Published on: September 04, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

In a bid to ignite the flames of progress and envision a brighter future for local communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX embarked on a transformative journey alongside LGU Dapitan City. Spanning from August 07-11, 2023, these collaborative initiatives sought to bolster the capacity of Dapitan City officials in the realm of Comprehensive Development Planning. These transformative sessions were not limited to the Philippines’ borders, as they were further enriched through a learning exchange in the city of Taipei, Taiwan, from August 14-18, 2023. 

The collaboration began with a Visioning Workshop where Dapitan City officials grasped the significance of visioning in comprehensive development planning. Through group discussions and exercises, they formed a shared city vision that captured community aspirations, providing a clear direction for the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). This resulted in a shared vision statement, laying the groundwork for the planning process and fostering a common understanding of Dapitan City’s development goals.

In the next phase, participants identified Key Success Indicators (KSIs) across sectors like economic development, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. They refined these indicators through discussions and exercises, resulting in a crucial set for monitoring progress. Importantly, this deepened their understanding of success criteria in various development areas. 

Moving forward, the Vision-Reality Gap Analysis workshop played a pivotal role. Here, Dapitan City officials scrutinized the city’s present against the envisioned future, carefully noting gaps and challenges. This analysis provided the foundation for strategic planning, guiding participants towards areas needing intervention and improvement to bridge this gap effectively. 

DILG IX’s technical assistance also included developing an initial list of Projects, Programs, and Activities (PPAs) to address gaps. Participants applied prioritization criteria, creating an aligned list of PPAs and gaining practical insights for plan execution. 

After the workshops in Dapitan City, an inaugural event at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei City united Dapitan City officials with Taipei City’s Development Planning team. Taipei City experts shared insights on Urban Development Strategies and Smart City initiatives, fostering an exchange of innovative ideas. This event not only introduced Dapitan City officials to cutting-edge urban development and smart city solutions but also laid the foundation for future collaboration, nurturing valuable networking opportunities and relationships between the two cities. 

Dapitan City officials collaborated with Taipei City counterparts to enhance Dapitan’s CDP with innovative strategies inspired by Taipei’s success, laying a strong foundation for future urban development collaboration and shared learning.

One key highlight was the heritage site visits in Taipei City, where participants explored historical sites, including iconic landmarks like the Chan Kai Shek Memorial Hall and the National Palace Museum. These visits demonstrated how technology can enhance heritage sites while preserving their traditional facades offering valuable inspiration for Dapitan City’s heritage preservation efforts.  

The delegation also delved into Taipei City’s thriving tourism sector, focusing on benchmarking efforts relevant to Dapitan City’s tourism industry. Engagements with Taipei City’s tourism officials and industry experts facilitated comprehensive learning. Dapitan City officials acquired valuable insights into Taipei City’s tourism management strategies, marketing approaches, and sustainable tourism practices. This newfound knowledge will significantly contribute to Dapitan City’s efforts to enhance its tourism industry. 

The collaboration with DILG IX and cross-learning in Taipei City, Taiwan, has been a resounding success. Dapitan City officials gained valuable insights from Taipei City, paving the way for sustainable urban development, heritage preservation, and enhanced tourism. These efforts provide a strong foundation for Dapitan City’s CDP, ensuring it aligns with community aspirations. The next steps involve refining the plan, allocating resources, and engaging stakeholders to turn this vision into reality, promising a brighter future for Dapitan City and its residents.