GAGALANGIN, TONDO METRO MANILA, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 10, 2022 amounted to FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE

THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN PESOS & 71/100 (Php 571,116.71) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017009093

“A parcel of land (Lot 29, Blk 2 of the subdivision plan Psd-11-107053, being a portion of Lot 49, Pcs-3076 AMD.), situated in Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, Containing an area of Eighty (80) Square Meters, more or less.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 14, 2023.

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late LUCIO ALMERIZ and CORAZON TEJANO who died on April 14, 1980 and November 4, 2008 in Wangan, Calinan, Davao City respectively, which estate consists of two (2) parcels of land embraced by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-5251 and T-24318 particularly described as follows:

1. A parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Wangan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TWENTY THOUSAND and ONE (20,001) SQUARE METERS;

2. A parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Wangan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TWENTY THOUSAND (20,000) SQUARE METERS.

That the above-mentioned properties has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 309; Page No. 63; Book No. 3, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. JANE KARLA BORBE, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late PATRICK WILLIAM J. MALLARI who died on October 13, 2022 in Lapuan, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental , which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land embraced by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-437645, situated in Barangay Maa, Davao City, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 314; Page No. 65; Book No. 200, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.

PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND EJF REM CASE NO. 18,786-2023 OR (PAG-IBIG FUND), MORTGAGEE, - VERSUSJOY CHEMALYN BUSTAMANTE CORDANO, MORTGAGOR.

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against the mortgagor JOY CHEMALYN BUSTAMANTE CORDANO, with postal address Purok 18, Pioneer St., Lanzona Subdivision Calinan, 8018 Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 10, 2022 amounted to ONE MILLION FIFTY THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED ELEVEN PESOS AND 46/100 (Php 1,050,511.46) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges plus other legal expenses incident to the foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2020017121

“LOT NO: 65 BLOCK NO: 105 PLAN NO: PCS-112402-005669

PORTION OF: THE CONSOLIDATION OF PLAN H-151925, PLAN H-500853 (LOT 1799, CAD-102, LOT A, LOT B, AND LOT C, ALL OF PSD-27706 LOCATION: BARANGAY OF INDANGAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO AREA: ONE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (100) , MORE OR LESSXXX.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 10, 2023.

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (SGD.) SUNNY D. ,MAURILLO Sheriff IV

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late ROSALINA RAMES who died on June 30, 2008, in Barangay Riverside, Calinan, Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land located in the Barrio of Riverside, Calinan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN (3,557) sq.m. more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2018014970, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Deed of Absolute Sale by and among her heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 308; Page No. 63; Book No. 3, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. JANE KARLA BORBE, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late LIGAYA SAMAR GALIDO who died on October 13, 2001, at DDF Village, Mandug, Buhangin, Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land with a house erected thereon, situated in the Barangay of Lapanday, Mandug, Buhangin, Davao City, with an area of ONE HUNDRED NINETY-EIGHT (198) SQUARE METERS more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-04656, has been the subject of an Extra-judicial Partition with Sale with Assumption of Mortgage, by and among her heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 231; Page No. 47; Book No. XLIII, Series of 2009; in the notarial registry of ATTY. CONRADO O. MACASA,

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND EJF REM CASE NO. 18,774-23

OR (PAG-IBIG FUND), MORTGAGEE, - VERSUS -

PREMIELOU M. MACALINDONG, MARRIED TO MARLON R. MACALINDONG, MORTGAGORS. X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against PREMIELOU M. MACALINDONG married to MARLON R. MACALINDONG, both of legal age, Filipino Citizen, with postal address at Yellow Bell Street, (Beside Energy Gas Station) Tibungco, Davao City, represented by AIF-PREMIELOU M. MACALINDONG and Lot 10, Blk 22, Deca Homes Resort Residence Subdivision, Ph 8, Tacunan, Davao City, Davao del Sur favor of Home Development Mutual Fund, (PAG-IBIG FUND), to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 4, 2022 amounted to ₱655,051.60 Philippine Currency, and other charges and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2014075732

A parcel of land (Lot 10, Blk 22 of the subdivision plan Pcs-11-005085, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision of lot xxx PCS-3076 AMD.), situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, more or less”.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein-above described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 14, 2023.

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(SGD.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late ROLANDO Z. ANDRES who died on July 14, 2011, in Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land located in the Barangay of Maa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) sq.m. more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2011004556, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate by and among his heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 338; Page No. 69; Book No. XXXI, Series of 2019; in the notarial registry of ATTY. LEOPOLDO B. ESPAÑOLA, JR., a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late TERESITA TOPP who died on October 30, 2003, in Barrio of Dumoy, Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Dumoy, District of Toril, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIX HUNDRED (600) SQUARE METERS more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. T-327136, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver, by and among her heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 118; Page No. 25; Book No. 40, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. RAUL C. ESPINA, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.

As part of the Davao Region, we Matinians celebrate with you this momentous occasion of oneness of your multi cultural city.

Like our very own Sambuokan Festival, Davao City and the City of Mati take pride in its people, cultures and traditions, and harmonious relationship with one another.

This 86th Araw ng Dabaw celebration is distinct among the past celebrations as this is the first celebration after the creation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) which was signed into law by our very own then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last April 13, 2022.

Being part of the MDDA with Davao City as its premier city, the City of Mati has always looked up to Davao City as family.

Thus as you celebrate your 86th Araw ng Dabaw, the people of Mati is one with you. We hope that your celebration this year would be safe and memorable.

as activities to take delight in. So, abri naman ta ug pila ka tuig pud ta nakulong sa balay kinahanglan labi na karong panahona tan-aw ninyo ang Davao daghan na kaayo ug tao, importante nga magsinabtanay ug maghinatagay ta,” Duterte said in his message.

There are many more happenings that Dabawenyos and visitors should look forward to such as the Araw ng Dabaw Music and Arts Festival at the Davao Coastal Road in Bago Aplaya on March 4; the conferment of Datu Bago Awards at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on March 8; Araw ng Dabaw Cheerdance Competition at the Davao City Recreational Center on March 11; Araw ng Dabaw Sayaw Pinoy Folkdance Competition at SM City Davao on March 12; Reyna Dabawenya coronation night at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena on March 15; Mutya ng Dabaw coronation night at the USEP

Araw ty of this multicultural city. Tagged the largest city in Mindanao, Davao celebrates its founding with an exciting spectacle.

growth.

“The rise of the digital age has transformed us all.

It created a necessity for people of all ages to adapt and innovate digitally. It has since created the need for a more flexible way of doing things, including the integration of online processes in our day-to-day business,” Perdices said.

Highly-urbanized city vision Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II expressed support to the vision of his father, Representative Paolo Duterte of the First District of Davao City and his uncle, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, to make Davao City a highly urbanized city with what he considers as a major reason attributed to the city’s rapid growth.

“Kaning mga developments karon like high rise buildings kini isa ni sa mga indications na ang Davao City padulong na nga mahimong highly urbanized city,” Rigo said.

He said this can bring many opportunities for growth and poverty reduction as well as generate job opportunities, educational opportunities, and better living conditions among Dabawenyos.

Among the sectors that generate employment is real estate, although, significantly hit by the pandemic resiliently walked on the path to recovery.

Metropolitan Davao Development Authority

Davao City is optimistic the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) will soon go full throttle.

Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte has called for the immediate implementation of Republic Act (RA) No.11708 or the MDDA law which created the MDDA.

Duterte was referring to Republic Act (RA) No.11708 or the MDDA law.

“We should not delay anymore the implementation of the law creating the MDDA. Metro Davao is seven times the size of Metro Manila and even bigger than the land area of Singapore. The MDDA is necessary so that the development plans of the cities and municipalities comprising Metro Davao will move in a synchronized path that is beneficial to all,” Duterte said in a statement.

Duterte considers the development of Metro Davao, which serves as the economic and administrative core of the Davao Region and the entire Mindanao, requires a unified approach to lessen, or even nip in the bud, the problems that plague fragmented urban communities.

The cities of Davao, Panabo, Tagum, Island Garden in Samal, Digos, and Mati, as well as the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, Sulop, Carmen, Maco, Malita, and Sta. Maria in the Davao Region will comprise the MDDA, as per RA No.11708. (With reports from PNA)