Renowned urban planner stresses need for sustainable cities

By Ryan Mostar

INTERNATIONALLY renowned urban and environmental planner and architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. underscored the importance of forward-looking urban planning and coordinated action in building safer, more sustainable, and resilient communities during the LIGTAS: Giting at Tapang Series – From Flooding to Drought: Are We Ready? held on November 11 at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City.

Organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Camarines Sur, the four-hour forum brought together representatives from various professional organizations, academic institutions, and other sectors to discuss the challenges posed by flooding, drought, and other environmental risks.

Among the participating organizations and institutions were the UPAA, Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Architects of the Philippines–Camarines Chapter, Asian Institute of Management, Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Ateneo de Naga University's Civil Engineering and Architecture Department, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, UPLB Alumni Association, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), and the University of Nueva Caceres, represented by its president, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya.

The program was hosted by Mylce Mella and Elmer Abad. The welcome remarks of UPAA Camarines Sur President Ma. Luzy B. Torres-Clasio, who was unable to attend, were read by Judge Ammelina Bernadette Corazon Palma-Crescini. Tabang Bikol Movement Board Chair Evita Jimenez-Tuazon then presented the forum's background, overview, and expected outputs, while Dr. Gabriel Lazaro Jimenez delivered the closing remarks.

Drawing from his book, The Philippines Towards Resilient Cities and Communities, Palafox emphasized that cities and communities must be planned not only for economic growth and development but also for safety, sustainability, and resilience. In a country frequently exposed to typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, volcanic hazards, and other environmental risks, protecting human life and improving the built environment must remain central to development planning.

He also presented projections pointing to the growing demands on Philippine cities in the coming decades. By 2050, more than 100 million Filipinos are expected to live in urban areas, underscoring the need for approximately 100 new smart, sustainable, resilient, and livable cities to accommodate the country's growing population.

Citing projections by Goldman Sachs and HSBC, Palafox also pointed to the Philippines' potential rise as a major global economy, ranking 16th worldwide by 2050 and 12th by 2075. These prospects, however, would require investments that go beyond conventional infrastructure and economic development.

Among the priorities he identified for the country's long-term development toward 2100 were investments in soft infrastructure, including healthcare, education, digital connectivity, and electronic governance; climate-resilient regions supported by upland cities, agri-industrial hubs, and disaster-ready urban design; inclusive planning that considers the needs of the youth, elderly, and vulnerable sectors; and the development of green energy through the utilization of local energy sources.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of integrating land-use planning, flood management, environmental protection, and infrastructure development to reduce communities' vulnerability to natural hazards. Rather than treating flooding and drought as isolated concerns, these challenges require comprehensive and coordinated solutions.

The forum also featured a panel discussion with Mr. Typhoon David Michael Padua, Dr. Hector Sales, WIMA and MPCF-Legazpi President Merle J. San Pedro, former mayor and representative Cho Roco, and Dr. Philip Talay Director CBSUA Resilience Center, providing additional perspectives on the issues raised during the event.

The gathering brought together professionals, educators, institutional representatives, and other stakeholders in an exchange of ideas on how communities can better prepare for environmental challenges and pursue sustainable development.

As the country faces increasing environmental risks and pressures from urbanization, the discussions highlighted the importance of anticipating future challenges and incorporating resilience into present-day decisions, ensuring that economic growth and urban development are matched by safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable communities.