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UP CIDS forum looks at impact of the Davao City Coastal Road Project on coastal communities

Fisher folks, community representatives, academics, and experts from multiple sectors gather together to discuss the impacts of the Davao City Coastal Road project.

The public forum on fishing communities and urbanization gathered fisher folks, barangay representatives, academics, and representatives from various government agencies to discuss the sociocultural and economic impacts of the Davao City Coastal Road project on the city’s coastal communities. This event is made possible by the Davao City-based research project, “Fishing Along the Davao City Coastal Road: Narratives of Displacement and Resilience,” which aims to investigate the effects of the coastal road on fisher folks living there. By capturing the narratives of the fishing communities involved, the study seeks to inform national and local government of possible policies on managing coastal communities amid urban development.

Held on 22 November 2024 at The Ritz Hotel, Bo. Obrero, Davao City, the forum sought to foster collaboration among the participants and provided a platform for discussing the preliminary findings of the study. It also facilitated critical conversations to shape people-centered policies for inclusive development and urban sustainability. Dr. Sophremiano Antipolo served as the keynote speaker and presented an overview on the Philippine Project Planning and Development Processes. The group from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region XI, headed by Engr. James Lee Arieta, also presented an overview of the coastal road project and its implementation updates. The project team then presented the results of the study.

The discussions highlighted key findings, such as the shifting identities and livelihoods of fishing households, disruptions in access to traditional fishing areas, and the community’s adaptation to urbanization. These insights led to robust dialogue and raised significant questions, including:

  1. The progress of the proposed Community Fish Landing Center;
  2. Community consultation and displacement of mangrove riprapping projects;
  3. Relocation of displaced communities and support for women;
  4. Defining boundaries for waterfront activities;
  5. Barangay market development;
  6. Impact of coastal road construction on 4Ps beneficiaries; and
  7. Suggestions for improving livelihood and support for fisherfolk through the creation of payaw.

Concerns were also raised about the ecological impacts of the road on marine resources. Another issue is if there is any politician already identified to use the study as reference to craft policies on future big projects such as the coastal road that could impact vulnerable communities of the city. The forum concluded with a collective acknowledgment of the results presented by the proponents and the information shared by the speakers. Most of the questions were addressed accordingly by the concerned bodies to the extent of their knowledge. The discussions were very useful for the project proponents in the preparation of their report.

The project is funded under the Urban Studies Program of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS), the policy research unit of the University of the Philippines. The proponents are Asst. Prof. Ryan Songcayauon and Prof. Raymundo Pavo, with the support of Ms. Anna Mae Dalugdog as Senior Research Assistant, and Ms. Marie Grace Aponte as Administrative Assistant.