Davao City Chinatown Tourism Development Plans Remain on Track
Plans to establish Davao City's Chinatown as a premier tourism destination continue to be actively pursued, according to local government officials. The initiative, which aims to transform the 44-hectare district into a major attraction, is currently in a phase of strategic planning and organizational restructuring.
Councilor Ortiz Provides Assurance on Inclusion in City Plans
Davao City First District Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, who chairs the City Council Committee on Tourism and Beautification, has confirmed that the Chinatown development remains firmly embedded within the city's comprehensive planning framework. "Our Chinatown is included in the City Land Use or Comprehensive Development Plan, wherein it is one of the areas given focus under the tourism master plan," Ortiz stated during a recent update.
She acknowledged a temporary slowdown in progress, attributing it to ongoing changes within the Chinatown Development Council. "It's just that there is a lull because of the composition of the members of the Chinatown Development Council," Ortiz explained, emphasizing that this is a transitional period rather than an abandonment of the project.
Chinatown Development Council Undergoing Reconstitution
The Davao Chinatown Development Council, a body comprising representatives from both the local government and the private sector—particularly members of the Filipino-Chinese community—plays a crucial role in this endeavor. This council is specifically tasked with formulating policies and guiding the development plan for the expansive Chinatown area.
Councilor Ortiz highlighted that the council is currently being reconstituted, and once it reconvenes, the development plans will proceed with renewed momentum. "Rest assured, this development of our Chinatown is included in the land use plan," she reassured stakeholders, underscoring the project's priority status within municipal planning documents.
Integration into the Davao Tourism Masterplan
The Chinatown district has been formally identified as a key area for tourism development under the 25-year Davao Tourism Masterplan. This comprehensive blueprint was formulated by the City Government of Davao in collaboration with private urban development planner Palafox and Associates, ensuring a professionally guided approach to urban enhancement.
Specific initiatives outlined in the masterplan include the establishment of a Davao Chinatown Night Market along Tomas Monteverde Street. This vibrant market is slated for inclusion in the first phase of the masterplan, promising to add a dynamic nighttime economy and cultural experience to the district.
Recent Progress and Technical Alignments
On March 31 of the previous year, a Technical Working Group meeting was convened specifically for the Davao City Chinatown Development Plan. This gathering served to align objectives and discuss the strategic direction of the development efforts.
During this meeting, significant contributions were made by various city departments:
- The Office of the City Building Officials presented the Chinatown Development Map, offering detailed insights into spatial dynamics and highlighting the area's development potential.
- The City's Business Bureau provided a comprehensive business inventory, which offers a clearer view of the existing economic landscape within Chinatown, aiding in future planning decisions.
Existing Infrastructure and Aesthetic Enhancements
Over the years, several projects have already been implemented to enhance the distinct character of the Chinatown district, which holds the distinction of being the largest in the Philippines by land area. These initiatives include:
- The construction of four Paifang or traditional Chinatown archways around 2008-2009, built to mark the district's borders with sponsorship from several Filipino-Chinese companies.
- The unveiling of a pocket park named Unity Park in 2020, providing a green space for community gatherings.
- The installation of Chinese-inspired street names and signage throughout the district, reinforcing its cultural identity.
Additionally, the Davao City underground cabling project along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue (Uyanguren) is nearing completion. This infrastructure improvement along one of the major thoroughfares in the Chinatown district is expected to significantly enhance the area's visual appeal by removing overhead wires and creating a cleaner urban aesthetic.
The collective efforts underscore a sustained commitment to developing Davao City's Chinatown into a vibrant tourism hub, with ongoing administrative preparations paving the way for future physical and economic enhancements.
