#MINDANAO
With successive storms and typhoons battering certain areas of the Philippines, thoughts turn to how our cities are prepared to deal with the effects of rain and wind brought by these storms, and other natural disasters such as earthquakes and other recent events such as the pandemic. I believe it is time to form a broader consensus on how our cities and communities must be designed, both for today and the future, so that they are more livable.
I look forward to this paper from the Rizalino Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness of the Asian Institute of Management mentioned in Ben Arnold De Vera's MB article last Oct. 22, 2024. The study being mentioned in the article talks about what Filipinos in the greater Manila area consider as livable cities. Respondents of interviews and focus groups mentioned in the article consider safety, security and a relaxing environment among the elements that make a livable city. While these reflect emerging voices from the largest urban zone in the country, this study can provide insights for parallel studies that can be done in Mindanao’s cities, which have certain specific characteristics that make it different from the greater Manila area.
At the same time, renowned Filipino architects and planners like Felino Palafox Jr. also talk about the livability and sustainability of Filipino cities in his books and advocacies. There are many environmental planners, architects and engineers who have similar ideas. There are families and other citizens, young and old, who also have ideas on how our communities can be made more livable. Businesses and business groups also have their ideas, since the most affected by disruptions and high costs of living are our micro and small businesses — our economic backbone. An atmosphere for them to grow and flourish is essential for local economic growth.
I believe that in forging a broader consensus to make our communities more livable, these voices should be heard.
Other elements that make livable cities and communities include income opportunities for local residents, affordable food, education, public transport and housing. Lower family expenses allow citizens and their loved ones to flourish as Filipinos. Major investments bringing in manufacturing and technology will be necessary to lower the cost of making goods and providing services to create more competitiveness.
Each community will need to take stock of their strengths and opportunities to make their areas livable. Good practices in pursuing livability can be shared from various jurisdictions. Achieving greater livability in more areas will give Filipinos a wider choice on where to live in the country, a basic freedom that must be exercised by a greater number. This helps us retain and attract talent, a crucial human resource without which our economies will not grow. Solutions will be complicated and will require participation of all who may be affected. This will require consultations and effective local legislation.
The greatest potential of more livable communities is that it can foster an atmosphere of higher trust and stronger bonds among citizens. This builds a sense of community that, to my mind, is at the heart of resilience. Because communities are about people living together in shared spaces and resources, these bonds between them need to be strong so that any challenge to their way of life, such as the effects of natural disasters, can be overcome more effectively.