MPA 213 October 31, 2021

1. Issues and Implications
of Urbanization:
Socio-economic, Politico-
Administrative
Sustainable Development
and Spatial
A PRESENTATION BY MS. MARIE VERDELLE
DE VERA AND MR. DARWIN CORTADO

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS
URBANIZATION
Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population comes to live in the city.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC:
Of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors
POLITICO-ADMINISTRATIVE:
One of the most important and enduring theoretical constructs in public administration is the politicsadministration dichotomy model. It
has been useful for marking off the boundaries of public administration as an intellectual field and for asserting the normative relationship
between elected officials and administrators in a democratic society. (James H. Svara, 1998)
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
The concept of sustainable development was described by the 1987 Bruntland Commission Report as “development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (UNESCO)
SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT:
Changes in the distribution of activities in space and the linkages between them through the conversion of land and property.

3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC REPORT
(SER) 2018

4. “Cities that work as engines of
economic growth and venues of
poverty reduction, with infrastructure
that provides quality services and
affordable housing, and forming
efficient and connected networks of
sustainable communities.”
AMBISYON NATIN 2040’S: THE PHILIPPINE LONG-TERM VISION

5. “A prosperous middle-class where no
one is poor. People enjoy long and
healthy lives and are smart and
innovative. The country is a high-trust
society where families thrive in
vibrant, culturally diverse, and
resilient communities”
PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2022

6. NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2017-2022
First, economic prosperity is undeniably dependent on national security.
Hence, aside from guarding against external threats, we will quell all existing
secessionist and ideological rebellions and address their root causes.
Second, the formulation of a single ASEAN Economic Community
presents both risks and opportunities. We will therefore equip our people
with the necessary tools and skills to adapt to the challenges of regional
integration.
Third, national security must be viewed within the context of an expansive
global community. Thus, we will pursue an independent foreign policy
anchored on international law without compromising our unique culture and
the enduring values that distinctly characterize us as a sovereign nation.

7. 5 big challenges facing big
cities of the future
1. Environmental threats
Rapid urbanization, which strains basic infrastructure, coupled with more frequent and extreme
weather events linked to global climate change is exacerbating the impact of environmental
threats. Common environmental threats include flooding, tropical cyclones (to which coastal cities
are particularly vulnerable), heat waves and epidemics.
Owing to the physical and population density of cities, such threats often result in both
devastating financial loss and deaths. Making cities more resilient against these environmental
threats is one of the biggest challenges faced by city authorities and requires urgent attention.
SOURCE: World Economic Forum

8. 5 big challenges facing big
cities of the future
2. Resources
Cities need resources such as water, food and energy to be viable. Urban sprawl reduces available
water catchment areas, agricultural lands and increases demand for energy. While better application of
technology can boost agricultural productivity and ensure more efficient transmission of electricity,
many cities will continue to struggle to provide these resources to an ever-growing urban population.
Beyond these basic requirements, haphazard growth will see the reduction of green spaces within
cities, negatively affecting livability. As fresh water becomes scarce and fertile lands diminish, food
prices may escalate, hitting the poorest hardest.
SOURCE: World Economic Forum

9. 5 big challenges facing big
cities of the future
3. Inequality
When it comes to both the provision of basic resources and resilience against environmental
threats, the forecast is uneven for different groups of urban inhabitants. As the number of urban
super-rich grows, many cities will also see increased numbers of urban poor.
The widening gap between the haves and have-nots will be accentuated in the megacities of the
future. Such inequalities, when left unchecked, will destabilize society and upend any benefits of
urban development. There is a critical need for policy-makers to ensure that the fruits of progress
are shared equitably.
SOURCE: World Economic Forum

10. 5 big challenges facing big
cities of the future
4. Technology
Technology will be increasingly used in the development and running of cities of the future. Smart
planning used in Singapore can harness solar energy for use in housing estates and create man-made
wetlands for ecological balance. Smart mobility technology can alleviate traffic gridlocks which plague
many cities.
The use of environmental technologies which can cool buildings more efficiently or run vehicles that are
less polluting will also lead to better future cities. Installing sensors in the homes of ageing seniors
living alone can connect them to the community and summon help when they are unwell or hurt.
SOURCE: World Economic Forum

11. 5 big challenges facing big
cities of the future
5. Governance
Future cities offer immense possibilities to enrich the lives of their inhabitants even as the
challenges are stark. To make the best out of inevitable urbanization, good governance is
imperative. Cities will increase in size and their populations become more diverse. Governing
these cities will, therefore, be progressively complex and require the most dedicated of minds.
SOURCE: World Economic Forum

12. DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND
ISSUES IN THE PHILIPPINES
According to the United Nations (UN) HABITAT, increasingly rapid urbanization of the Philippines poses a
great challenge to the country in terms of achieving sustainable urban development through informed
planning and efficient implementation of strategic policies and programs.
This growth is expected to happen not only in the capital Metro Manila but mainly in small and
intermediate cities. Without a strategic and holistic approach to increasingly complex urban issues,
cities will fail to create economic opportunities and protect themselves from environmental risks.
Challenges in urban planning and management:
1. CAPACITY GAPS of many cities for better and inclusive urban planning and design
2. OUTDATEDNESS AND LACK OF HARMONY of urban development policies and legal
framework — particularly on land management, public spaces, and private sector
participation
3. NON-OPTIMAL FINANCIAL CAPACITIES of cities and municipalities
4. VULNERABILITY of cities to climate change, resulting in lack of resilience.

13. DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IN THE PHILIPPINES

14. DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IN THE PHILIPPINES

15. “MALASAKIT”
ENHANCING THE
SOCIAL FABRIC
“PAGBABAGO”
INEQUALITY-REDUCING
TRANSFORMATION
“PATULOY NA PAG-UNLAD”
INCREASING GROWTH
POTENTIAL
TO LAY DOWN THE FOUNDATION FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH, A HIGH-TRUST
SOCIETY, AND A GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
MATATAG, MAGINHAWA AT PANATAG NA BUHAY
Maximize demographic
dividend
Promote
technology
adoption
Stimulate
innovation
Expand
economic
opportunities
Increase access
to economic
opportunities
Reduce
vulnerability of
individuals
Accelerate
human capital
development
Ensure people-centered,
clean, and efficient
governance
Pursue swift and fair
administration of justice
Promote Philippine
culture and values
Ensure peace and
security
Accelerate strategic
infrastructure
development
Ensure safety and
build resilience
Ensure ecological
integrity, clean and
healthy environment
IMPLEMENT STRATEGIC TRADE AND FISCAL POLICY, MAINTAIN
MACROECONOMIC STABILITY, PROMOTE COMPETITION

16. COVID-19 EFFECT

17. COVID-19 EFFECT
“The economy has regained its footing and is on the right growth path. But the recovery remains
fragile due to the threat posed by more infectious COVID-19 variants,”
“Vaccination remains key to the economy’s safe reopening. We are actively supporting the
government’s efforts to achieve its national vaccination targets through our health-related
assistance.” - ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird.

18. NATIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY
Sets the direction of future growth recognizing population, geography and the role of cities as
engines of economic growth, with infrastructure providing efficient connectivity between and
among urban and rural communities

19. BUILDING SAFE AND SECURE
COMMUNITIES

20. STRATEGIES
•Develop integrated neighborhoods and sustainable communities particularly for
low-income households
•Intensify implementation of alternatives and innovative solutions to address
housing needs
•Strengthen decentralization of housing and urban development interventions
•Adopt viable land acquisition approaches and fast-track the inventory of lands
for socialized housing

21. STRATEGIES
•Mainstream program convergence budgeting in housing and resettlement, and
innovative housing finance modalities
•Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders
•Adopt a community-driven development approach
•Strengthen housing as a platform to reduce poverty and improve social
outcomes

22. NATIONAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT
AND HOUSING FRAMEWORK 2017-
2022

23. CONCLUSION
2022 National Election is coming. President Duterte’s six-year term in office is nearing to an end,
following his inauguration in 2016. The Philippines’ GDP has increased by more than 6% per year
since 2012, making inclusive growth and the reduction of income inequality top priorities for the
current administration.
The successful implementation of public infrastructure upgrades under the Build Build Build
program is also an essential part of spurring sustainable growth, alongside efforts to reduce red
tape and improve access to credit for individuals and small businesses. Although the government
has taken steps to stimulate inclusive growth and rural development, poverty remain high in spite
of recent economic expansion.

24. SOURCES/REFERENCES:
1. The Politics-Administration Dichotomy Model as Aberration Author(s): James H. Svara (1998)
2. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/10/the-5-biggest-challenges-cities-will-face-in-the-future/
3. Urban Development Issues and Policies in the Philippines. A presentation of Mercedita A. Sombilla NEDA Assistant Secretary for Regional
Development https://www.fukuoka.unhabitat.org/ssp/pdf/2-2-5_Philippines.pdf
4. https://asiahouse.org/news-and-views/challenges-opportunities-urban-development-philippines/
5. Sustainable Urban Development and Climate Change Indicators. Presentation of Ramon Paul M. Falcon NEDA Social Development Staff
6. National Security Policy 2017-2022 for Change and well-Being of the Filipino People
7. Social Economic Report (SER) 2018) NEDA
8. ADB Maintains 2021 Forecast for Philippine Economy; COVID-19 Vaccination Key to Growth. https://www.adb.org/news/adb-maintains-
2021-forecast-philippine-economy-covid-19-vaccination-key-growth
9. The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte continues to focus on inclusive growth and reducing income inequality in the Philippines
https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/filling-gap-administration-continues-its-focus-inclusive-growth-and-reducing-income-inequality