HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL

Let’s be honest, Metro Manila has never been a paragon of urban planning. An amalgamation of pre-existing cities, Metro Manila’s development has been characterized as more of a band-aid nature. It’s about finding quick, fix-it remedies (our ‘tapal’ legacy?) for whatever ails it, augmenting existing conditions, or just bearing with the situation as one of life’s daily tests - hence our resignation to the traffic situation, now judged and written about as one of the world’s worst.

During the recent health crisis (and how quickly we forget), the paucity of open spaces became apparent, as we spent most of our time indoors; our mall culture precluding that more public parks and green spaces would be the place of choice for us city dwellers. Numerous studies attest to the healing powers of spending time outdoors; how it helps in the lowering of blood pressure, the heart rate, and easing stress indicators.

But data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources NCR Office show that nine of the 16 cities and one town that compose Metro Manila fall short of the WHO (World Health Organization) standard of green, open space based on respective population size. These nine are Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros and San Juan.

Manila has the highest deficit; and we have the case of Pasay City, one of the smallest cities in the NCR, at 18.64 square kilometers, and cited by the global statistics portal Statista, as one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s one city begging for some kind of solution!

We can talk sustainability, of adapting a low carbon lifestyle; but with a shortage of parks to breath air, of green spaces to act as “lungs” for the city, there’s only so much we can accomplish in terms of future-proofing and advocating disaster resilience. The Pasay City LGU, in its future property developments with leading property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., are trying to address some of these issues in a proactive, intentional manner.

In its ongoing 360-hectare development, at least 108 hectares of the area will be dedicated to open and public community-oriented spaces – for recreation and play use. Green corridors, active avenues, parks and gardens, plus pedestrian corridors form part of the master plan. There are plans for a Central Park, a two kilometer 24/7 outdoor and retail experience; and smaller neighborhood parks clustered around top universities, offices, and hospitals – with a signature waterfront that promises a magnificent view of the Manila Bay sunset.

At least 11 kilometers of connected open and green space will be earmarked for an unimpeded pathway/waterfront for pedestrian and cyclists. In pursuit of net-zero emissions, the project will involve planting a variety of sustainable-sourced planting materials, including native and naturalized tree species, and the translocation of endemic organisms. The transport and energy systems within the development will promote a healthy, low carbon lifestyle, aligned with the intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, and contribute to a zero carbon economy within the project.

It’s this kind of thoughtful planning that should be part and parcel of any form of urban renewal and development that we bolster in the foreseeable future. It may not have necessarily been the way we addressed development in the past, but it certainly is a vital and urgent way to address our near-future. We can only hope that all LGU’s understand and adapt this outlook, and source and contract developers who share the same mindset.

MB Newsmakers of the Year

The first MB Newsmakers of the Year is done and dusted, and without qualification, it was a great success. The hope now, is to institutionalize the event, and make it part of the subsequent anniversary celebrations.

To our co-presenters SMDC, TMC, ICTSI, GCash, RealMe, and our major sponsor SM Supermalls; a truly heartfelt “Thank You.” When the concept was nothing more than a deck we presented a couple of months ago, you saw the promise and potential of how we were out to make a bigger and better version of our UPLIFT Awards.

To our host Issa Litton and her production team under 1Lit Corp., to the MBrand division and sales team of the Manila Bulletin, our entertainer/singer, the wonderful Lara Maigue; it was great having you on board. You all know how the key is to make it look flawless, even when it’s really panic mode and nervous tension underneath the outward appearance of calm. You all delivered!

And of course, to our awardees – the ones who took the time to show up, or taped a thank you message. We’re grateful for your being resilient innovators, and such staunch achievers. To our readers and followers on social media, thanks for the continued trust!