Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
A.​ Tanco Drive, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines 4217
Tel. No. (043) 774-2526 /(043) 980-0387 loc 3101
Email Address: [email protected] ┃ Website: www.batstate-u.edu.ph

POSITION PAPER

Topic: Social Sciences: Urbanization and its Environmental

Consequences

Semestral Project in Purposive Communication (GEd 106)

Submitted by: Group 5

Casas, Cathryn Angela R.

Deocampo, Joyce T.

Dimaano, Marion Lawrence O.

Magpantay, Jazel Karyll E.

Manalo, Daniela S.

Pasoquen, Alexander V.

Sarda, Jayson L.

Uri, Faith B.

Submitted to:

Ms. Julie Ann D. Mercado

April, 2025

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
A.​ Tanco Drive, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines 4217
Tel. No. (043) 774-2526 /(043) 980-0387 loc 3101
Email Address: [email protected] ┃ Website: www.batstate-u.edu.ph

Topic: Social Sciences: Urbanization and its Environmental Consequences

​ Urbanization is one of the most significant global trends of the 21st century. As rural
populations migrate to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities, education, and
healthcare, cities are expanding at an unprecedented rate. It is a sign of progress and
development, but it also brings many environmental problems. The rapid pace of urban growth
frequently outpaces the ability of cities to manage waste, control pollution, and preserve natural
ecosystems. The result is a range of environmental problems that threaten public health,
biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. More than half of the world’s population now lives in
cities, and this number is still growing. Urbanization in the Philippines has accelerated in recent
decades. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the urban population increased from
51.2% in 2015 to 54% in 2020, with projections indicating that 84% of Filipinos will reside in
urban areas by 2050 (UN-Habitat Philippines, 2023). This growth is driven by factors such as
rural-to-urban migration, industrialization, and improved infrastructure in urban centers. This
paper takes the position that urbanization, if not properly managed, causes serious harm to the
environment. As cities grow, they need more land, energy, and resources. This can lead to
problems like air and water pollution, cutting down forests, and more waste. Many big cities face
smog, dirty rivers, and too much garbage, which can harm people’s health and the planet. As
cities expand, natural areas are destroyed, making it hard for animals to survive. Cities also often
have water shortages because so many people need clean water. This paper will first examine the
trends and drivers of urbanization in the Philippines. It will then analyze the major
environmental impacts of urbanization, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and
flooding. It will discuss strategies for mitigating the negative environmental effects of
urbanization, focusing on sustainable urban planning and policy interventions. Urbanization in
the Philippines presents both opportunities and challenges. Urbanization has been happening for
a long time, especially since the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is happening faster than ever
before. That’s why it is important to study its effects and find ways to make cities cleaner and
more eco-friendly. By adopting sustainable urban planning and implementing effective policies,
the Philippines can mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization and ensure a healthier
environment for future generations.

​ Urbanization, if not properly managed, results in significant environmental degradation

that threatens public health, biodiversity, and sustainable development in the Philippines. As
cities expand rapidly, the increasing demand for land, energy, and resources strains the

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
A.​ Tanco Drive, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines 4217
Tel. No. (043) 774-2526 /(043) 980-0387 loc 3101
Email Address: [email protected] ┃ Website: www.batstate-u.edu.ph

environment beyond its capacity. This uncontrolled growth often leads to pollution,
deforestation, waste management crises, and heightened flood risks. Without deliberate
intervention and sustainable strategies, urbanization poses a grave threat to the well-being of
both current and future generations. Proponents of urbanization argue that it drives economic
growth, improves living standards, and enhances access to education, healthcare, and services.
They believe that urban areas foster innovation, infrastructure development, and technological
advancement, which can ultimately improve environmental management through smart
solutions. However, while these benefits are notable, they do not outweigh the environmental
risks when urbanization is poorly planned and unregulated. One of the most pressing
environmental consequences of rapid urbanization is the significant increase in air and water
pollution. The growing number of vehicles, factories, and construction activities in cities has led
to a sharp rise in harmful emissions and the contamination of water systems. This trend
highlights the urgent need for sustainable urban development practices. To mitigate these effects,
cities must prioritize the adoption of cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources.
Strengthening environmental regulations, expanding public transportation networks, and
increasing urban green spaces are essential measures to reduce pollution and protect public
health. These interventions reaffirm the position that urbanization must be carefully managed to
prevent severe environmental degradation. Urbanization also accelerates deforestation and the
loss of biodiversity, as expanding urban areas frequently encroach on forests and natural habitats.
The destruction of these ecosystems not only threatens countless species but also weakens the
environment’s ability to regulate climate and provide essential services. Addressing this issue
requires a strong commitment to integrating environmental conservation into urban planning.
Protecting green spaces, enforcing stricter land-use policies, and promoting vertical rather than
horizontal city growth can help preserve natural habitats. This reality further strengthens the
argument that without careful management, urbanization can cause irreversible damage to the
environment. Another major impact of urbanization is the exacerbation of waste management
problems and increased flooding. As urban populations grow, waste generation often surpasses
the capacity of disposal systems, leading to pollution and health hazards. Furthermore, the
replacement of natural landscapes with impermeable concrete surfaces disrupts natural drainage,
resulting in frequent and severe flooding. Effective solutions include improving waste
management programs, investing in recycling and sustainable disposal technologies, and
designing cities with efficient drainage and water absorption systems. Educating communities

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
A.​ Tanco Drive, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines 4217
Tel. No. (043) 774-2526 /(043) 980-0387 loc 3101
Email Address: [email protected] ┃ Website: www.batstate-u.edu.ph

about proper waste management also plays a crucial role. These challenges emphasize the urgent
need for sustainable urban planning to safeguard environmental health.

​ In conclusion, while urbanization brings undeniable economic and social benefits, its
negative environmental consequences cannot be overlooked. If left unmanaged, rapid urban
growth leads to increased pollution, deforestation, waste management challenges, and heightened
risks of flooding—threatening public health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. This
position paper has argued that urbanization must be approached with careful planning, strict
environmental regulation, and sustainable development strategies. By adopting cleaner
technologies, preserving green spaces, improving waste management systems, and promoting
responsible urban designs, it is possible to balance growth with environmental protection. The
future of the Philippines depends on the ability to manage urbanization responsibly, ensuring that
progress does not come at the cost of the environment. Through collective effort and decisive
action, urbanization can become a tool for sustainable development rather than a source of
irreversible harm.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation