The town of Malalag, Davao del Sur is now a busy and commercialized area. However, this has not been always the case. Malalag, Davao del Sur was once a sleepy town, where only selected basic necessities were available for the residents’ use. This is the reason why the people approved of the Strategic Intervention in Transforming Malalag into a Provincial Agro-Industrial Center in 1993.

      This program promoted the capabilities of the local government unit, the barangay officials, and the partner agencies. It pushed the focus of the governing group to local development, such as the local human resource development, local administration and management, local legislation, and local economic enterprises.

      As a result, a 10-year development plan and zoning ordinance was developed for the town. In addition that, a revenue code, which drove the locally generated revenues by 98 percent up, was passed. Investors were attracted to the area, thus improving the industries. Even the telephone system was installed in the area. Lastly, the Economic Union and Cooperation of Local Authorities (EUCLA) was also created to initiate the communication and cooperation among the local government units of 6 coastal municipalities.

      With all the commercialization that has been going on, the once lethargic town of Malalag has become a center for a dynamic local economy. The residents realized that if they cooperate and work hard, they would be able to improve their lifestyles and help their town move forward.