The Davao Gulf Management Council (DGMC) believes in, shares and upholds the following values, principles, directions and policies:

Values

• Shared ownership and accountability.  The Gulf is a common resource.  Its use or misuse is the accountability of everyone.
• Inter- and intra-generational equity.  All communities have equal opportunities to enjoy access to and bounties from the Gulf to satisfy their social, economic, and environmental needs.  These opportunities shall be ensured for current and future generations.
• Conscious stewardship.  Sound judgment, moderation, and sensitivity to the limits of the Gulf are the rules rather than the exceptions when making development plans.
• Holistic, participative, and informed decision-making.  The best decision comes after all stakeholders have jointly considered or examined accurate information and evaluated all possible risks and opportunities.
• Science to support decision-making.  A proactive research and development program shall be an integral part of decision-making. 
• Integrative and collaborative efforts.  As a transboundary resource, integrated approaches and multi-sectoral efforts are the key strategies towards implementing management programs in the Gulf.
• Constant feedback.  Sustainability is a community journey that requires constant monitoring and evaluation, learning and flexibility, strong political will and financial commitment. An active information and education campaign shall empower stakeholders to give constant feedback of their environmental assessment to executives and planners.

Principles

• Gulf health. The integrity of the Davao Gulf as an ecosystem shall be protected from any deterioration at all times.
• Interrelatedness. The mountains, floodplains, and rivers; the settlements and built-up areas; the people and other living things in the region, directly or indirectly connected to the Gulf.  Any development should consider its impact on the principle of interconnectedness.
• Sustainability. Economic goals now and in the future must be compatible with the carrying capacity of the Gulf.

BACK TO TOP