PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Department of Architecture
Boni Campus, Mandaluyong

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

History and Planning Patterns in the Philippines

Spanish Regime

King Philip II promulgated a code that served as guide to all colonized territories of Spain. This
code, which was applied successfully to the Spanish colonies in the Americas, was known as the Laws of
the Indies. The law provided guidelines for site selection; layout and dimension of squares, streets and
other land uses; and the main phases of planning and construction. Details were also written pertaining
to the location of the principal buildings, recreation spaces, cultivation and pasture lands, and sites for
garbage-producing uses. Also prescribed within the code is the relationship protocol between the Spanish
and the natives [Ocampo, 1992].

Map of the walled city of Intramuros in Manila with elements of colonial planning called Laws of
the Indies present.

The royal ordinances dictated that each town should be located on vacant and high ground,
properly oriented to sun, wind, and water areas. The site should also be on or near fertile land and
accessible to sources of fuel, timber, and water. Because the law is based on the Greco-Roman
Renaissance design principles, it favored the use of the gridiron pattern in the establishment of roads and
blocks. The plaza was the starting point of the construction, around which were the important buildings
like the church, casa real, town hall, bandstand for zarzuelas and other edifices for health and defense.
Other lots surrounding the area were reserved for merchant shops and prominent family [or principalia]
dwellings. The code also specified that there were to be as many farm lots as town lots. The law likewise
states that each house should have stockyards and courtyards. This could have been the Philippines'
earliest land use and zoning law and building code.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

The instruction of the Laws of the Indies further aims at providing health, safety, order, and
beauty. The design and execution of the plans should be implemented by architects or other "executors"
so ordered by the colonial governor. The final product—i.e. the town—served as the instrument of
colonization and the staging ground for exploiting mineral and land resources [Ocampo, 1992].

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

This Philippian principle of planning is perhaps best exemplified by the city of Manila. After all,
"all roads lead to Manila and Madrid." The city of Manila became the colonial Capital during the time of
Legaspi. Although Spanish architects and engineers envisioned Manila as a city of stone, she rather was
developed into a city of fortification. The Manila Bay was palisaded to protect the city from Chinese pirates
[led by Limahong] and other foreign invaders as well as the Muslim and Japanese inhabitants. This was
the precedent of the construction of Intramuros, which was a self-contained city "within walls."

Urban design by the Spaniards left a lasting physical mark in the landscape of Philippine cities [as
there was an emphasis on the use of stones for building]. However, efforts to address the economic and
social issues for the natives was lacking. This was further aggravated by the encomienda [300 in all] system
imposed in the time of Legazpi, which was nothing more than a revival of the medieval serfdom. Although
King Philip II had better intentions in his edict, Spanish town planning was principally done "first for the
purpose of defense and second for grandeur…. Housing was not considered at all, as a public
responsibility… The badly-housed were not the concern of the municipality" [Arguilla in Ocampo, 1992].
Regional planning was nonexistent. What only has been done was the establishment of hierarchy of the
political territories: the country is divided into provinces [or alcaldias]; the province is divided into
pueblos; and the pueblo is further divided into barangays. The Maura Law of 1893 extended autonomy to
the provinces. It established a municipal tribunal or council for each town with at least a thousand
taxpayers.

American Era

Unlike the Spaniards, the Americans gave greater emphasis on other social values like sanitation,
housing, and other aesthetic improvements. Some of these values, however, were not American in origin.
The ideas of urban development through sanitation practices and mass housing were born as a reaction
to the ills of industrialization in Europe [Benevolo in Ocampo, 1992].

Planning under the influence of the Americans is typified by the Daniel H. Burnham's plan of
Manila. In December 1904, Burnham was commissioned to prepare the physical development plan for the
cities of Manila and Baguio. Trained as an architect and guided by the principles of the City Beautiful
Movement, he envisioned the city manifesting aesthetic elements such as wide boulevards, public edifices
and landscaped parks. In the United States, Burnham draw plans for cities like Chicago, Washington,
Cleveland, and San Francisco.

Burnham was not only a man of artistic talents. His successor in the Philippines named William E.
Parsons described him as a man of "sound business judgment and experience," a man who can convince
practical of business to "make no little plans." Burnham’s objective was to make cities "convenient for
commerce and attractive and healthful as a place of residence [Parsons, 1915]." His plan for Manila
provided for the rapid increase of the population and the explosion of the city’s industries.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

Burnham prescribed the grid pattern for the city of Manila. However, the gridiron was
interspersed with the circumferential and diagonal arteries, which was reminiscent of his designs for San
Francisco, Chicago, and Washington. He proposed that the Bay areas would be extended through
reclamation and a new port would be constructed. True to his City Beautiful principles, he further

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

proposed the development of nine parks, two new playfields, and fountains throughout the city
for public leisure.

In Burnham's plan, there were sites allotted for national and municipal buildings near Intramuros,
hospitals, and colleges. Spaces were also set for a world-class hotel, city and country clubs, a casino, boat
clubs, public baths, and the new residence for the Governor General. Resorts were also to be developed
near Manila but the ultimate escape during the summer season would be the city of Baguio.

Burnham's plan also called for the development of Binondo as the center of business and
merchandising. Improvements were to be made in the area’s wharf, warehouse, and other port facilities.
In addition to extension of the port along the Pasig, it would also be linked to railroads extending to north
and south provinces. The plan served as a proposal to the private sector. Burnham hoped that through
private action the expansion and developments in ports and roads would be expedited.

Present

There are other covenants affecting the planning process in the Philippines in general. The
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board has a manual that complements the Local Government Code
[LGC] of 1991. Others like Executive Order 71 [1993] seeks to ensure the efficient devolution of powers to

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

the local government units and provide for an orderly and smooth transition as well as definition of future
relationships between the national and local governments. Passed almost simultaneously with EO 71,
Executive Order 72 provides for the preparation and implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use
Plans [CLUP] for the Local Government Units. These two executive orders aim at complementing the Local

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

Government Code of 1991 and other pertinent laws. In addition, the local government can also reclassify
agricultural lands to other uses by virtue of Memorandum Circular 54 of 1993.

The Philippine Constitution of 1987 is also a source of planning ideals regarding urban land reform
and housing. In Section 9, it declares that "the State shall, by law, and for the common good, undertake,
in cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing which will
make available at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services to under-privileged and homeless
citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas. It shall also promote adequate employment
opportunities to such citizens. In the implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights of
small property owners." In Section 10 it continues that "urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted
nor their dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner. No
resettlement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken without adequate consultation with them and
the communities where they are to be relocated."

The Urban Land Reform Law [PD 1517] was passed during the administration of Marcos. With its
impressive rhetoric, it states that "it is the policy of the State to liberate human communities from blight,
promote their development and modernization, and bring about the optimum use of the land as a national
resource for public welfare." Although not clear if it repeals PD 1517, the Urban Development and Housing
Act, otherwise known as Republic Act 7279, was passed in 1992 before the term of President Corazon
Aquino ended. However, the spirit of this law is too philanthropic as it basically promises provision of
housing for the homeless citizens.

One of the basic urban planning problems is housing. For the past decades, legislators formulated
and accumulated laws regarding the provision of one of the basic human needs that is housing. For one,
there is the Presidential Decree 957 of 1976, which mandates the protection of subdivision and
condominium buyers. Two years later, another law [PD 1344] was enacted empowering the National
Housing Authority[NHA] to regulated and police the real estate trade and business. In 1982, Batas
Pambansa 220 authorized the Ministry of Settlements to urge the private sector to provide "economic
and socialized housing" for the middle and lower income earners.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

Government Planning Thrusts Towards Sustainability

Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The concept of needs goes
beyond simply material needs and includes values, relationships, freedom to think, act, and participate,
all amounting to sustainable living, morally, and spiritually.

Philippine Development Plan

Pillar 1: Enhancing the social fabric (Malasakit): There will be greater trust in public institutions and across
all of society. Government will be people-centered, clean, and efficient. Administration of justice will be
swift and fair. There will be greater awareness about and respect for the diversity of our cultures.

Pillar 2: Inequality-reducing transformation (Pagbabago): There will be greater economic opportunities,

coming from the domestic market and the rest of the world. Access to these opportunities will be made
easier. Special attention will be given to the disadvantaged subsectors and people groups.

Pillar 3: Increasing growth potential (Patuloy na Pag-unlad): Many more will adopt modern technology,
especially for production. Innovation will be further encouraged, especially in keeping with the
harmonized research and development agenda. And in order to accelerate economic growth even more
in the succeeding Plan periods, interventions to manage population growth will be implemented and
investments for human capital development will be increased.

AmBisyon Natin 2040

AmBisyon Natin 2040 is a picture of the future, a set of life goals and goals for the country. It is
different from a plan, which defines the strategies to achieve the goals. It is like a destination that answers
the question “Where do we want to be?”. A plan describes the way to get to the destination;

AmBisyon Natin 2040 is the vision that guides the future and is the anchor of the country’s plans.

This aims to make the Filipino people enjoy a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the
knowledge that we have enough for our daily needs and unexpected expenses, that we can plan and
prepare for our own and our children’s future. Our family lives together in a place of our own and we have
the freedom to go where we desire, protected and enabled by a clean, efficient and fair government.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

Philippine Development Plan

1. Attaining Just and Lasting Peace

By 2022, the government will achieve significant progress in forging peace with armed groups. In
conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, delivery of public services will have improved significantly.
Peace-building initiatives including peace agreements with armed groups in conflict-affected and
vulnerable communities will be vigorously pursued, together with development projects.

To negotiate and implement peace agreements with all internal armed conflict groups

• Pursue the meaningful implementation of the agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) toward healing in the Bangsamoro through enhanced approach and roadmap for the
implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes, in close
partnership with the MILF.

• Complete the implementation of the remaining commitments under the Government

of the Philippines (GPH)-Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Peace Agreements.

• Immediately conclude the peace process with armed groups.

To protect and develop communities in conflict-affected and conflict vulnerable areas

• Implement peace-promoting and catch-up socioeconomic development in conflict

areas, particularly the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

• Empower communities by increasing their capacity to address conflicts and reduce their
vulnerabilities.

• Make government more responsive to peace, conflict, and security issues.

• Rationalize, coordinate, and monitor the delivery of socioeconomic programs and other
interventions by donor institutions and government agencies in conflict affected areas,
especially in Mindanao.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

2. Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety

By 2022, the government will have better capability to significantly reduce criminality and
terrorism, and to ensure the safety and security of all Filipinos in the country and overseas from all forms
of hazards. Security, public order, and safety, along with peace, is accorded high priority by the
government for its role as one of the key foundations of development. While improvements have been
achieved, efforts still need to be strengthened.

To uphold and protect territorial integrity and sovereignty

• Promote respect for a rules-based regime in the West Philippine Sea.

• Promote greater harmony and cooperation with all nations.

• Expand and enhance diplomatic engagements and cooperation in regional and

international settings, particularly in areas of interest to the country.

• Expand the global presence of the Philippine Foreign Service and key attached agencies
through the establishment of Foreign Service posts in strategic areas.

• Pursue and sustain programs for the modernization and capability upgrade of Armed
Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard.

To significantly reduce all forms of criminality and illegal drugs

• Intensify law enforcement operations, including military support to fight criminality,

trafficking, and terrorism.

• Enhance the capability of police, coastguard, military, and other law enforcers to
address the internal security threats posed by local and transnational terrorists and criminal
groups, and new and emerging security threats such as cybersecurity.

• Launch a holistic program to fight criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption.

• Deepen international partnership to counter violent extremism and intensify the fight
against human trafficking.

To ensure public safety

• Increase police visibility.

• Develop and promote non-traditional systems for responding to crime and

emergencies.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

• Improve capability of the fire protection services and other security forces.

• Ensure that all law enforcement and military operations comply with the requirements
set by the international human rights standards prescribed in international human rights laws and
domestic laws, including the Constitution, which provides safeguards against human rights
violations.

• Enhance the capability of the security sector for humanitarian assistance and disaster
response.

To ensure the security and safety of Overseas Filipinos (OFs)

• Provide sufficient information and safety nets to OFs prior to their travel on business,
leisure, temporary employment, or in search of permanent residency abroad.

• Strengthen border control measures to protect OFs against human and drug trafficking,
through capacity building and effective partnership with destination countries.

• Provide sufficient assistance-to-nationals services such as legal assistance and consular

services in the home office and at all Foreign Service posts under the One Country Team approach.

• Establish mechanism to monitor the socioeconomic and political conditions of OFs.

• Enhance the capability of migrant-serving agencies and consular officers on crisis

preparedness and contingency planning.

3. Accelerating Infrastructure Development

By 2022, strategic infrastructure will be developed, guided by the National Spatial Strategy (NSS),
in key sectors like transport, water resources, energy, information and communications technology (ICT),
and social infrastructure (i.e., housing, education, health, and solid waste management facilities). The
specific targets are provided in Table 19.4 of the PDP 2017-2022.

Infrastructure supports the country’s socioeconomic development. Spending on infrastructure

has to be intensified while addressing persistent issues and challenges hampering implementation.

To increase spending on public infrastructure

• Enhance the linkage of the planning, programming, and budgeting processes of the
government.

• Encourage private sector participation.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

• Secure optimal mix of government, official development assistance, and private sector
spending.

• Formulate and update master plans and roadmaps.

• Improve government administrative systems and procedures on project

implementation.

To implement strategic infrastructure programs and projects Transport

• Enhance efficiency of the transport sector through providing adequate, accessible,

reliable, and safe access for people and goods.

• Improve road-based transport to address traffic congestion through “engineering,

enforcement, and education,” and upgrade road network to the highest quality standards.

• Encourage shift from private to public transport, especially on mass transport.

• Improve operational efficiency of airports and address constraints to optimal capacity

utilization.

• Improve port facilities to ensure that inter-island shipping, including a stronger RORO
network, will remain a viable option for transporting people and cargo.
• Improve safety and security of public transport system by adopting a universal
security structure.

Water Resources

• Pursue institutional reforms such as streamlining processes in involved agencies to

encourage and guide investments in water supply, sewerage, and sanitation.

• Formulate an irrigation master plan to set the direction for irrigation development and
a framework for capital and operations and maintenance financing of irrigation projects.

• Continue flood management initiatives.

• Create an apex body that will a) address the fragmented structure of water resources
and b) formulate masterplans that will foster coordinated efforts in the country.

Energy

• Support the required massive investments and fast track the implementation of
infrastructure projects to improve power generation.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

• Encourage competition to drive down electricity costs.

• Pursue development of the natural gas industry, as well as renewable energy such as
wind and solar.

• Ensure efficient transmission of electricity to various load centers and interconnect the
entire grid.

• Prioritize provision of electricity services to the remaining unelectrified off-grid, island,

remote, and last-mile communities.

• Continue the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation program.

• Review mandated biofuels blending with due consideration to the impact on prices,
farmer incomes, and environmental protection.

ICT Infrastructure

• Expand the deployment of ICT infrastructure and address the gaps in digital
connectivity.

• Continue to enhance the country’s e-government system as a vital tool for good
governance.

• Institute reforms in the policy and regulatory frameworks.

Social Infrastructure

• Address existing infrastructure deficit in the education sector.

• Expand existing plans and programs on the implementation of health facilities (e.g.,
Philippine Hospital Development Plan, Health Facilities Enhancement Program) in the Philippine
Health Facility Development Plan.

Provide secure tenure in affordable, safe, and disaster-resilient housing to

underprivileged and homeless families (See also PDP Chapter 12).

• Provide assistance to LGUs in complying with the requirements under the Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act. Promote proper waste management through public awareness
programs and invest in relevant technologies to improve solid waste management throughout
the country.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

• Enhance capacities of relevant agencies for monitoring and management of health care and
hazardous wastes.

• Address overcrowding in prison and jail facilities, as well as the insufficient provision of basic
services (e.g., potable water and proper sanitation facilities)

To ensure asset preservation

• Increase technical and financial capabilities for operations of government agencies.

• Incorporate climate change adaptation and disaster resilience measures in

infrastructure development (See also PDP Chapters 12 and 20).

• Ensure the security of infrastructure facilities through proactive and coordinated efforts
among government agencies.

Intensify infrastructure-related research and development (R&D)

• Institutionalize R&D expertise, especially in public goods and services.

• Support the establishment of R&D facilities.

4. Ensuring Ecological Integrity, Clean and Healthy Environment

By 2022, the country will be cleaner and greener. Moreover, the quality of life of resource-based
communities will be significantly improved. Sustainable integrated area development (SIAD) and
participatory environmental governance will be an overarching principle that will be adopted in
addressing ecological, economic, political, cultural, societal, human, and spiritual challenges and
opportunities in a specific area. Climate change and disaster risks will also be seriously considered.

To sustain biodiversity and functioning of ecosystem services

• Adopt ridge-to-reef approach and intensify sustainable integrated area development.

Forest and Watershed

• Clearly demarcate the high-value conservation areas that need proper management
(protection zones) from areas for private sector investment (production zones).

• Reverse the loss of forest cover by continuing to rehabilitate degraded forestlands,

including critical watersheds, and strengthening protection of remaining natural forests.

• Effectively manage protected areas through ecosystem restoration, as well as demarcation and
zoning to avoid encroachment into protected areas.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

• Strengthen law enforcement against illegal trade of wildlife species.

• Come up with appropriate tenure and management arrangement to establish accountability of

communities in the management of forestlands and protected areas, while allowing them to enjoy
economic returns.

• Improve land administration and management.

• Strengthen research and development on forest, watershed, and biodiversity.

Mineral Resources

• Strengthen environmental and social safeguards for mineral resources development. Strictly
enforce existing laws, rules and regulations in the mining industry.

Coastal and Marine

• Enforce complete delineation, delimitation, and zoning of municipal waters.

• Strengthen law enforcement and the management of coastal and marine areas.

• Rationalize the identification of marine protected areas and their networks.

• Intensify research on coastal and marine habitats and resources.

Inland Wetlands and Caves

• Effectively communicate sustainable practices and enforce biodiversity regulations especially

in priority inland wetlands and caves with high value.

Urban Biodiversity

• Enhance green spaces in urban areas.

Expand the development of sustainable resource-based industries including forest, fish,

marine, and genetic resources. Promote and develop ecotourism and cultural sites. Mainstream
ecosystem values into national and local development planning by institutionalizing ecosystem
valuation and natural resource monitoring system and developing a policy for Payments for
Ecosystem Services.

To improve environmental quality

• Strengthen enforcement of environmental laws especially on air, water,

and land quality management.

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

• Promote sustainable consumption and production such as eco-friendly technologies, systems,

and practices.

To increase adaptive capacities and resilience of ecosystems

• Strengthen the implementation of climate change adaptation and disaster

risk reduction across sectors, particularly at the local level.

• Strengthen institutional response to disasters.

• Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of climate change and disaster
risk reduction and management actions.

Cross-cutting strategy

• Review, codify, and streamline existing environment and natural resources policies, rules and
regulations to improve compliance, address conflicting provisions, and promote transparency
and accountability.

Plan Implementation and Monitoring

Implementing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 requires coordination among
government agencies, private sector, civil society, and development partners. The efficiency of the
coordination depends on the adherence to the intended outcomes, while the effectiveness of the plan is
evaluated in terms of the extent of improvement in quality of life of Filipinos, especially the poor and
marginalized.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretariat will monitor headline
indicators, at the national and sub-national levels – (a) real gross domestic product growth; (b) real per
capita income growth; (c) poverty and subsistence rates in both rural and urban areas; and (d)
employment outcomes – using data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). NEDA will also prioritize
and sequence strategies, policies, and programs (including proposed legislation) in coordination with
implementing agencies. These will be reported to the appropriate NEDA Board committees, Cabinet
Clusters, and InterAgency Committees, in addition to an annual Socioeconomic Report.

The various pillars of the PDP 2017-2022 shall be handled by various agencies and committees
who are assigned particular chapters in the Plan.

Malasakit – building a high-trust society – shall focus on enhancing the social fabric through
people-centered, efficient, and clean governance (PDP Chapter 5); swift and fair administration of

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P

 PLANNING 1: Module 17 - 18

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Architecture, Boni Campus

justice (PDP Chapter 6); and promoting the country’s diverse cultures and values for the common good
(PDP Chapter 7).

The second pillar, Pagbabago, effecting inequality-reducing transformation, shall be monitored

by the NEDA Secretariat with regular progress reports to the Economic Development Cluster for
Chapters 8 and 9, agriculture and industry and services, and the Social Development Cluster for Chapters
10-12.

The third pillar, Patuloy na Pag-unlad, will focus on science, technology, and innovation (PDP
Chapter 14). The Science and Technology Coordinating Council will be strengthened as monitoring
mechanism for this. The Commission on Population will be actively involved in ensuring that policies and
programs are implemented for the country to take advantage of the demographic dividend (PDP
Chapter 13).

FAMATIGA, MIGUEL B. CEAT – 01 – 603P