THE DAVAO City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) pushed for the amendment of the Zoning Ordinance to reflect changes in the Investment and Incentive Code.
In an interview with city-owned disaster radio on Wednesday, Christian Cambaya, DCIPC Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit head, said amending both ordinances is necessary for an improved investment climate in the city.
“One of the forward ways or long-term recommendations is to look at the zoning ordinance, if it is still applicable with the growth of the city,” Cambaya said.
For instance, the current zoning classifications of some areas might already be outdated, so they could be developed into industrial zones.
Cambaya said the revision of the Zoning Ordinance will open up more investment areas to attract more local or foreign locators. In line with this, the DCIPC is also actively pushing to ease the permitting processes and system, especially with the locational clearance and building permits.
“Because the processes and establishments must also be in tune, considering how expansive the city is,” Cambaya said.
The review of the Davao City Investment Code was already submitted to the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry and is awaiting committee hearings.
Included in the proposed amendments are adjusting the business tax exemption from three years to five years, and the property tax exemption from two years to three years.
In 2024, DCIPC has approved four projects: Viking Cold Storage, Inc., a new project in Tibungco with a project cost of P700 million; Monde Nissin Corp. with its expansion involved manufacturing of mamon cake and biscuits with a project cost amounting to P2.3 billion; VA for Professionals, a Business Process Outsourcing company; and Golden Senoritas, Inc., banana chips manufacturer with a project cost of P365 million.
