THE DAVAO City council has approved a resolution endorsing the Mindanao Railway Project, but set conditions for the local segment’s implementation.
The endorsement covers the required certificate of no objection under Section 27 under the Local Government Code for major projects.
“The government has made available P5.6 billion for land acquisition and road right of way, but the committee has yet to conduct further hearings on the technical aspect,” said Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III, proponent of the resolution and chair of the committee on public works and vice-chairman of the committee on transportation.
Among the conditions raised in the resolution are a review of the planned route within Davao City and the location of one of the three stations.
The Davao City segment will pass through 23 barangays and have three stations located in Mudiang, beside the Davao Christian School along the diversion road), and Toril in front of the Gaisano Mall.
Mr. Zozobrado said the councilors are worried about the number of barangays affected and the possible impact on vehicular traffic as well existing residential and commercial developments.
“Davao will be mangled. Imagine, 23 barangays and subdivisions will be hit by the project. Why don’t we move it up in areas where subdivisions are not located?” said Councilor Conrado C. Baluran, chair of the committee on transportation.
On the stations, Councilor Diosdado A. Mahipus, chair of the committee on environment, questioned the choice of Mudiang.
“Mudiang is not only a remote area and not only sloping but is a ravine. Maybe we should dip our fingers on where the railway should pass as it might be a problem instead of a solution for commuters,” Mr. Mahipus said, adding that a better option would be somewhere near the Davao International Airport.
Meanwhile, Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang noted the absence of Department of Transportation (DoTr) officials in the committee hearings for railway project.
“I understand that this is one of the projects of the President and we support him. We welcome the project but the DoTr people seems not interested,” Mr. Dayanghirang said, adding that passing the resolution of endorsement could allow DoTr to completely disregard the conditions.
Mr. Mahipus, on the other hand, said the city government could still stand its ground.
“They won’t be able to proceed with the project anyway if we don’t approve it just like the Sasa Port Project,” he said.
The first segment of the planned Mindanao Railway system will traverse Digos City in Davao del Sur, Davao City, and Tagum City in Davao del Norte.
The first segment of the planned Mindanao Railway system will traverse Digos City in Davao del Sur, Davao City, and Tagum City in Davao del Norte.
Construction is targeted to start by Feb. 2019. — Carmencita A. Carillo

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