Yes, every presidential candidate is expected to have their platforms of their own on how they
can achieve their vision for the Philippines, hence the future of our country is in their hands after
we did our part in voting. If a person seats on the top, with no knowledge (and no diploma) and
sincerity to truly help his fellow Filipinos, the end result would be truly devastating especially for
the lower class. If such a person wins in this election, only the already rich individuals get richer
while the poor becomes poorer, where even their basic necessities. Push factors will only
continuously increase while the pull factors will eventually decrease. However, if a president
opposite to the previously mentioned person is elected, a progressive economic urban planning
for the whole society, regardless of status, where it has more pull factors more than the push,
will be established and maintained. A presidential candidate who fits the bill, namely Leni
Robredo, has pledged to put aside P50 billion per year for the next six years to fund her
proposed reforms in the government’s socialized housing programs and assistance to indigent
Filipinos. She would advocate for safe and inexpensive in-city relocation for informal settlers,
pointing out that many families have been forced to relocate to remote housing compounds with
limited access to basic essentials like as potable water and electricity. Here is an individual
capable of learning and advocating all the aspects necessary to build up our country, even in
urban planning, unlike someone whose only and ultimate platform is unity.
An environmental planner is a specialist in environmental sustainability. A good environmental
planner should be familiar with the technical aspects of land use and environmental planning,
such as the history, theory, practical application and others, since this is the basic
understanding one must equipped themselves with in assessing and mitigating the
environmental implications of proposed construction projects. They must also have sufficient
regulatory expertise to be able to quote specific sections of the regulations as much as possible,
as one of their responsibilities is ensuring that they comply with all applicable environmental
standards. Given the amount of collaboration and negotiation necessary in this sector, such as
communicating with regulatory authorities to manage permitting issues, having interpersonal
skills is also a prerequisite for an environmental planner.
One must take a holistic approach in order to improve the quality of life in such areas. Rural
communities must build on their strengths. These communities are inextricably related to the
agricultural industry, which served as a vital foundation of rural development, resulting in strong
relationships to other economic sectors. Expand job creation and opportunities from farming and
agriculture to building rural infrastructure. In regards to the challenges, rural areas face unique
issues, thus local procedures must be devised to address them. This includes problems such as
unemployment, lack of basic necessities, insufficient security, lacking health care systems, etc.
Through innovative wage and self-employment programs, proposed rural development plan
should focus primarily on poverty reduction, greater livelihood options, and provision of basic
amenities and infrastructural facilities.
As a student, you may still contribute in a variety of ways, even the most basic ones. Providing
viewpoints can assist experts in seeing the strategy from different angles that they may not have
considered. You may raise awareness about the importance of community planning and bring
up concerns that you believe should be addressed by the authorities. One can also encourage
others to be involved in uplifting the community. Becoming responsible citizens that follow the
enforced rules and regulations as well as actively participating in community services is the
least we can do as students.
As a future planner, what is your vision for the cities of our country?
The future that I see Philippines in is: its streets bustling with employed people happily going
to their offices with a smooth flow of foot traffic. Private cars and other vehicles are reduced to
promote mass transportation and reduction of carbon footprint. Bike lanes have become a
necessity, especially when the roads and pathways are now shaded with trees and
greeneries. Tall commercial buildings, stores as well as residential units have been converted
to become sustainable, resulting to the reduction of urban heat island effect (in reference to
our subject ASpec 3). The buildings and structures are properly arranged in order to give way
for public spaces and green landscape. Slums have been eradicated for they have been given
jobs and other living opportunities. Alleys and walkways have become pedestrian-friendly with
functioning blue-lit lamp posts. Night life has become lively where no one, especially women
and children, fear for their safety and security. Crime rates have greatly reduced, thus
reducing the demand for prison cells. Health care facilities are prevalent, offering affordable
services both in urban and rural areas. Pull factors for each city are higher than the push
factors. These are the cities that are capable of competing with other international cities in
terms of sustainability and quality of life.
