The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Board of Davao City (Philippines) recently endorsed to the City Council the P39-billion (around $837 million) reclamation project proposed by Manila-based port operation firm Mega Harbour Port Development Corp. after no competitive bids were submitted in the bidding process. Mega Harbour was the original proponent of the project.

The Davao PPP Board of endorsed the draft of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), the drafted Notice of Award, and the original feasibility study submitted by Mega Harbour.

The project is awaiting approval from the City Council now, a local official commented to a local newspaper. After that, the Philippine Reclamation Authority and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) will need to approve the project.

According to sources, the recommendation from the Public Meeting and Award Committee (PMAC) to award the project to Mega Harbour Port Development Corp. was already secured.

The 200-hectare reclamation project stretches from Bucana shores to R. Castillo, Davao City. The project will have a port operation and industrial, commercial, and government centers. It will include the establishment of mixed-use development of port operation and industrial, commercial, tenement housings and government centers.

The project is targeted to be finished by 2019. According to sources, the project will include four islands:

• The port operation of the first island is eyed to have a berthing capacity of 2.5 kilometers, twice the current capacity of the Davao Sasa Port.
• The second island (39.24 hectare) will be intended for the central business district and shopping center.
• The third island that will have a total area of 59.47 has. will be allocated for tourist centers and residential resorts.
• The 40.89-hectare fourth island devoted for township development will face the Sandawa area and it will be connected to the road leading to Quimpo Boulevard.