Abstract: “Throughout the centuries there were men who took the first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision...” ... Ayn Rand.
And this is how the Vision of a City made significant. The
City of Manila, being the second densest city in the world in 2013 as expressed
in its Demography, has a rapid
population growth at 1, 652,171, seen in
year 2010. The city with 16
administrative districts where the 100 zones belong, is dramatically located as the core of the
National Capital Region ( NCR) bounded
by the historical Manila Bay on its west. At present, its holding on tight to its Visionary Future.
This paper
on The Vision of My City (Manila City) shows a situationaire on the year 2012,
during the Lim Administration when a Manila Urban Development Project Proposal
was drafted by the City Planning and Development Office for a Presentation to
the World Bank Consultant in the person of Ms. Julia Nebrija. The Proposal was dated May 30, 2012. This were clearly
layed-out the framework, the proposals and the conclusion.
The
information shown in the preceeding articles
were gathered by the writer thru
a written communication with the Chief Personnel, HRMO-5 of the Programs and
Research Services of the City and the Office of the Manila City Planning and
Development Office. These two offices are considered “ think-tank” in the aspects of Manila City Urbanism issues.
The last
part of this paper shows the 12 Urban Development Challenges for the Manila
Financial Center considered as the gear for a big leap that still needs for
several Urban Studies and Plans. Also included are the 7 work plan of how these
challenges can be meet. Illustrated below are the Manila Urban Development
Proposals started in year 2012. These are the potential National and Local
Government, public and private sector, medium to large scale and community-based
development proposals for partnerships. The city boasts for the Target Urban
Development outcomes, just evident that these writings on paper will be
workable.
Manila is the
main part of the Metro Manila Vision for
2016 – that is - Vision of a world-class, vibrant, safe and healthy metropolis.
Introduction
Years were a witness to the struggle of the City of Manila from many
factors for Development. Worth mentioning
are the effects of political stability that dictates a political will-power
to makes things done for the Manila.
In the year 2012, a
compendium of Urban Development Proposals under the Lim Administration was seen
workable. It is package thru a presentation done for proposals on
international financing. The scope of the presentation are the
potential partnerships of the National
and Local Government, public and private sector, community–based and medium to
large-scaled Urban Development
1.1
Background:
The second was the Memorandum dated 2 April 2012 issued by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. with the subject” Proposed Development Projects for the City of Manila.
The third is making this presentation as a highlight of the 5 Major Urban Development Projects and the 9 Support Development Projects.
1.2 Manila Target Urban Development Outcomes
·
Focusing not only on the product but
also in the process
– Participatory Urban Planning process develops a people’s sense of Ownership.
·
Creating Community- Based Urban
Regeneration Initiatives – Site Specific urban planning and design distinct to that of a specific
community and urban planning initiatives produced by stakeholders’ active
participation assures appropriateness and effectiveness.
·
Bonding the present with the past and
building for the future – Continuity of Urban Planning and Design context that addresses the needs
of the present while giving respect to the old, thereby building a future that
is appreciative of the past.
1.3 The Framework
There were three Framework created as the Conceptual Framework, Legal Framework and the Planning Framework.
1. Conceptual
Framework- The Conceptual Framework
illustrates the segments as the Kalunsuran ( City) “Efficiency” , the Katauhan
(Citizenry) “Equity” and the Kapatiran (Collaboration) “Effectiveness” . A
direct link to the Kalunsuran is the Kultura as the 4th segment. It is the (Culture of the Community)
The Urban Identity & Heritage Resource or the “ Essence”
The Conceptual
Framework draws a straight traversing line with Heritage Conservation and the
Community Block & Corridor Revitalization.
2. Legal
Framework - The Legal Framework based
on the Manila Comprehensive Land Use,
Planning and Zoning Ordinance (MCLUPZO) 2006 as its consideration.
On Heritage
Preservation, one of the MCLUPZO’s three
Overlay Zones that shall be used primarily for areas containing registered
historical/cultural heritage that deserve special consideration for protection
and conservation due to their special character, architectural value or
aesthetic interest wherein they contribute to the City’s collective
understanding of its historical development and cultural heritage.
On the Community
Block and Corridor Revitalization, Planned Unit Development Overlay Zone (O-PUD),
One of the MCLUPZO’s three Overlay Zones that are identified specific sites in
the City wherein the project site is comprehensively planned as entity via
unitary site [lan which permits flexibility in planning/design, building
siting, complementary in building types and land uses, usable open spaces and
the preservation of significant land features.
3. Planning
Framework – The Planning Framework
which is shown as Medium-Term Manila Development Plan 2010-2013 an Anchorage Policy
of the three as the Kalunsuran (City) Resource provides Efficiency), the
Katauhan (Citizenry) Capability enhances Equity and the Kapatiran
(Collaboration) Joint-Venture assures Effectiveness.
A Component Policy Program making the KKK as Development
Pillars creates a stronger stand as :
a. Kagalingang Panlipunan (Social Development)
b. Kasaganaan ng Ekonomiya ( Economic Development)
c. Kaunlarang Pisikal ( Physical Development).
The Anchorage Policy and the Component Policy is then
made workable by the Anchor Development Programs.
The first Anchor Development program is the Kagalingang Panlipunan that has 5 sub-programs.
These are the
1. Kalusugan ng Katawan at Katauhan (
Healthcare and Wellness) 2. Karunungan,
Kultura at Palakasan (Education, Culture and Sports) 3. Kaligtasan, Kapayapaan
at Kaayusan (Disaster Management and Protective Services) 4. Kapakanang
Panlipunan at Programang Pabahay (Social Welfare and Housing Program) and 5
Kagalingan sa Pamamahala (Excellence-Oriented Governance)
The second Anchor
Development program is the Kasaganaan at
Ekonomiya that has 5 sub-programs.
These are the 1.
Kasiglahan sa Kabuhayan (Livelihood,Cooperative Development,Labor and
employment, 2. Kaunlaran ng Imprastruktura (Public Enterprises, Roads &
Bridges and Utilities: Power,Water & Communcation) 3. Kaakit-akit na
Turismo (Tourism Development) 4. Kalakasan ng Kalakalan at Industriya (Trade
and Industry) 5. Katatagan ng Kaban at Pananalapi (Fiscal Strength and
Financial Sector)
The third Anchor
Development program is the Kaunlarang Pisikal that has 5 sub-programs.
These are the 1.
Kapakinabangang Pamamahala ng Kalupaan (Land Use Domain) 2. Kalinisan ng
Luntian Kapaligiran (Built Environment Domain)
3. Kaisahang Pangangasiwa ng Basura at Polusyon ( Natural Environment
Domain) 4. Kaayusan ng Pampublikong Transportasyon(Urban Transportation Domain)
5. Kalunsurang Pagpapanibago (Urban Renewal Domain)
Five (5) Major Urban Development Projects
a.
Revitalization @ Escolta : A Heritage Urban Quarter Development Plan
·
A community-based
Urban Revitalization Plan currently being formulated by the City Government
with its dynamic area stakeholders.
·
It generally aims
to revitalize Escolta and its vicinity by preserving its rich heritage and
developing it as the BPO-KPO-IT and ARTS & Architectural Heritage Corridor
with Waterfront Development.
The Potential
Project Components (PPP) are the following:
·
BPO-KPO-IT,
·
Pedestrian Mall
·
Escolta Arki-G:
Architectural Heritage Living Gallery
·
Escolta Wharf: Riverwalk
Cafés & Bars
·
Artists HAVEN:
Streetscape Development
A Declaration of Support on the Revitalization @
Escolta was signed on March 15, 2012.
b. Manila
Central Post Office Renewal – Urban
Renewal of Philpost Building, Liwasang Bonifacio & Metropolitan Theater.
Public – Private –Partnership (Preservation, Restoration, Renewal)
·
Opportunity to
present iconic architecture and historical landmarks and create a vibrant
tourist spot in Manila.
·
Generate revenue
for the Philippines government in the form of concession fess, taxes and
another forms of compensation as maybe agreed under the PPP.
·
Stimulate
investments by the private sector
·
Novel business
concept that takes advantage of historical landmarks
·
Access to the
fast-growing tourism and retail industries in the Philippines.
Iconic Areas are Manila Central Post Office (MCPO)
Building (c.1926), Liwasang Bonifacio Park
(c.1940) and Metropolitan Theatre (c.1920)
c. Manila Civic
Center Development: A Civic Center
Development Plan\
·
A Masterplan
strengthening the image of the Civic Center of Manila proposed by the CPDO and
currently being crafted by the CPDO-UDD.
·
It generally aims
to revitalize Manila City Hall Building and its immediate vicinity thereby
strengthening its image as the City’s Civic Center
Potential Project Components (PPC)
Rehabilitation, Revitalization
& Preservation of the following:
1. Manila City Hall Building
2. Bonifacio Shrine
3. Heritage Block with GSIS Building, etc
4. City College of Manila /UDM & Mehan Gardens
5. LRT 1 Central Terminal
6. DCS & Arroceros Park
d. Basecological
Community Development: Development of
Baseco Ecological Community
A Masterplan that aims to transform the Baseco Compound into an
ecological and sustainable community proposed by the CPDO.
Potential Project Components (PPC)
1. Physical Development
2. Economic Development
3. Social Development
e. Manila
Financial Center Development: The
Development of Manila’s Financial District
The transformation
and development of the South Port Area and its Vicinity into Manila’s Financial
District as envisioned by Mayor Alfredo Lim
Potential Project Components (PPC)
1. Mixed-Use High-Rise Green Building
Development
2. Business Improvement District/
Economic Zone
3. Print Media Urban Quarter
4. International Cruise Harbor &
Tourism Industry
5. Histo-Cultural Heritage Preservation
6. Entertainment Waterfront Development
1.
Nine (9) Support Development Projects
a. Baseco Waterfront
b. Manila Financial Center Eco-Linkages
@ Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park and Roxas Boulevard.
c. Monuments corridor @Roxas Boulevard
d. Armay and Navy Club
e. Manila Bay Wharf
f. The 12 Storey Ospital ng Maynila
g. Manila Zoo
h. Paraiso ng Batang Maynila
i.
Rizal
Memorial
Development Components:
1. Harbour Towers – Offering panoramic views of Manila
Bay and the Historic Intramuros, the Towers will house optimally designed
offices and commercial spaces for world-class businesses.
2. Harbour Mall – Based on the concept of a modern shopping
mall, an array of finance-related activities and services can be contained
under one roof designed specifically for capital markets, such as the New
Manila Stock Exchange as well as Brokerage and Trading Firms.
3. Harbour Links –Provide ample lifestyle options and
retails and leisure business opportunities including a luxury hotel and Harbour
Performance Center that offera comprehensive range of ancillary services such
as Health & Education, Recreational & Leisure and Multi-Media.
The Port of Manila
Financial Center has a Total Land Area of 281,468.641 sq.m. Buildable area of
206, 403.73 sq.m. and Road Network of 75,064.876 sq.m. A Proposal for the Economic and Financial Investment
Zone showcasing a Contemporary Design that complements the Port Area
Operations, is Heritage and Landmark.
Goals and Objectives
of the Manila Financial Center
1. Regain the city’s Stature as the Financial Capital of
the Philippines
2. Provide a High-Tech, Sophisticated Environment for
International and Regional Banking Integrated with Major Urban and Retail
Complex.
3. Regenerate the Port Area’s Physical and Economic
Condition.
4. Spearheaded the Urban Renewal Development Programs
along Manila Bay
5. Generate Employment and Income for the City of Manila.
Special Features:
Hub or Financial Services & Monetary Activities in
the City
Integrated Business
and Leisure Environment
Strengths:
·
Single Window for
Financial Institution’s Operation
·
Unique Waterfront
and Marine Access
·
Holistic
Lifestyle offering Living, Working, Retail, Dining and Leisure Facilities
·
Convenient
Vehicular Access with well-developed Road Networks
·
Ample Parking
Areas based on International Standards.
Manila Financial Center
1. Need for Preservation of Iconic Heritage Buildings
2. Need for Transportation Into International Cruise
3. Need for Coordination with the PPA ( Philippine Ports
Authority)
4. Need for Several Urban Studies and
Plans on the following:
a. Land Readjustment Studies and Plans
for Land Consolidation & Property Management
b. Mixed-Use & Multi-Use Development
Studies focusing on Waterfront Development and Transit- Oriented Development
c. Green Building Concepts and
Technology
d. Histo-Cultural Heritage Preservation
vis-à-vis Tourism Masterplan
e. Business Improvement District ( BID)
/ Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ)
f. Development Strategies and Fiscal
Policy States that will encourage major banking institutions to locate/relocate
their headquarters in MFC
g. Urban Development Loop Masterplan
h. Support Infrastructure and Utilities
Masterplan
i.
Disaster
Risk-Reduction & Management with Climate Change Adaptation
j.
Traffic
Impact Study and Traffic Management Plan
k. Soil Bearing Capacity Study and
Structural Plan Technological Suitability
l.
Environmental
Impact Study and Plans of providing Sustainable
Sewage Treatment Plant, Ecological Solid Waste Management. Etc
The City Planning and Development Office created a workplan to achieve these Goals as the following:
1. Creation of Technical Group
2. Coordination with the PPA for their
masterplan and clear transition
3. Engage Professional Urban Planners in
crafting Masterplan
4. Proposal to be submitted to the
Office of the Executive Secretary taking into consideration the SWOT of the
site , environmental conditions and the histo-cultural and economic
significance of the PPA and the proposed Financial Center.
5. Conduct consultations with other
concerned government agencies and stakeholders
6. Possible Development and Utilization
of their areas/ structures towards making a vibrant urban development loop.
7. Engage Consultants that shall conduct
a feasibility study to estimate the commercial potential of this venture and
outline possible structures of the PPP and strategies in creating Business
Improvement District.
This
Vision of Urbanism in the City of Manila
as drafted and published during the Lim Administration year 2012 does not have
yet the latest release as of this writing time. The Personnel Research Services
does not affirm it there were new ideas crafted in the Estrada Adminstration
and added that the Vision and Mission of the Local Government are formed
individually by each department. As to the latest update from the City Planning
and Development Council, it is clear that what is being pursued until now is
still that plan started year 2012.
Special Acknowledgement:
The writer would
like to acknowledge the kindness of the Manila City Planning and Development
Office especially Ms Sarah and Mr. Resty Rebong who were helpful enough in
sharing the files. Many thanks to the Team who composed the visuals lent to us;
Engr. Rodolfo Calu, Mr. Ramon Navarrete, Mr. Rodolfo Reyes, Mr. Jeff Santos,
Mr. Homer Robas, Ms. Marlyn Siglos, EnP Joel R. Oana, Jerome, Harold and Dan of
TUP Manila, MIB Photographers and Ms. Janice May Salvador-Campaner. Special
thank to Arch Marlou B. Campaner, Uap, Urban Design Division and Ms. Rosemarie
Qiambao, HRMO-5, Chief Personnel,
Programs and Research Services.
REFERENCES:
·
Manila’s Urbanization in Retrospect: The Guidon: Shanice Garcia, October
26, 2012
·
Manila City Website
·
Metro Manila Green print 2030: Presented by Hon. Mayors Sherwin
Gatchalian and Herbert Bautista, February 23, 2011
·
Emerging Manila: A City of the Rise by Harry Serrano: FutureArc: City
Profile, March-April 2013
·
Manila Urban Development Project Proposal, City Planning and Development
Office, Manila
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