Samal Development
Something that’s been on my mind, and in the news quite a bit recently, is all the planned development on Samal Island. I’ve posted about the Samal-Davao bridge, but that’s just the beginning, evidently. You might say the floodgates are about to be opened.
The local government says they are committed to keeping 80% of the island from commercial development.
Igacos Administrator Cleto Gales Jr. was also quick to add that even with the influx of development that may be brought about by the bridge construction, they are committed to preserving a big portion of the island.
“We will only have 20 percent of the island as built-up areas or those that can be developed. Eighty percent will remain as it is. We also have established 15 Marine Protected Areas that are off-limits to any kind of development,” Gales said.
“If we will not preserve our natural endowments, then we will no longer be deserving of being called the island garden city,” Gales added.
I wonder if they’ll really be able to accomplish that. It seems there are subdivisions planned all over. That, in addition to resorts, a convention center and surely more retail to service everyone.
The one that catches my eye though is Playa Azalea. This hotel/resort/residential subdivision is right in Limao it seems. That’s my future neighborhood, and while I don’t have the exact location it can’t be too far. This could well be a good thing. I really don’t know yet. It will surely bring my land value up but I’m planning to live there not sell, so I’m not so sure that matters.
It will be interesting to watch the progress of this and other projects on the island. Things don’t always go as planned, as we all know. The bridge, for instance, could take much longer than projected, which would surely slow down other developments.
Just a few short months ago I couldn’t have imagined that I would be so interested in the development of an island in the Gulf of Davao.
Hi Randy – I, personally, had been hoping to keep the island quiet, rather undeveloped. I was more interested in my personal privacy and peace of mind. However, with the bridge coming in, and starting to see these big resort type developments popping up, it would appear that Samal is going to go the other way. I am resigned to that, and there are up sides to development too.
One thing that I have in mind is that if the development is too much, the land values will skyrocket, at which time we could sell the property and perhaps locate on the other side of the island, which I don’t expect to develop much for decades.
It will be interesting to watch how this all develops!
Hi Bob – I, too, felt that part of the initial appeal to living there was the isolation from the hectic city life. I had resigned myself to taking the ferry once a week or so to Davao to get supplies and what not, as a small trade off for that privacy. The bridge works both ways though, convenient for others to come but also for us to go.
I hadn’t originally planned to live in a community but upon seeing the area and seeing who had bought lots, I felt it was a good place for us. I knew the possibility existed down the road, but I really didn’t think Samal Island would develop as fast as it appears it’s going to.
I think you have a good plan regarding the selling of the property, if things develop too much. I have started to consider something similar with regard to Bukidnon (though I need to visit there first) or other areas. Another part of the island may also work.
That’s not to say I’m not excited about the land and the area, I am. I’ll just have to see how things progress. It could very well be a good thing. Thankfully we both have time.
Hi Randy – Yep, it is my hope to live on the land in Limao, no doubt about that. But, it is also always good to have options in mind, just in case.
For me, my plan has been that I would be happy and content going to the City only once per month or so. I believe that what is needed can be found on the Island, and I’d rather stay there as much as possible.
Bukidnon? I love the place too! Ending up living in Bukidnon (or Marilog, Davao) is a great option too, I’d consider it myself.
Hi Bob – it’s interesting that while the bridge will make it easier/quicker to access Davao, it may also make it less necessary. You are probably correct in that most of what is needed can be found on the island.
I’ll be wanting to visit other areas on my next trip over, as you say, to keep my options open. It’s good to know that I have an interested party on the pulse of the matters there.
Hi Randy – Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted as much as possible about the developments in Samal. Also, I have a new web project that I am working on, and I can assure you that you’ll be very interested in it! I’ll be making an announcement soon.
Hi Bob – I’ll keep an eye out for your new site. I’m sure it will be as valuable as your others.