Mandate

Two legal instruments that guide and support the existence of the DGMC:

1. "Local Government Code of 1991 Section 33. Cooperative Undertakings Among Local Government Units" that grants local governments the autonomy to organize themselves and/or create partnerships to serve their cause which sates:
   
   "Local government units may, through appropriate ordinances, group themselves, consolidate, or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them. In support of such undertakings, the local government units involved may, upon approval by the Sanggunian concerned after a public hearing conducted for the purpose, contribute funds, real estate, equipment, and other kinds of property and appoint or assign personnel under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the participating local units through Memoranda of Agreement."
   
   
2. Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission in year 2000 mandating the DGMC to operate as a multi-sectoral non-government organization.

Given these, DGMC shall act as a coordinating body working towards unified policy and programs in the management of the Gulf, and strengthen existing approaches for a concerted, timely and collaborative action to address pressing issues at the Gulf. In effect, it shall do the following:

• Set clear directions on how its members shall effectively manage the Davao Gulf.
• Coordinate and/or facilitate various initiatives and efforts in the Davao Gulf whether by or with LGUs, national government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, civil society and its own projects.

Membership

• DGMC members comprise of coastal LGUs, national line agencies, NGOs, POs, academic and/or research institutions, and other entities that adhere to principles and values that DGMC uphold and may be willing to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to collaborate towards the implementation of DGMC programs or projects.
• Membership to the DGMC is determined by a MOA duly signed by the chief executive such as mayors on the part of the coastal LGUs and directors or heads of offices on the part of other institutions or organizations.
• The MOA, which stipulates the contribution of each member be it financial, technical, human, and/or logistical, shall be in force for a term of three years on the part  of  the coastal LGUs  to  coincide  with the term of office of the LGU signatory,  who is the mayor.  In cases where mayors are elected for three consecutive  terms,  which  is the  maximum  allowed  under  the  Local  Government Code,  the MOA  shall  remain  in  force  unless  otherwise  contested,  nullified  or  revised  by  the legislative   council.  The  MOA  with  NGAs,  NGOs,  academic  and/or  research institutions, and   other  entities  (like  private or  business organizations)  shall be co-terminus with that  of the heads of offices. 
• POs, which are recognized as important members/partners of the DGMC, shall take active part in the implementation of DGMC programs or projects such as the one on coastal law enforcement that is implemented by the Davao Gulf Environment Protection Alliance (DGEPA). 
• As part of the organization, DGMC members (except Provincial Governors who have been designated as members of the Board of Advisors) have the right to be voted to and vote for an elective position.

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