Review and Update of the City of Alaminos

Named after its well-loved lieutenant general in 1887, the City of Alaminos has grown to be a market of agricultural and marine products, home of natural and heritage structures, and gateway to the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).

Despite progress, however, almost a third (31%) of the city’s families is below the poverty bracket based on city assessment. Drug-related cases and violence placed second as critical concern. Other ill effects of poverty in Alaminos include limited employment and livelihood, lack of infrastructure, poor quality of education, and environmental threats.

To fulfill its vision of a “peaceful and progressive city with well-educated healthy and God-centered citizens, ” the Comprehensive Development Masterplan of the City of Alaminos can utilize various development concepts. A balance of Mixed-Use Development and Multi-Use Development will promote more public and open spaces, which will help enhance and empower, not only the people but, the character of the community as well. The city image can be improved further through Pedestrianization, the adaptive reuse of heritage houses, possibly converting the ground floors to shops, al fresco dining or art galleries.

The Masterplan has also identified five tourism clusters – the Hundred Islands National Park, the Heritage Walk Zone, the Hillside National Park, Country-Side Farming Zone, and the Business Park Zones.

Aklan-Boracay Integrated Tourism Masterplan

Home of the World’s Best Beach, Boracay boasts of fine sandy shorelines, caves and reefs, and Filipino hospitality. Nearby areas with their own tropical attractions are Carabao Island and the Municipalities of Aklan: Buruanga, Nabas, and Malay.

Previously, Boracay was barely able to cope with the demands of mass tourism. With the lack of a tourism master plan and comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) for Boracay, it has led to uncontrolled development along the coastlines (creating a doughnut effect), environmental threat to both human and marine life, and even the gradual loss of cultural identity due to tourist migration. Moreover, the effects have also spilled over to the nearby communities. Aside from natural calamities, Carabao Island and the Municipalities of Buruanga, Nabas, and Malay remain underdeveloped because of limited access and resources.

In response to these challenges, the Aklan-Boracay Integrated Tourism Masterplan was laid out for the community with three frameworks to choose from. Aside from integrating the three municipalities and two islands in the study, it is reportedly the only masterplan that undertook a participative approach.

To regulate the development in Boracay while initiating sustainable development in Carabao Island and the three municipalities of Aklan, Palafox proposes the principles of Smart Development and Waterfront Development to maximize the efficient use of land resources and urban waterfront, respectively. Compact building patterns will preserve the land, while redeveloping the waterfronts with generous setbacks will bring back life to the area. At the same time, the installation of arcaded sidewalks, as part of the New Urbanism Arcade Concept, will promote pedestrian-friendly walkways, thus, encouraging a healthier lifestyle and environment.

Bulacan Conceptual Development Plan (CDP)

Its strategic location and abundant resources clearly puts it in league with major provincial players. To date, Bulacan boasts of heritage architecture, rich supply of agriculture and marine products, and its close proximity to Metro Manila and other major infrastructures.

Capitalizing on these, the Bulacan Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) envisions a wholistic growth, specifically in basic human service and infrastructure, people empowerment and good governance, ecological balance and economic development. At the same time, it is expected to address issues such as uneven access to basic human services, environmental threats and need to diversify the province’s products.

From four schemes, Bulacan has chosen to develop a provincial center through the municipality of Malolos. At the same time, sub-centers, which possess a unique character, will also be identified and developed as cities. Taking advantage of the terrain, municipalities along the waterfront and the Northrail line will also be developed.

Recognizing its potential as tourism destination, Palafox Associates recommends two approaches: the tourism highway, which links Bulacan with other provinces through major road networks; and the tourism loop, an interconnection within the municipalities of Bulacan.

CDP for the Municipality of Bacoor, Cavite

Its strategic location and abundant resources clearly puts it in league with major provincial players. To date, Bulacan boasts of heritage architecture, rich supply of agriculture and marine products, and its close proximity to Metro Manila and other major infrastructures.

Capitalizing on these, the Bulacan Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) envisions a wholistic growth, specifically in basic human service and infrastructure, people empowerment and good governance, ecological balance and economic development. At the same time, it is expected to address issues such as uneven access to basic human services, environmental threats and need to diversify the province’s products.

From four schemes, Bulacan has chosen to develop a provincial center through the municipality of Malolos. At the same time, sub-centers, which possess a unique character, will also be identified and developed as cities. Taking advantage of the terrain, municipalities along the waterfront and the Northrail line will also be developed.

Recognizing its potential as tourism destination, Palafox Associates recommends two approaches: the tourism highway, which links Bulacan with other provinces through major road networks; and the tourism loop, an interconnection within the municipalities of Bulacan.

City of Navotas Conceptual Development Masterplan

Named after the Filipino translation of pierced (nabutas), the City of Navotas has made a mark as the Fishing Capital of the Philippines. Moreover, the city boasts of monthly festivities, strong labor force, and numerous industrial establishments.

However, the presence of informal settlers, rampant criminality, and limited land resources puts a dent on the city’s progress. Navotas is further threatened by water pollution, traffic due to narrow roads, and proposed landfills in flood-prone areas.

The City of Navotas Conceptual Development Masterplan aims to strike a balance in the development of the north and south. It also identifies the waterfront, development corridors, and growth of nodes as the driver of development.

In promoting Waterfront Development, Palafox recommends taking advantage of its coastline as the entry point for progress. The project aims to transform the Bay as the front door of development, rather than the back door. Relocating the informal settlers not only leaves more space for development, it is a means of Urban Renewal, giving new life to both residents and the environment. This can be supplemented by encouraging mixed-use development, more open spaces, and pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike lanes to promote Livable Community.

Navotas’ Immediate Action Plan kicked off with urban renewal of streetscapes and landscapes. They include installation of lighting fixtures, entry markers, and street graphics; provision of walkways and waiting sheds; and improvement of sidewalks and landscaping in C-4 Road.

Guimaras Island Conceptual Land Use Plan

Located between urban Iloilo and Bacolod, Guimaras envisions to join the ranks of its neighboring partners as player in world-class tourism, agricultural development and preservation of environmentally protected areas.

The Guimaras Island Conceptual Land Use Plan will work on the concept of an integrated, multi-sectoral growth pole. Eco-friendly industries are expected to generate eco-friendly light manufacturing and specialized light engineering industries. In effect, this should improve the quality of living for the people of Guimaras.

Rich in clean land, air, and water and relatively free from typhoons, Guimaras’ potentials as tourist destination are only challenged by lack of infrastructure, undeveloped or underdeveloped spots, and poor marketing.

The Guimaras Plan identified investment opportunities in tourism like development of resorts, retirement communities, and high-end residential facilities, including condotels and villas. This can be supported by infrastructure and service facilities, “green” industrial parks, and commercial livestock and aquaculture.

Ilocos Sur Proposed Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) with Tourism Plan

In pursuit of its 2020 Vision, the Ilocos Sur Proposed Conceptual Development Plan with Tourism Plan aims to come up with short-term, medium-term, and long-term approaches for the province’s development.

Home to declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan, the province of Ilocos Sur is the primary producer of Virginia tobacco, is a major source of fish and agricultural crops, and is accessible through seaports and an airport. These strengths provide opportunities for tobacco processing, agri-industrialization, and tourism planning.

On the other hand, Ilocos Sur’s weaknesses lies in undeveloped or underdeveloped farm to market roads, deteriorating infrastructures, and poor maintenance of heritage sites. It can be further complicated by lack of financing, mismanagement of resources, and informal settlers in protected areas.

Under the Ilocos Sur CDP, three major zones have been identified: Tourism Support Development, Central Trading District, and the Agro-Processing and Eco-Tourism District. Among Palafox Associates’ recommendations are the promotion of eco-histo-cultural tourism, redevelopment of seaports, and area resource management.

Ilocos Sur Proposed Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) with Tourism Plan

Named after the Cebuano translation of whirling water (lilo), the Municipality of Liloan intends to make waves as a “Globally-Competitive Metropolitan Subcenter.” The Liloan Comprehensive Development Master Plan is a big step for the municipality having no previous masterplan, its lack of basic infrastructures and employment opportunities, and its dependence to outside investors.

Still, Liloan’s greatest strengths lie in its able leaders supported by the people. Strategically, it is also the gateway of Metro Cebu from the north and home to an old Spanish town complete with a church and plaza, municipal hall, and parola.

To make the masterplan a reality, a Multicentric Development, which divides the municipality under three geographic zones, was chosen. Under this scheme, development will be evenly distributed within Liloan. The good news is that the high cost is expected to be outweighed by the long-term benefits. Projected incomes are higher revenues and better investment opportunities.

Mandaue City Comprehensive Urban Renewal and Enhancement and Review of Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning

Historically known to be the “Merchant’s Paradise,” Mandaue City is now considered one of the two highly-urbanized cities (HUCs) in the Central Visayas Region. To date, it is the second largest industrial center in Cebu, is the home o major exporters of handicrafts and woodworks, and is an important link within Cebu.

Mandaue City envisions to be “a globally-competitive Industrial City.” It targets the generation of more employment, promotion of tourism, and establishment of sustainable environmental programs. The city’s biggest challenges are its dependence to neighboring communities for agricultural products, lack of infrastructure, and need for tourism programs.

To meet its target, Palafox recommends development principles like Greening the Skyline and New Urbanism, providing roof gardens, and arcaded walkways and street cafes, respectively. The business sector can also participate in reviving the landscape through Business Improvement District (BID) Concept.

Manila Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance (CLUPZO) 2005-2020

Manila Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance (CLUPZO) 2005-2020

Marikina City Conceptual Master Plan, Riverside Conceptual Master Plan, and Urban Design

Aside from being the Shoemaking Capital, Marikina City has taken major steps to become a landmark city. Its strong labor force, progressive economic growth, and efficient traffic and waste management have opened opportunities for physical upgrading, expansion of civic centers, and provision recreational activities.

The Marikina City Conceptual Master Plan, Riverside Conceptual Master Plan, and Urban Design hopes to meet these through design guidelines for various sectors: residential and riverfront areas; pedestrianization, streetscapes and landscapes; and historic sites.

Among the most successful endeavors of the masterplan created with the local government is the installation of biking lanes, which has even received an international grant.

Guiding principles for this masterplan are New Urbanism and Greening the Skyline, providing arcaded sidewalks and roof garden, respectively. Palafox also proposes the facelifting of the Marikina employee housing, installation of pedestrian bridges in Marikina River, and the mini-shoe park.

Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Tourism Strategy and Action Plan

Rich in culture, heritage, and flavor, the Iloilo Province and Guimaras Island are brought together in the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. In pursuit of economic cooperation, efficient infrastructure, and tourism promotion and development, the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council was established. The council is composed of the City of Iloilo, the municipalities of Leganes, Oton, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, and San Miguel, and Guimaras Island.

To map out the potentials of the mini-region, a tourism strategy and action plan was prepared by Palafox Associates with a multi-disciplinary team of consultants.

While both provinces are sources of agricultural products, Iloilo has other means of income generation like fishery and cottage industries. Dubbed as “Mango Country of the Philippines,” Guimaras primarily relies on crops, including rice, coconut and cashew nuts. International-class airport and terminals, and related infrastructure allow tourists to visit and enjoy what the region has to offer.

Upon analysis, issues such as coordination among the localities, poor marketing strategies, and improvement of infrastructure need to be addressed.

Palafox proposes the development of community-based hotels and resorts, inspired by the community’s identity or probably vernacular architecture. Incorporating the terrain in residential communities and hotels especially along hillside areas gives added premium to the property. This can be complemented by tourism circuits like, fishing wharfs, sports centers and ecological parks. Several tourism circuits were defined based on destinations of heritage tourism, arch-tourism, agri-tourism, gastronomic tourism, and many others.

Municipality of Nasugbu Proposed Conceptual Development Plan (CDP)

Having evolved from a coastal town to a sugar town, the Municipality of Nasugbu envisions itself “towards dynamic development.” Rich in history and culture, a tourist destination, and home to marine life, Nasugbu’s vision is threatened by the concentration of settlements in the Poblacion, poor infrastructures, and uncontrolled tourism development.

The Municipality of Nasugbu Proposed Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) focuses on landmark projects, immediate impact projects, and strategies towards socio-economic sustainability and environmental soundness.

Through Mixed-Use Development, Nasugbu will balance out agricultural and marine productivity with good business sense. At the same time, areas which require immediate action can be identified through incorporated development principles of Town Center, Sub-Center, Residential and Employment Villages, and Network of Greens. In addition, these moves will be carried out every 100 days of the year.

The municipality’s development thrusts include enhancement of town centers, development of pedestrian-friendly commercial strips, and urban corridors linking coastal and protected lands allocated for tourism development. This is to ensure that the entire municipality equally benefits from development.

Navotas Bayfront Business Park Conceptual Master Plan-A Proposed Reclamation Development

As the Fishing Capital, Navotas is home to a number of marine-related and shipbuilding industries, including the Navotas Fishport. It also forms the sub-region Camanava, with the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela.

In pursuit of becoming the premiere destination in northern Metro Manila, the Navotas Bayfront Business Park Conceptual Master Plan: A Proposed Reclamation Development aims to reclaim the waterfront to increase its land area while replacing unsafe structures with well-designed architecture.

It should be stressed that informal settlers will not be displaced as affordable rowhousing will be provided within the reclamation area. Aside from the traditional sources of livelihood, there are also plans of providing alternative income-generating activities.

Envisioned to be a balance of residential, commercial and civic centers, supported by waterfronts, open spaces, and transportation sector, the major challenges will be the site itself because the roads leading to it are narrow. It is of paramount importance then that walking, cycling, and public transport be the primary modes of transport of the Bayfront Business Park.

To achieve a win-win situation, the masterplan will be divided under three phases. Provision for pedestrian-friendly menities will also go hand-in-hand with development principles of Green Urbanism and Green Architecture. Good environmental practices will include traffic planning, efficient use of resources, and solid waste management.

Pagadian City Proposed Urban Planning, Urban Design, and Landscape Architectural Design

As the regional center of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Pagadian City is gateway to Zamboanga del Sur, boasts of tourist destinations, and may soon be the “Mango Bastion of Western Mindanao.” It has also been the undisputed cleanest and greenest city of Western Mindanao for several years.

Pagadian’s strengths, however, are negated by the history of terrorism in the area, lack of tourism campaigns, and flooding and poor drainage in some areas.

In response to these, the Pagadian City Proposed Urban Planning, Urban Design, and Landscape Architectural Design has come up with proposals for urban renewal through the development of commercial center and streetscapes, provision of rotunda with central water feature, and facelifting of the municipal hall.

Pasig River Rehabilitation Master Plan (PRRMP)

Many of the waterways in the Philippines require revival and redevelopment. This includes the long-neglected Pasig River, a potential front door for progress, like the grand rivers of Seine, Thames, Hudson, and Danube, which were once taken for granted.

The river’s revival formally started in 1999 with the creation of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, tasked with its effective rehabilitation of the river.

The result of an extensive consultation process, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Master Plan is a testament that sustained community participation, local and multi-sectoral partnership, and political will by local government units can make a difference.

Part of Pasig River’s rehabilitation is the redevelopment of certain points as commercial district, green spaces, and ferry terminals. To date, several of the proposals have already began. They include the urban renewal of Quiapo district and Maestranza in Intramuros, and the linear parks and ferry terminals stationed in Escolta, PUP, and Guadalupe.

Key priority areas identified were the renewal of areas with informal settlements to socialized housing communities, the preservation of heritage structures in Santa Ana and Makati Poblacion, and to make the river suitable for boating by 2014.

proposed conceptual provincial development plan, CAVITE

proposed conceptual provincial development plan, CAVITE

Province of Aurora Conceptual Development Plan (CDP)

Named after its founder, the wife of former president Manuel Luis Quezon, the Province of Aurora relies on agriculture, fishery, and forestry, boasts of marine eco-system and tourist destinations, and is linked through seaports and private landing strips.

Lack of agricultural technology and storage facilities, limited road networks, and uncontrolled logging, however, are some of Aurora’s challenges. The province has huge potential in eco-tourism, agro-industrialization, and agro-forestry developments.

To meet these challenges, the Province of Aurora Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) identified the growth centers, development corridors and green wedges. The province’s CDP is guided by the principles of New Urbanism Arcade Concept and Pedestrianization. The chosen framework strategy is the Growth Centers, Development Corridors, and Green Wedges. The province is resource-rich yet it is one of the 20 poorest provinces in the Philippines. While income and employment generation, as well as provision of infrastructure and services, is important, the real wealth of Aurora must be preserved. In order to achieve this, forests and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced in between growth centers.

Puerto Princesa City Conceptual Development Plan (CDP)

The country’s largest city and the princess of ports, Puerto Princesa City, is a home of deep harbors, and haven to diverse marine life and ecosystem.

While there are environmental threats and growing competition in tourism, opportunities for the capital of Palawan remain open. The city is an ideal center for trade and commerce, is a strong partner of the Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (MIMAROPA) Economic Zone, and a potential site for the preservation of endangered flora and fauna.

With the vision of a “Model City in Sustainable Development,” the Puerto Princesa City Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) aims for a balanced provision of agricultural, commercial, and eco-tourism zones to complement the built-up areas. Six growth nodes have also been identified based on their location and characteristics.

Palafox Associates came up with design guidelines to establish Urban Growth Boundaries, assist in setting standards for development, and aid in revising existing zoning ordinances. These include generous setbacks from riverbanks, and riverfronts, provision of parks and plazas, and pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike lanes.

Quirino Province Conceptual Development Plan (CDP)

The “Forest Heartland of Cagayan,” the Province of Quirino is prime eco-tourism, agricultural and forest land, and is expected be the new gateway to the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle Super Region. Aside from crops, mining may soon trigger development in Quirino.

However, environmental disasters, poor accessibility and untapped potential in agriculture pose as the province’s main challenges.

Thus, the Quirino Province Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) will focus on the Environment, Economy, and Social Equity, collectively known as the Triple-E Bottomline approach. It advocates public-private partnership, sustainable development and responsible mining, and medium term development goals.

Two agendas were prepared based on two specific development goals: the environment and food security. Under the first goal, a masterplan was drafted to ensure the balanced development before, during, and after mining operations. After mining, the pit can be developed into a water reservoir. Around it, communities will be established to ensure that people have homes, livelihood, and a pleasant environment. The plan takes inspiration from best practices such as Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia, Butcharts Gardens in Canada, and Golden Cross Mines in New Zealand. This is the first plan for responsible mining in the Philippines.

In line with the objectives of National Food Security, a main road was proposed for better access of food, products, services, and people to and from Quirino.