Chapter 7: Land Use and Physical Development

Chapter 7
LAND USE AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

7.1. Geographic Location

Angeles City is located in the Province of Pampanga, Central Luzon Region, Philippines. It is bounded
by Mabalacat City in the north, Mexico in the east, City of San Fernando in the southeast, and Porac
in the southwest. Figure 7-1 below shows the immediate environs of Angeles City with respect to
the province of Pampanga, Central Luzon, and the Philippines.

Figure 7-1 Vicinity Map of Angeles City

Angeles City is approximately 83 kilometers north of Metro Manila from the Rizal

Angeles City is approximately 83 kilometers north of Manila from the Rizal Monument in Luneta
Park to the old City Hall in the city poblacion. It can be accessed through the MacArthur Highway,
the newly rehabilitated North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), and the newly constructed Subic-Clark-
Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

7.2. Natural Features

7.2.1 Topography
Angeles City is predominantly flat with some hilly portions near its boundary with Porac and
Mabalacat in the west side. Shown in Figure 7-2 is a contour map of Angeles City with a generalized
contour 10-meter interval, and a slope section along the east and west alignment. This slope section
cuts across the foothill of the mountains of Porac and Mabalacat in Sapangbato, passes through
Friendship and Abacan Bridges all the way to Pandan Bridge, and finally terminates in the eastern

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border of Angeles City with Mexico. This section has an estimated total length of about 17.5
kilometers from the west to the east boundary.

Figure 7-2 Map of Angeles City with contour lines, and a west to east slope section

The highest elevation of Angeles City is about 440 meters above sea level located at Sapangbato.
However, the slope section shown above did not hit this contour. It started at 340 meters above sea
level, peaked at 380 meters, and slowly descended as it moved going to the eastern border. As it
moved towards the east, the elevation descended to 120 meters along Friendship Bridge, went
down farther to 90 meters in the Abacan Bridge area, fell to about 70 meters near the approach of
Pandan Bridge, before it finally leveled at 60 meters below sea level along its boundary with Mexico.
This shows a very defined west to east slope or elevation gradient that generally follows the
drainage flow of Abacan River.

7.2.2. Climate
Angeles City has a Type I climate based on the Modified Corona System of Climate Classification
(Figure 7-3). This type has two (2) pronounced seasons, dry season from May to November. In 2013,
the maximum rain period is from May to October with the heaviest rainfall registering in the month
of July at 417.40 mm. The dry season starts from November to April with January registering no
rainfall. The average hottest temperature was 36.60C registered in the month of May.

The principal wind regimes affecting the area are the northeast wind flow from January and
February, and the southwest wind flow from June to September. The annual prevailing wind in the
area is southwesterly. In 2014, there is no direct hit of typhoon for Angeles City. But the city was

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affected by three (3) tropical cyclones which were typhoon Glenda in July, Typhoon Luis in
September and Tropical Storm Ruby in December.

Figure 7-3 Modified Corona System

Source: PAGASA, Pinatubo Hazard Urgent of Climate Classification
Mitigation Project (Phase III) EIA Report

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Figure 7-4 Frequency of Tropical Cyclone

Source: PAGASA, Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Occurrence in the Philippines
Mitigation Project (Phase III) EIA Report

7.2.3. Soil Type

Angeles City has two distinct soil types: Angeles Coarse Sand and Angeles Fine Sand. These soils are
well drained and friable which make them suitable both for settlements development and
agriculture. Sandy soils being porous have high water absorption capacity and easily drains after a
heavy downpour. The estimated composition of fine sand, silt and clay for the different soil types of
Angeles City is found in Table 7-1.

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Table 7-1 The Predominant Soil Types in Angeles City,

and their Percentage (%) composition of Sand, Silt and Clay

Percentage (%) Composition

No. Soil Type
Sand Slit Clay
71 Angeles Coarse Sand 94.5 2 3.5
73 Angeles Fine Sand 79.5 14 5.5

In addition to organic matter or humus, a soil consists of three particles: clay, silt, and sand. Clay
particles have an estimated size at the maximum of 0.002 millimeters across. The size of silt ranged
from 0.002 – 0.05 millimeters. Sand, on the other hand, has a width ranging from 0.05 - 2.00
millimeter. Angeles Coarse Sand is made up of 94.5% sand, 2% silt, and 3.5% clay. On the other
hand, Angeles Fine Sand is composed of 79.5% sand, 14% silt, and 5.5% clay.

These textural descriptions of the top soils found in Angeles City indicate that the area drains well
internally. Yet the city experiences localized flooding during rainy season and this is caused by the
new land cover – concrete pavement. As lands are being covered by concrete, rainwater can no
longer percolate into the sandy soil but goes to the storm drainage canals, which unfortunately have
limited capacities. Some recommendations and doable solutions to this concern are found in the
environmental management chapter of this document. In brief though, the city must implement
water-sensitive urban development designs that will not hamper the penetration of rainwater into
the soil, such as the use of permeable paving blocks, construction of infiltration ponds and canals,
among others.

7.2.4. Local Drainage and Water Bodies

As previously discussed, the general slope direction of Angeles City follows the west to east
orientation. The city’s main drainage outlet is the Abacan River (the other rivers and water channels
found in Angeles City are shown in Figure 7-6). The interaction of slope, sandy soil, and presence of
numerous creeks and a relatively large river, make Angeles City well drained and flood-free.
However, due to existing land uses and human activities, localized flooding is being experienced in
some parts of the city during the rainy season.

Being highly urbanized, most of its lands in the built-up areas are already paved. Paved surfaces
cannot absorb rain water and therefore deter infiltration into the soil no matter how sandy it is.
Storm drainage canals constructed several years back now easily overflow because they have
already reached their peak flood capacity. These inherent weaknesses are amplified by other factors
which include but not limited to: i) encroachment of road right-of-way (illegal and formal settlers), ii)
siltation of water channels, iii) indiscriminate disposal of garbage, and to certain extent, iv)
unplanned and unregulated property development.

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Figure 7-5 Rivers and creeks in Angeles City

7.3. Land Use

In 1977, the estimated built-up area of Angeles City was 1,390.12 hectares representing 22.36
percent of its total land area. In mid-2009 or 32 years after, this has doubled reaching about
2,986.47 hectares which is equivalent to 48.03 percent of the city’s total land area (Figure 7-6). This
left the city with approximately 2,388 hectares of patches of agricultural lands distributed across its
territory. Note that Angeles City has an estimated population of 170,575 and 330,059 in 1977 and
2009, respectively. If the present population growth rate of 2.14% based on the 2000 and 2010
censuses on population will not change, Angeles City’s population will double in 32 years or come
2042. As such, its remaining agricultural lands may fully give way for urban expansion. However, the
city is determined to resist settlement pressures on forest reserves and environmentally constrained
areas.

Historically, Angeles City is the most important urban center in Central Luzon complemented by the
neighboring City of San Fernando and the Mabalacat City. This function is expected to be further
enhanced due to the interplay of improving infrastructure stock, growing economic base, expanding
population, and rising income. Said urbanization and development trends will pull Angeles City from
all directions. These require better planning and land use management to effectively direct and
control development. It is for this purpose that the city formulated its comprehensive land use plan
for 2010-2020.

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Existing general land use map of Angeles City, 1977

Existing general land use map of Angeles City, 2009

Figure 7-6 Land Use Trend in Angeles City, 1977 – 2009

Urban Development Trends

Shown in Figure 7-7 is the inferred hierarchy of urban centers in Central Luzon illustrating the spatial
relationship of the different central places. Most major urban centers are the provincial capital
towns and cities which through the years have maintained certain degree of primacy because they
acted as the seat of political power. Others became providers of higher level services because they
have a location advantage, advanced infrastructure facilities (road or railroad), or endowed with
exploitable natural resources.

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Figure 7-7 Inferred Hierarchy of Urban Centers in Central Luzon

Figure 1-2. Inferred Hierarchy of Urban Centers in Central Luzon

San Jose City Baler

Muñoz City

Palayan City

Cabanatuan City
Tarlac City
Iba

Gapan City

Mabalacat
Angeles City

San Fernando City

LEGEND:
Dinalupihan
Baliuag San Jose Del Monte City
REGIONAL CENTER

N Olongapo City Malolos City

MAJOR URBAN CENTER
Not to Scale Meycauayan
Source: NEDA III RPFP (2006) Balanga City SERVICE URBAN CENTER
DTI III - CLDP (1995)
Mendoza (2007)

Mariveles

If population is linked and paired with these urban centers, it can be observed from the inferred
hierarchy that the biggest agglomeration of population in Central Luzon is in the province of
Pampanga. This is exactly in the crossroads of MacArthur Highway, the Gapan-San Fernando-
Olongapo Road, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). Angeles
City is strategically located in this regional urban development corridor.

These and the complementing effects of the different economic zones and transportation
infrastructure facilities in Central Luzon (Figure 7-8) put Angeles City on top of the list of major
urban development centers in the country.

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Figure
Figure 7-81-3. Urban
Urban Centers,
Centers, Key Transportation
Transport Infrastructure
Infrastructures, and Major
Facilities, & Major Economic
Economic Zones in Central Luzon Zones in Central Luzon

Baler
San Jose City
Legend:
Muñoz City
MacArthur Highway

Palayan City Aurora Cagayan Valley Road (CVR)

Tarlac Gapan-San Fernando- Olongapo
Cabanatuan City (GSO) Road
Tarlac City
Iba
Nueva Ecija
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
Gapan City North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)
Mabalacat
Zambales Northrail (PNR Mainline North)
Angeles City
Diosdado Macapagal
San Fernando Bulacan International Airport (DMIA)
Pampanga City Subic Port
Baliuag
Dinalupihan Ports of Manila
Olongapo City San Jose Del Monte City
Other Major Roads
Malolos City Luisita Industrial Park (LIP)
Meycauayan City
N Bataan Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ)
Not to Scale Balanga City Subic Bay Freeport & Special
National Economic Zone (SBF-SEZ)
Source: NEDA III RPFP (2006), DTI III
- CLDP (1995) , DPWH LISR Study Capital Region Bataan Export Processing Zone (BEPZ)
(2000), Mendoza (2007) Mariveles

The Metropolitan Clark Area

Pampanga is said to be at the crossroads of regional development by virtue of its location
advantage. Its major urban areas have rapidly grown into a metropolitan area or central place
serving not only the requirements of Pampanga but of the region as well. The proper mix of
resource endowment, human capital stock, and proper infrastructure support made this happen.
Shown in Figure 7-9 is the schematic diagram of the Metropolitan Clark Area. The urban core starts
from Sto. Tomas all the way to Mabalacat and to include the adjoining municipalities of Mexico,
Bacolor, and Porac. The urban fringe would be the rest of Pampanga and to include Bamban and
Concepcion, Tarlac. Due to access provided by the established road systems, the Metro Clark Area
could be easily accessed by the neighboring cities of Gapan, Olongapo, Meycauayan, and Tarlac.

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Figure 7-9 The Metropolitan Clark Area, its Urban Core,

Urban Fringe, and Sphere of Influence

Source: NEDA III, BCDA, CSFP-SEP

It goes without saying that by virtue of CFZ, CIA, SCTEx, NLEx, McArthur Highway, GSO Road, the
proposed North Rail and the economic strengths of the urban core (Mabalacat City, Angeles City,
and City of San Fernando) and the urban fringes (Magalang, Arayat, Bacolor, Guagua, etc.), the
Metropolitan Clark Area in Pampanga will become the most bullish growth center in Central Luzon
and the strongest urban development magnet in the country. Angeles City is located at the heart of
Metropolitan Clark area.

Preferred Spatial Development Strategy

The preferred spatial development strategy shall provide the framework for the physical and socio-
economic development of Angeles City. Among the other alternative urban forms that were
considered and studied, the radial and circumferential urban form was unanimously chosen by its
stakeholders as the guiding physical framework for Angeles City, as schematically shown in Figure
7-10.

Lourdes
Sur
East

Figure 7-10 The Preferred Spatial Development Strategy

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At full implementation, the radial and circumferential urban from is expected to decongest the
urban core by dispersing urban development and activities in the peripheries or growth nodes. With
the construction of new and rehabilitation of existing radial and circumferential road networks in
the city, circulation and access is anticipated to improve.

Shown in Figure 7-11 is the schematic diagram detailing the growth nodes and development
corridors consistent with the chosen spatial strategy.

Cutud
Margot Pulung
Malabanias Balibago Pulung
Pulung Maragul Cacutud
Sapangbato Abacan River Special Maragul
Development Corridor
Anunas Pandan Sapalibutad
Virgen

Pampang
Delos Remedios
Salapungan
Tabun
Cuayan Lourdes Capaya
CBD Sur
East Mining
Cutcut Santo Cristo
Santo Rosario Pulungbulu
(Pob.)
San Jose

o
m ing
Do
to
n
Growth Corridors and Development Nodes Sa
1. CBD Growth Area 6. Balibago Growth Area
2. Sto. Domingo Growth Area 7. Pandan Growth Corridor
3. Pampang Growth Area 8. Pulung Maragul Growth Area
4. Anunas Growth Corridor 9. Sapangbato Watershed Reserve
5. Abacan River Special Development
Corridor

Figure 7-11 Schematic Diagram detailing the Growth Nodes and Development Corridors of the chosen Spatial Strategy

The road network development plan of Angeles City will play a crucial role in achieving this spatial
strategy. The following development nodes, growth centers, and corridors must be developed, to
wit:
Urban Core or Hub
Central Business District (CBD) Growth Center

Growth Node/Spoke
a. Balibago Growth Center
b. Pampang Growth Center
c. Anunas Growth Center
d. Sto. Domingo Growth Center
e. Sapangbato Watershed Reserve
f. Pandan Growth Center
g. Pulung Maragul Growth Center

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Special Growth Center

Abacan River Special Development Corridor

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Presented herein is the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of Angeles City that is consistent with
the spatial strategy and long term development vision of the city.

Following the land use planning guidelines of the HLURB, the general land use map of Angeles City
was prepared showing the different land use categories such as the built-up, agricultural, forest, and
special uses (Figure 7-12). These macro land use categories were further broken down into more
specific uses and were presented in Figure 7-13 as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of
Angeles City. The CLUP contains the more detailed urban uses or urban land use categories such as
residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure facilities, among others.

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 Figure 7-12 General Land Use Map of Angeles City, 2010-2020

MUNICIPALITY OF MEXICO

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CLARK SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
MUNICIPALITY OF MABALACAT
Chapter 7: Land Use and Physical Development

GENERAL LAND USE PLAN OF ANGELES CITY (2010-2020)

ORDINANCE NO.
1 Kl. 0 1 Kl.

1000 500 100 0 50 200 300 500 1000

LEGEND:
Built-up
Agricultural MUNICIPALITY OF PORAC
Agriculture, Tropical Grass
Watershed Reserved CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
DMIA Complex
Abacan River
Major Road
MInor Road
Phil. National Road
Creek

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 =
Figure 7-13 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of Angeles City, 2010-2020

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MUNICIPALITY OF MEXICO
CLARK SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE MUNICIPALITY OF MABALACAT
Chapter 7: Land Use and Physical Development

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN OF ANGELES CITY (2010-2020)

ORDINANCE NO.
SCALE 1 : 10,000 M
1 Kl. 0 1 Kl.

1000 500 100 0 50 200 300 500 1000

LEGEND:
Production Area
Settlements Area
Agriculture, Tropical Grass
Residential District Commercial MUNICIPALITY OF PORAC
Protected Area Special Use Zone
Abacan River Industrial (I-1) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
Open Space/Parks
Watershed Reserved Infrastructure Area
DMIA Complex
Proposed Agricultural Lands Institutional
Rice Paddy Cemetery
Fishpond Phil. National Road
Cultivated Land Creek
Orchard, Industrial Tree

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Moreover, the different land use activities contained in the proposed CLUP were further grouped
into four major categories: Protected Areas, Settlement Areas, Production Areas and Infrastructure
Areas.

Protected Areas
The objectives of protection land use are to protect important physical resource (manmade or
natural), sensitive and critical ecosystem from human intrusion in order to preserve their integrity,
as well as allow degraded resources to regenerate themselves to protect the human populace from
environmental hazards, among other things. The National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Law or R.A. 7586 sets the general framework for the protected areas. Other protection
areas are provided by other laws such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law or RA 6657 as
amended by RA 9700, the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) and other rules and
regulations on land use which stipulate the areas to be protected from changing the current use of
agricultural lands into some other uses.

For Angeles City, the protected areas include the following: parks, open spaces, buffer zones, rivers
and creeks, environmentally-constrained areas (Abacan River), protected agricultural lands, and the
Sapangbato watershed reserve, among others. The city’s protected lands have an aggregated area
of about 1,305.82 hectares representing about 21.01 percent of the city’s total land area.

Settlement Areas
Angeles City’s settlement areas comprise the residential portion of the built-up. These are the built
houses, private subdivisions, resettlement sites, socialized housing, and public housing areas, among
others. This land use category has an aggregate area of about 2,941.90 hectares representing 47.32
percent of the city’s total land area.

Production Areas
Production areas include commercial/mix use, industrial zones, agricultural lands, protected
agricultural lands, tourism and eco-tourism areas, and manufacturing areas. This land use category
has an aggregate area of about 1,257.64 hectares representing about 20.23 percent of the city’s
total land area.

Infrastructure Areas
Economic, social, and administrative infrastructure of utilities and the amount of land they occupy
form the infrastructure areas. Infrastructure facilities have an aggregate area of about 712.01
hectares representing 11.45 percent of the city’s total land area.

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