The City Government of Davao and Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build an integrated public safety complex in Northtown, Alsons Dev’s newest residential community in Cabantian.
The 1,500-square meter complex will include Central 911, fire and police stations. The public safety complex will provide residents of Cabantian and the Buhangin district with better access to public safety services and faster response to emergencies. This will also benefit communities further away from the city center, according to Central 911 Chief Emmanuel Jaldon. “It will be easier for response teams to take action during emergencies in communities like Indangan, Tigatto, and Waan,” explained Jaldon.
At the signing held at Marco Polo Davao last February, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the plans for the public safety complex. “This is a timely development as Davao City continues to grow,” said Duterte.
MOU signing between Alsons Dev and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (seated, 3rd from left)
Alsons Dev executives also met with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Senior Superintendent Elmer Asumbrado and Davao City Police Chief Vicente Danao to further discuss the proposed fire and police stations. “Having a police station in Cabantian will enable more efficient police services,” Danao said.
Alsons Dev executives with BFP Sr. Supt. Elmer Asumbrado (4th from left)
The public safety complex is a donation of Alsons Dev to the City of Davao. Construction begins in mid- 2015, with target completion by 2016.
“As far as I know, most donations we have received have been land only. This is the first time that a private company has donated both the land and the structures for such purpose,” said Asumbrado.
Alsons Dev executives with Davao City Police Chief Vicente Danao (4th from left)
For Alsons Dev Executive Vice President Rosie Dominguez, this donation is an expression of the company’s continued commitment to the residents of Davao City. “Alsons Dev is grateful to have been part of the city’s growth and prosperity over the past 50 years. The donation of a public safety complex in Cabantian is our contribution to ensuring that Davao City continues to be one of the safest and most livable cities in Asia.”