Davao Oriental, Surigaodel Sur ink agreement resolving boundary dispute

VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR, March 9, 2015—The chief executives and members of the SanguniangPanlalawigan of the neighboring provinces of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur had recentlysigned a ‘Compromise Agreement’ signifying the closure of the long standing boundary dispute involving some barangays on the borders of the two provinces.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon and Surigaodel Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel led the signing ceremony of the said agreementina joint meeting of the two provincial delegationsheld inVigan City, Ilocos Sur on Friday, March 6.

Based on the signed agreement, a new political boundary map will be produced that would delineate almost 3,000 hectares of land in favor of Davao Oriental.

However, ‘built up areas’ or lands with existing developments such as public infrastructureslocated in the village of Rajah Cabunsuan in Lingig town, Surigaodel Sur will not be covered by the signed agreement.

Moreover, before its formal adoption through an ordinance by the provinces’ respective SangguniangPanlalawigan, a joint ground survey will be conducted by teams of surveyors of the two provinces together with a technical team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of regions 11 and 13.

The members of the two legislative bodies, headed by presiding officers Vice Governors Joel Mayo Z. Almario and Manuel Alameda, Sr. of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur, respectively, concurred that this unprecedented settlement would put to rest the dispute of almost 20 years while signals the start of charting out of plans for development that would the benefit both provinces.

While the two provinces are strategically located in one economic growth corridor known as the Surigao-Davao Oriental Pacific Rim (SUDOPARIM), Governor Malanyaon said this would be a great opportunity for both provinces to work together in accomplishing their mutual socio-economic interests.

“We are not here to compete with our resources but rather to complement each other,” she said, noting this agreement will lay the foundations in boosting this economic corridor.

Governor Malanyaon said the signing of agreement marks a historic milestone for the two provinces, which finally ends the long-running problem and heralds strengthened partnership.

Governor Johnny Pimentel of Surigaodel Sursaid he is thankful that the first steps to resolve this dispute was finally taken. “This will be our legacy to our people, especially to the next generation.”

Duterte said he might consider withdrawing the abandonment charges against the parents once they surrender the children to the government.

“Apparently, they are incapable of rearing and watching over the children,” he pointed out.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)