The Davao Region has set a decisive course for its economic future with the approval of a major strategic update to its development blueprint. The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 has given its nod to the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2023-2028 Midterm Update, a document designed to accelerate the area's transformation into Mindanao's premier international logistics and trade gateway.
Council Endorses Recalibrated Strategies
The formal approval was granted during the RDC-11's fourth-quarter, full-council meeting on December 3, 2025, in Davao City. The session was presided over by the council's chairperson, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib. This midterm refresh of the DRDP contains revised strategies and targets, focusing on a fundamental socioeconomic shift for the entire region.
According to the council, the plan aims to supercharge economic growth in the provinces by prioritizing energization and developing more compelling, internationally connected tourism products and services. A core pillar of the transformation involves moving the regional economy from being services-led to becoming manufacturing-led. This strategic pivot is expected to generate better, higher-quality, and more sustainable employment opportunities for residents, known as Dabawenyos.
Massive Investment and Detailed Tracking
To turn these ambitions into reality, a substantial financial and programmatic framework has been laid out. The supporting Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) has identified a total of 5,917 programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) requiring an investment of P268.9 billion for fiscal year 2027. For the following year, 2028, another 5,131 PAPs with an investment target of P198.2 billion were pinpointed.
Ensuring accountability and measurable progress, the plan incorporates a robust monitoring system. The RDC-11 stated that the plan's Results Matrices include around 685 indicators with corresponding annual targets for the period 2025 to 2028. Furthermore, research will underpin the effort, with the Davao Regional Development Research Agenda (DRDRA) Midterm Update identifying 133 specific research agendas to inform policy reforms and implementation.
Unified Push for a Transformative Vision
The RDC-11 has expressed its full support and commitment to achieving the strategic goals and outcomes outlined in the updated DRDP. The council's endorsement signals a unified regional effort among local government units and stakeholders. The ultimate vision is clear: to position the Davao Region not just as a local growth center, but as a dynamically connected international logistics hub for the whole of Mindanao, driving inclusive and resilient progress for its people.
