Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte hit back at broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas after she described some areas of Davao as “left behind” despite years of development.
During the Sept. 16 episode of “Memo with Korina,” Sanchez discussed Mindanao’s development funds and said some communities remained behind in terms of progress.
Sanchez recalled her experience visiting Davao and compared the city’s current condition with what she observed while reporting there during the 1980s and 1990s. She said some developments were visible, including projects associated with Ayala and Megaworld, but described other areas as still lacking progress.
Duterte disputed the characterization.
He said Davao’s progress should not be measured by the number of high-rise buildings, malls and entertainment establishments.
According to Duterte, providing proper government services to residents is more important in assessing the city’s development.
He also said Davao does not need to become a copy of Makati or Bonifacio Global City to be considered progressive.
Duterte further said the number of Ayala or Megaworld projects should not be the basis for measuring the city’s progress.
He added that Davao City has the largest economy in Mindanao and the Visayas.
The exchange came after Sanchez raised questions about the pace of development in some parts of Davao and the distribution and use of development resources in Mindanao.
The discussion centered on how development should be measured, with Sanchez pointing to conditions in some communities and Duterte emphasizing government services and economic strength.
