Metro Davao Development Authority Creation

The State adopts a national dispersion through regional agglomeration strategy.
Focuses on revitalizing large cities and expanding their planning and service areas.
Recognizes the rapid urbanization and population growth in several cities within Davao region.
Declares these local government units (LGUs) as a special development and administrative region called Metropolitan Davao.

Establishes the MDDA to coordinate and promote socioeconomic growth and sustainable development of Metropolitan Davao.
MDDA to be organized within 30 days from Act approval.
Powers and functions of MDDA do not diminish the autonomy of LGUs on purely local matters, following Constitutional and Local Government Code provisions.

MDDA jurisdiction includes Davao City; cities Panabo, Tagum, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Digos, Mati; and municipalities Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, Sulop, Carmen, Maco, Malita and Sta. Maria across Davao provinces.
Covers future LGUs created within this jurisdiction.

Services transcend individual LGUs and cover multiple interdependent political entities.
Include: (a) Development planning - medium- and long-term plans, projects, investment programming. (b) Transport management - policies, mass transport, traffic enforcement, single ticketing system. (c) Solid waste disposal and management - sanitary landfills, waste-to-energy, recycling programs. (d) Flood control and sewerage management - integrated systems. (e) Urban renewal, zoning, land use planning, shelter services - urban growth, slum rehabilitation, housing. (f) Health and sanitation, pollution control - environmental policies and programs. (g) Public safety - disaster preparedness, calamity rescue, rehabilitation coordination.

Formulate plans aligned with regional and national development plans.
Set policies and coordinate with national agencies and LGUs on traffic, waste, public safety.
Prepare and implement metropolitan-wide programs subject to Council approval.
Review and recommend policies on major development permits impacting transportation and traffic.
Monitor project implementation and address issues.
Administer traffic enforcement including single ticketing, imposing fines, suspending/revoking licenses.
Prescribe and collect fees and fines.
Fix compensation of MDDA personnel per Salary Standardization Law.
Perform other functions approved by the Metropolitan Davao Development Council.

Governing and policy-making body of MDDA.
Composed of Chairperson of Regional Development Council XI; governors of five Davao provinces; mayors of key cities and municipalities within Metropolitan Davao.
Chairperson appointed by the President from nominees submitted by Council for a 3-year term.
Regional heads of key national government agencies attend meetings as non-voting members.
Council members, except ex officio, are entitled to allowances and per diems.

Approve development plans, investment programs, and projects after consultation.
Issue ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations necessary for the Act's purposes.
Subject to laws, increase allowances and per diems of Council members.
Recommend investment programming and supervise implementation.
Coordinate with Department of Transportation for public utility vehicle franchises.
Approve MDDA annual and supplemental budgets.
Perform other functions consistent with the Act.

Ordinances or resolutions posted at MDDA and other conspicuous places within 10 days of approval.
Take effect 15 days after posting.
Ordinances with penal sanctions published in a newspaper and take effect 15 days after publication.

Appoint subordinate officers and employees with security of tenure.
Engage experts/consultants as needed.
Execute Council policies and manage MDDA operations.
Prepare and submit annual budget to Council.
Prepare staffing pattern and fix number of employees subject to civil service laws and DBM approval.
Discipline subordinate employees.
Submit annual accomplishment reports to Council and the President.
Serve as member of Davao International Airport Authority Board of Directors.
Perform other duties assigned by the President or Council.
Assisted by General Manager and three Assistant General Managers appointed by the President upon Council recommendation.
Assistant General Manager for Planning must have significant experience or Master’s degree in urban planning disciplines.

MDDA coordinates with LGUs, Regional Development Council XI, national agencies, NGOs, people’s organizations, and private sector.
Adopts a master plan as framework for local development plans aligned with regional development plan.
Submits plans to Regional Development Council for integration.
May enter contracts or MOUs for service delivery.
Coordinates with NEDA and Department of Finance for foreign financing and grants.

Established under administrative control and operational supervision of National Police Commission.
Headed by a Police Brigadier General.
Functions include operational control over local police within MDDA jurisdiction, maintaining peace and safety, integrating law enforcement and promoting efficient police operations.
Coordinates with MDDA, Regional Police Office, LGUs, and other agencies for planning and program recommendations.

MDDA operations funded by annual General Appropriations Act.
Supported by financial contributions, grants, donations, fees, and penalties from LGUs, national agencies, GOCCs, private sector, and local/international organizations.
Acceptance of foreign grants subject to prior approval from Council, President, and relevant government departments.
MDDA empowered to levy fines and fees for services.
Council to negotiate annual financial contributions from member LGUs and GOCCs.

Council to promulgate necessary rules and regulations within 90 days from Act approval.

If any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions remain effective.

Laws, orders, rules inconsistent with this Act are amended or repealed accordingly.

Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.