San Miguel Corporation (SMC) just released the conceptual master plan for its 2,500-hectare, future-ready, aerocity development in Bulacan, a “pace-setter” for green urbanism.
The project complements the conglomerate's P740-billion New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project.
It's the vision of a modern Philippine city with built-in solutions to socio-economic, environmental and climate issues, correcting mistakes seen in many urban developments of Metro Manila, SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang maintained.
SMC tapped architecture firm Palafox Associates, headed by the country’s top urban planner and green architect, Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., to masterplan the airport-driven city concept.
“These designs presented to us by Arch. Palafox and his team will be close to actual," he noted.
"There will probably be some adjustments by the time we implement, and we will still continue to improve as needed, but in terms of the overall concept, design, and the features, this is it.”
SMC and Palafox had "the same vision that the airport and aerocity projects should be sustainably built, geared towards the future, and address social and environmental concerns that have beset our existing cities, including the country’s major financial districts", Ang explained.
For this reason, SMC's Aerocity will be properly zoned, with areas dedicated to agriculture and food production, logistics, health and wellness, aeronautics, finance, science and technology, commerce, residences, education, tourism, entertainment, recreation, and government, among others.
It will harness renewable energy and will accommodate both traditional and alternative modes of transportation, as well as promote active and healthier lifestyles.
The airport city design will adopt green architectural and green urbanism guidelines over and above the country’s building and zoning codes.
In addition, it will follow the structural codes of other countries similarly situated in earthquake zones like the Philippines.
Furthermore, the Aerocity will have ample open spaces the latest in digital infrastructure.
Its public transport systems will include mass transit systems, bicycle highways, as well as a waterfront area with landscaped walkways and promenades.
SMC is fully committed to completing the project, which it will fully-fund with no guarantees or subsidies from government, Ang underscored.
The NMIA project will initially feature four parallel runways, a world class terminal, and a modern interlinked infrastructure network with expressways and railways.
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