Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11708)
Republic Act No. 11708 shall be known as the "Metropolitan Davao Development Authority Act."
The policy of the State is to adopt a national dispersion through regional agglomeration strategy to revitalize large cities, expand their physical and service areas, and to consider the LGUs within Metropolitan Davao as a special development and administrative region.
The Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) is created to coordinate and promote socioeconomic growth and sustainable development of Metropolitan Davao.
The MDDA has jurisdiction over Davao City; cities of Panabo, Tagum, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) in Davao del Norte; City of Digos in Davao del Sur; City of Mati in Davao Oriental; municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, Sulop in Davao del Sur; Carmen in Davao del Norte; Maco in Davao de Oro; and Malita and Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental.
Services include development planning, transport management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, urban renewal and land use planning, health and sanitation, urban protection and pollution control, and public safety.
The MDDA formulates regional development plans, sets policies for traffic and waste management, prepares and implements metropolitan-wide programs, reviews development permits with metropolitan-wide impact, monitors projects, administers a single ticketing system and traffic enforcement, imposes fines, fixes compensation, and performs other functions consistent with the Act.
The Council is the governing and policy-making body of the MDDA composed of the Chairperson of the Regional Development Council, governors of Davao provinces, mayors of component cities and municipalities, and heads of relevant national government agencies as non-voting members. Its role is to approve development plans, issue regulations, coordinate investments, approve budgets, and implement functions to carry out the Act.
They must be posted in at least three conspicuous places including the MDDA building within ten days from approval, and take effect fifteen days after posting. Ordinances with penal sanctions must also be published in a newspaper of general circulation within Metropolitan Davao.
The Chairperson appoints MDDA personnel, executes policies approved by the Council, prepares budgets, submits reports, discharges disciplinary authority, and performs duties assigned by the President or the Council. The Chairperson also sits on the Board of Directors of the Davao International Airport Authority.
The Metropolitan Davao Police District (MDPD) is established under the National Police Commission and headed by a Police Brigadier General. It assumes operational control over local police within the MDDA jurisdiction, ensures peace and order, integrates police operations for efficiency, and coordinates with MDDA and other agencies on public safety.
The MDDA's operations are funded through allocations in the annual General Appropriations Act, financial contributions from member LGUs, national government agencies, GOCCs, private sector, local and international organizations, and through the imposition of fines, fees, and charges.
The separability clause provides that other parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.