Davao City Under Duterte: A Legacy of Transformation and Controversy

Davao City, located in the southern part of the Philippines, has become one of the most prominent cities in the country. This transformation can largely be attributed to the leadership of former Mayor and President, Rodrigo Duterte, who served as the city's mayor for over two decades. Known for his strong-willed leadership, controversial policies, and significant improvements in the city's infrastructure and security, Duterte’s legacy in Davao is both revered and debated.

A City Transformed: Duterte’s Early Years in Power

Rodrigo Duterte first assumed the role of Davao City mayor in 1988 and served multiple terms until 2016 when he became the President of the Philippines. Under his leadership, Davao City went from a once-dangerous, crime-ridden place into one of the most developed and safest urban areas in the country. Duterte’s focus on law and order, as well as his hands-on approach to governance, made Davao a model of local governance for many.

One of the key aspects of Duterte's governance was his unwavering stance on crime control. His administration launched various programs aimed at improving security in the city. These efforts were credited with drastically reducing crime rates and making Davao one of the safest cities in the Philippines by the end of his tenure as mayor.

Law and Order: A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Crime

Duterte's tough approach to crime became one of the defining features of his leadership in Davao. His policy focused on implementing a zero-tolerance approach to drugs, criminal activity, and corruption. He established a “punisher” mentality, enforcing strict curfews and imposing severe penalties for lawbreakers.

His controversial "war on drugs" initiatives included public executions and the elimination of drug lords and syndicates. This led to significant reductions in the crime rate, with Davao residents reporting a greater sense of safety, particularly in comparison to other cities in the Philippines. However, the heavy-handed approach also attracted criticisms, with allegations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

Despite the criticisms, many Davaoeños (residents of Davao) supported Duterte's actions, believing that he was genuinely concerned about the well-being of the city and its people. His policies were seen as an immediate response to the lawlessness that plagued the city before his term began.

Infrastructure Development: Building the Foundation for Progress

In addition to crime control, Duterte focused on improving the city's infrastructure, transportation, and public services. His administration spearheaded projects to modernize Davao, turning it into a booming city that could compete with Metro Manila in terms of economic growth.

Under his leadership, Davao saw the construction of new roads, bridges, and public facilities. The city also improved its public transport system, making commuting more efficient for residents. The implementation of the Davao River Bridge, expansion of the Davao International Airport, and development of new business districts all contributed to the city's growth and modernization.

Davao also became a hub for business investments during Duterte's time as mayor. His pro-business stance, coupled with improvements in the city's infrastructure, attracted both local and foreign investors, leading to an increase in employment and an improved economy.

Decentralization and Local Autonomy

Duterte was a strong advocate for decentralization and believed in empowering local governments. Under his leadership, Davao embraced a model of governance that promoted local autonomy. This approach allowed the city to make decisions that best suited the needs of its residents, without excessive interference from national government agencies.

Duterte’s leadership style in Davao was characterized by a close working relationship between the government and the people. He encouraged citizen involvement in local governance, with regular meetings and consultations to ensure that the voice of the community was heard.

The Controversy of Duterte’s Leadership

While Davao City flourished under Duterte, his leadership was not without controversy. Critics of his methods often pointed to the human rights violations associated with his anti-crime policies. The Davao Death Squad, which allegedly carried out summary executions of criminals, became a focal point of both admiration and condemnation.

Duterte’s rhetoric, often blunt and aggressive, also attracted national and international attention. His controversial remarks about violence, governance, and even foreign relations raised eyebrows, but they also solidified his image as a leader unafraid to speak his mind. Many saw this as a strength, while others considered it a weakness in his diplomatic approach.

Moreover, while Davao’s growth was undeniable, some critics argued that his policies were not sustainable in the long term. The rapid development and transformation, driven largely by Duterte’s leadership, may not have been achievable without the strongman tactics that were employed.

Davao’s Future After Duterte

When Duterte became President in 2016, Davao City faced a new challenge: continuing the progress he had started. As Duterte’s successor, his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, took on the role of mayor in 2016, and later became vice president in 2022. Many of Duterte’s policies were carried over, but Davao’s transformation was now being influenced by the policies of national leadership.

Under Sara Duterte’s leadership, Davao continued to thrive, although with a more diplomatic approach. There has been a continued focus on infrastructure and security but with an emphasis on sustainable growth and community development. Davao remains a vibrant city, with its unique combination of modern progress and traditional Filipino values.

A Mixed Legacy

Rodrigo Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City left a lasting impact. He transformed the city into a major urban center, known for its security, infrastructure, and governance. However, his leadership also raised important questions about the balance between strict law enforcement and respect for human rights.

Regardless of the controversies surrounding his tenure, Duterte’s leadership in Davao City undeniably shaped the city's path toward modernization. The city’s continued growth and the strong foundations laid by Duterte will remain a testament to his vision and governance style. For Davao, the legacy of Duterte's leadership will continue to be both praised and critiqued, but it cannot be denied that under his rule, Davao City rose to prominence as a key player in the Philippine urban landscape.

Davao City’s transformation under Duterte remains a testament to his unique leadership style, and while divisive, his impact on the city’s development will be felt for years to come.