Davao City’s Chinatown council proposes makeover of buildings

THE DAVAO City council is eyeing to pass a resolution that will require all establishments in the Chinatown area to have a Chinese-themed design and eventually turn the district into a full-fledged tourism zone. Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre, in an interview, said Chinatown is already declared as a tourism development zone and if the zoning classification is strictly followed, only tourism-related projects should be approved. However, he said, they also have to consider the other business establishments that have been in the area for years. Under the proposed resolution, initiated by the Davao City Chinatown Development Council, those that will renovate or construct new buildings, will be required to have a Chinese-themed facade. The city’s Chinatown, marked by four archways, covers a 44-hectare area in the downtown district. — Carmencita A. Carillo