Five urban development aspirations for Metro Manila

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Metro Manila is comprised of 16 cities and 1 municipality - is the economic, political, and cultural capital.

Metro Manila’s forecast of becoming a global power city is challenged by the consequences of rapid urbanization. The UN-Habitat lists the effects of climate change, natural disasters that hamper urban infrastructures and city competitiveness, unequal livability, job creation, and poverty reduction.

Is there a way out of Metro Manila’s challenges? Architect and urban designer Chintan Raveshia, and urban planner and sustainability consultant Tony Chan of Singapore-based Arup emphasize urban development should also consider people’s aspirations, its changing needs and expectations, and the national identity of the residents.

 

Finding the identity of the city

Raveshia inspires responsible stakeholders to ask themselves first the most fundamental question: “What’s the identity of the city and how do we make its residents proud?”

He quips, “Singapore, a city that is high on everyone’s liveability list, is also working with citizens and grass roots organizations to inculcate a sense of ‘lovability’ for the city. This helps to strengthen the societal bond, increase equity, improve community safety, and exude pride and a feeling of ownership of the city amongst the residents. The balance of liveability, efficiency, and lovability paves the way for a true success of our cities in this climate emergency era”.

For his part, Chan believes that a successful sustainable urban development goes hand in hand with the capability to enhance people’s quality of life.[RKRC1] “We must develop and harness models of development that have low-carbon targets, which are also of a human scale, thriving and inclusive; models that are also just, secured and enhances the quality of life for all its residents. In addition, we should look at creative ways to increase local citizen participation as well as new technologies or products that can support the overarching vision and development objectives”, says Chan.

Melbourne is considered by many experts as one of the most liveable cities for the past decade.

If Singapore reclaims lands for more affordable housing and increased integrated city developments and Melbourne builds accessible green spaces to promote social interaction, what plans would best fit Metro Manila’s sustainable and livable future while maintaining its identity? Here are five urban development aspirations Filipinos hope for the country’s main political and economic hub.



1. Accessibility across all social classes

While Metro Manila is the Philippines’ major economic driver – accounting for 32% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) – it’s often challenged in sustaining accessible living conditions for residents across all social classes. UK-based The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Metro Manila 105th out of 139 cities in the Global Liveability Index 2022. The increasing population density in Metro Manila has resulted in some inconveniences in daily conditions like vehicular traffic situations, least green open spaces, high carbon footprint, inaccessibility to affordable housing, and unequal income opportunities.

Urban planners and developers suggest mixed-use planning in the metropolis and coastal developments because they are crucial to achieving the 15-minute concept. Here, residents across all walks of life are encouraged to live a healthy, affordable, and sustainable lifestyle because residential, commercial, and office spaces are integrated within a single development.




2. Open green spaces for a healthy and sustainable living environment

Despite land scarcity, Singapore manages to be one of the greenest cities in the world with over 400 parks, more than 3,300 hectares of nature reserve, and over 300 kilometers of park connector network.

Studies shows that Metro Manila has only 5 square meters of green space available per person, this number is well below the 9 square meters set by the World Health Organization.COVID-19 had the entire world reassess their health conditions, lifestyle practices, and environmental situations. The impact was even more drastic in Metro Manila due to population density, crowded space, and insufficient parks and open areas.

Aside from improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity, green spaces also moderate temperatures during the warm season.



3. Enhancing Human health and wellbeing

Cities with sufficient healthcare facilities, access to health coverage, and infrastructures that enhance well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle, produce prosperous societies.

The way cities are planned, designed, and executed has a crucial impact on how people live as it presents opportunities and effects on their lifestyles and overall well-being. While there is evident progress in Metro Manila’s health sector, rapid urbanization continues to pose risks in communities due to challenges in overcrowded neighborhoods, vehicular emissions, heavy traffic, pollution, and flood-prone areas.



4. Resilient community

Resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to adapt, survive, and grow in the face of stress and shocks, and even transform when conditions require it. Relevant dimensions under the City Resilience Index (https://www.cityresilienceindex.org) by the Rockefeller Foundation & Arup, other dimensions include Health & Well Being, Economy & Society, Infrastructure & Environment as well as Leadership & Strategy

As Philippines and Manila grows, we face a dual challenge of adapting to climate change and the need to alter development strategies that are increasingly contributing to global warming. Philippines is among the top 10 countries in the world most affected by climate change in the past 20 years, according to the Global Climate Risk Index As an archipelago, impacts resulting from climate change are immense. In addition, metro Manila’s safety and resilience are endangered by various natural disasters.



Natural disasters persist every season due to our geographical location.

Well-planned and executed urban designs have the power to build safe and resilient communities in Metro Manila. Infrastructures like proper bike lanes and walkable streets ensure residents’ safety, accessibility, and comfort, whereas science and technology-based solutions that can build flexible structures, multi-use systems, and technologies can help residents adapt and prepare for changing conditions.



5. Global and competitive city

In 2022, Singapore is placed 3rd in the World Competitiveness Ranking – the small country out of Asia even placed 1st in 2019 and 2020.

Metro Manila is one of Asia’s premier regions. As the country’s engine growth driver, it has growing investments in infrastructures and multitudes of business investments and developments.

The metropolis’ rising potential can further step up by following global models like Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong which created several integrated cities and coastal developments that ushered in a vibrant economy and paved for a better urban lifestyle. These visions create an avenue to further increase opportunities for jobs, better education, better lifestyle, and bustling economic activities.

These can contribute to the Philippines’ national and local economies by driving tourism and infrastructure development while also creating equitable and inclusive communities. These, in turn, create a wider room of opportunities and, therefore, attracts more talent.



Building inclusive and sustainable growth centers

When all stakeholders are listened to and addressed, communities will be energized when introduced to well-designed, master-planned and implemented developments. This will result to a lasting impact on Metro Manila’s future and its residents because it fosters more inclusive growth and makes the urban landscape an extension of their home.

When a city embraces its history, celebrates its milestones, innovates and adopts for the future, and most importantly, nurtures its residents and responds to their aspirations – it is a city working toward competitiveness and unlocking future potential.

How about you? What would you aspire your city to be?

Medical care brought closer to low-income families in Cagayan

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While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities.

The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities.

Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin.

Strength to do more


Roland Bariuan takes home free medicines after his medical check-up.

Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultations and examinations.

“Napansin ko na kahit malakas ako kumain, namamayat ako at nanghihina. Nalaman ko na may diabetes na po ako. Pero hindi pwedeng pabayaan ko ang sarili ko. Hindi pwedeng maging tamad ako dahil may sakit ako. Kung tamad po ako mamasada, wala kaming pangaraw-araw at gagastushin pambili ng gamot,” he shared.

Determined to care for his health, he goes to the city health office for his routine checkups. The same drive to boost his health is also what led him to SM group’s medical mission, led by SMFI: “Dahil magastos po magpagamot, kadalasan po akong pumunta sa city health office para sa lahat ng aking checkups. Ngayon, nataon pong nalaman kong mayroon medical mission dito sa SM City Tuguegarao.”

Through the medical mission, he received free consultation, blood tests, x-ray, and medicines–services that would break the bank if he had it done elsewhere. With the assistance extended to him, he had his scheduled checkup without worrying about the finances and even managed to put aside money originally allotted for medicine and laboratory tests.


“Ang kinikita ko sa pamamasada ang ginagamit ko at ng pamilya ko para sa aming pangangailangan. Kaya mahalaga sa akin ang aking kalusugan. Ang magandang pangangatawan ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para mas lalo pang pagsumikapan ang pamamasada,” he said.


“Pero bilang tricycle driver, hindi namin maiiwasang magkasakit dahil usok ang kasabayan namin sa pamamasada. Kaya malaking tulong ang libreng check-up sa ang libreng gamot mula sa SM Foundation. Malaking tulong ito dahil kahit papaano, hindi ko muna iisipin ang pang gamot ko,” he added.

 
Making quality healthcare attainable


Roland’s fellow resident from Cagayan Valley, Angeline Cacanindin, knows full well the need to maintain a healthy body, for this is her tool to fulfill her duty as a house helper. She also believes that this is what her children can rely on as they strive in school.


However, her youngest daughter has been complaining about a toothache, which was already interfering with her nutrition and attendance in school.


“Butas na po ang mga ngipin niya. Kaya tuwing kumakain po siya, pumapasok ang kanin at nasasaktan siya. Hindi na rin po siya makapag focus sa school dahil sa sakit,” she shared.


“Nito lang po, tumawag po ang teacher niya at sinabing umiiyak po ang anak ko per hindi umiimik. Nung kinausap ko po siya, nalaman kong sobrang sakit na po ng ngipin niya. Umiyak din po ako dahil ramdam ko ‘yung sakit. Hindi ko siya agad madala sa dental clinic dahil nasa trabaho po ako at mahal din po ang magpabunot,” she said.



When she heard about SMFI’s medical mission in SM City Cauayan, she immediately brought her daughter for a checkup. Here, her daughter’s tooth was extracted. She also received free paracetamol, antibiotics, vitamins apt for her child’s age, and dental hygiene tips from volunteer dentists.


“Ang medical mission na ito ay malaking tulong kasi libre po serbisyo pati ang mga gamot. Ngayon po, makakapagsimula muli kaming subaybayan ang kalusugan ng aming anak para maganda po ang kinabukasan niya.” she said.


Through the ongoing medical missions of SMFI, many economically disadvantaged individuals like Roland and Angeline get lifelines–an intervention that provides immediate relief to those in need and a chance to access medical care and resources that are often unavailable or unattainable.

Earth Day celebrations in the Philippines

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In the Philippines, April 22 of every year has been declared as the Philippines' Earth Day under Presidential Proclamation 1481, signed on April 10, 2008, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to raise the level of awareness on environmental degradation and destruction in the country that threatens the very quality of life of many Filipinos. Presidential Proclamation 1482 was also signed on the same date, declaring the whole month of April each year as the Month of the Planet Earth.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide  to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It is a day when people come together to raise awareness about the environmental issues facing our planet and to promote sustainable living practices.

The first Earth Day was held in 1970, and it is now observed in more than 190 countries. The idea for Earth Day came from Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired by the student anti-war protests of the 1960s. He saw an opportunity to harness that energy and focus it on the environment. On April 22, 1970, over 20 million Americans took to the streets to demand action on environmental issues, making it the largest civic demonstration in history.

Since then, Earth Day has become a global phenomenon, with millions of people participating in activities and events designed to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. From tree planting and litter cleanups to sustainable fashion shows and eco-friendly festivals, there are countless ways to celebrate Earth Day.

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is "Restore Our Earth," with a focus on the urgent need to restore ecosystems and reverse the damage that has been done to our planet. The theme recognizes that environmental degradation is a global crisis that affects everyone, and that urgent action is needed to address it.

There are many environmental issues that we face today, including climate change, deforestation, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. These issues are interconnected, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to them.

One of the key ways to address these issues is through sustainable living practices. This includes things like reducing our carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources and driving less, reducing waste by recycling and composting, and conserving water by fixing leaks and using low-flow appliances.

Another important way to address environmental issues is through advocacy and activism. This includes lobbying policymakers to take action on environmental issues, participating in protests and demonstrations, and supporting organizations that work to protect the environment.

On Earth Day, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. You can participate in community cleanups, plant trees, attend environmental lectures and workshops, or simply make a commitment to living more sustainably. Whatever you do, the important thing is to take action and demonstrate your support for environmental protection.

Earth Day is an important event that reminds us of our responsibility to protect the planet we call home. By raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable living practices, we can work together to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Whether you're planting trees, cleaning up litter, or simply making a commitment to live more sustainably, every action counts. So join the millions of people around the world who are celebrating Earth Day, and let's work together to restore our Earth.

In addition to individual actions, Earth Day is also an opportunity to advocate for policy changes at the local, national, and international levels. This can include supporting laws and regulations that protect the environment, as well as calling for greater investment in clean energy and conservation programs.

One of the most pressing environmental issues we face today is climate change, which is driven by the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities. Earth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change and to promote solutions such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Another key issue is biodiversity loss, which threatens the natural systems that support life on Earth. Earth Day can be a chance to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring ecosystems, as well as supporting efforts to conserve endangered species.

Earth Day is a reminder that the health of our planet is inextricably linked to our own well-being. By taking action to protect the environment, we can create a better future for ourselves, future generations, and the countless species that share our planet.

As we mark the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, it's important to recognize that there is still much work to be done. The challenges we face are complex and interconnected, and addressing them will require sustained effort and collaboration from all sectors of society. But by working together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for all.

It's worth noting that Earth Day has played a significant role in raising awareness about environmental issues and driving action on these issues over the past five decades. In the years since the first Earth Day, we've seen important progress in areas such as air and water pollution control, waste reduction, and conservation. However, the scale of the challenges we face today demands even greater action and innovation.

Fortunately, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of our planet. Innovations in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other areas are opening up new pathways for reducing our impact on the environment while improving our quality of life. Awareness about environmental issues is growing among individuals, organizations, and governments around the world, and this is driving important policy changes and investments in clean technology and conservation.

As we look ahead to future Earth Days, there is reason to hope that we can build on these successes and make even greater progress in addressing the environmental challenges we face. But this will require continued commitment, innovation, and collaboration from all of us. By taking action in our own lives, supporting advocacy and activism, and staying informed about environmental issues, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future for our planet.

Earth Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the natural world, raise awareness about environmental issues, and promote action to protect our planet. As we mark the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, it's clear that there is still much work to be done to address the complex and interconnected challenges we face. But by working together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world for ourselves and future generations.



Earth Day celebrations in the Philippines


Earth Day is celebrated in the Philippines with a variety of activities that aim to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living practices. These activities are organized by government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), schools, and other organizations across the country.

One of the most common activities on Earth Day in the Philippines is tree planting. This is a popular activity because trees are essential for regulating the climate, conserving soil, and providing habitat for wildlife. Many communities organize tree planting events in parks, forests, and other public spaces, and there are also large-scale tree planting initiatives organized by NGOs and government agencies.

Another popular activity on Earth Day in the Philippines is coastal cleanups. The Philippines has a long coastline and is home to many marine species, but the country also faces significant challenges with plastic pollution and other forms of coastal degradation. Coastal cleanups are organized in many communities to remove litter and other debris from beaches and other coastal areas.

Other Earth Day activities in the Philippines include environmental fairs, eco-friendly product exhibits, and workshops on topics such as composting, recycling, and energy conservation. There are also advocacy campaigns that aim to raise awareness about specific environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

In recent years, Earth Day in the Philippines has also been an opportunity to promote sustainable tourism practices. The Philippines is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, but unsustainable tourism practices such as overdevelopment and pollution can harm the environment and local communities. Earth Day events in the Philippines may include seminars and workshops on sustainable tourism practices, as well as ecotourism activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and snorkeling.

Overall, Earth Day celebrations in the Philippines are an important opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues, promote sustainable living practices, and mobilize communities to take action to protect the planet. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for ourselves and future generations.