This post was updated on May 5, 2020.
How can Filipino environmental planners increase urban planning knowledge?
Learning is a lifetime process. And as a professor, I know that classroom education can only provide so much knowledge.
As we venture out the real world of careers, we ironically end up in a routine inside 9-5 office spaces.
Towards the continuous pursuit of urban planning knowledge, I propose that you follow these websites and authors.
I list these resources hoping to encourage daily learning experiences for fellow environmental planners.
By daily learning of Filipino planners, Philippine cities will become happy cities!
Read: Here are sustainable cities in the Philippines!
Change is the end result of all true learning.
Leo Buscaglia
Opinions of Filipino Environmental and Urban Planners
The wide array of tragic issues in Philippine urban areas has put a spotlight on the lack of proper implementation of existing urban plans.
In response, many urban planners are contributing to the discourse of resolving urban issues.
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Read: Be Inspired by these 12 Filipino Environmental Planners!
These four urban planners are primary in my mind because of their frequent articles in common news and feature outlets, both printed and digital.
Prof. Meliton Juanico
Prof. Meliton Juanico is a professorial lecturer at UP Diliman and is one of my mentors as an environmental planner.
As a geographer-turned-planner, it is my personal bias to start with one of our own from the UP Department of Geography.
In “A tale of 2 cities,” Prof. Juanico compares the cities of Marikina and Manila. Prof. Juanico highlights the available street infrastructure in Marikina not found in Manila.
Arch. Felino Palafox Jr.
Even novice environmental planners have heard the name of Architect Felino Palafox Jr.
The world-renowned Filipino architect recently compiled lists of Top 10 Cities of the World.
In a feature by Manila Standard, Arch. Palafox expressed the formula for success of best cities.
“(v)isionary leadership, strong political will, good urban planning, design and architecture and good governance.”
Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr.
EnP. Ragene Palma
Aside from maintaining a knowledge hub for takers of the Environmental Planning Board Exam, EnP “Jean” also contributes articles to the Philippine Inquirer.
Taking The Environmental Planning Board Exam
EnP Jean’s “Patintero on the Streets” is an open letter to all users of Philippine roads.
EnP Jean has also explained the importance of urban planning in the context of the Philippines.
Urban planning is a diverse, multi-disciplinary field. It is a science…It is also an art…
EnP. Ragene Palma
Arch. Paulo Alcazaren
You have definitely seen Architect Paulo Alcazaren’s “party-list campaign” for the MADAFAKAS – the Metropolitan Alliance to Develop and Fix All Kantos and Sidewalks.
Beyond talking about the importance of sidewalks, Architect Alcazaren also features beautiful photos and hosts quick quizzes on his personal Facebook profile. He also writes about green spaces in City Sense.
Websites and Social Media Channels of Urban Planning Organizations
CityLab
I have previously listed Citylab in my “5 Websites to Follow on Feedly,” and the site’s impact on my planning knowledge makes it worth the mention again.
Citylab articles cover five major areas: design, transportation, environment, equity, and life. These categories cover the spectrum of plans that environmental planners must produce.
CityLab articles also show why environmental planning and environmental science must be bridged.
I have used Citylab articles in my lectures and research, particularly about the impact of centuries of urbanization, the quest for equity in sanitation, and cognitive mapping.
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Interested in solid waste management planning?
Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP)
The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) is the “accredited professional organization for the environmental planners…in the Philippines.”
Following the PIEP Facebook Page will inform about the various activities undertaken by environmental planners.
“Those who plan do better than those who do not plan, even should they rarely stick to their plan.”
Winston Churchill
UP PLANO
UP Plano is an “academic organization for graduate students based in the School of Urban and Regional Planning.”
One of the strengths of the UP Plano Facebook Page is that it posts knowledge links frequently.
Become a Filipino Environmental Planner!
Watch Urban Planning Videos on Youtube
Youtube is a gold mine for environmental planners because of the wide array of subjects covered by independent and corporate accounts.
Here’s my favorite clip from my favorite Youtube video about urban planning!
I’ve also listed my top urban planning Youtube videos!
Reports and Resources of National Agencies
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
The DILG website is an essential knowledge hub for aspiring environmental planners.
Become a Filipino Environmental Planner!
Urban planning (and consequently comprehensive land use planning) is both a technical and a political exercise, so planners must also be knowledgeable about local government and national government dynamics.
Digital guides about documents and plans required from local government units are available.
These resources cover local corporate planning, disaster risk reduction and management, gender and development, and infrastructure management.
Increasing knowledge in these planning areas equips the Filipino planner towards systems thinking of the urban environment.
I may receive benefits, including commission, for purchases made through these links.
Connect with your local government unit
I believe that environmental planners (and environmental-planners-in-training) must be more aware of the concerns of our own locale before engaging in consultancy projects in remote areas.
Questions about environmental planning?
Following the page of your province, city, municipality, or barangay is a start towards becoming an involved local citizen.
Being an involved local citizen is training for becoming a good environmental planner, making plans that fit existing circumstances.
“Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit the circumstances.”
~ George S. Patton
As a resident of Quezon City, I follow the Facebook Page of Quezon City Government. Not to wait for class suspensions (and the QC Government Page is quick to update on those!) but to know what is happening in the city that I am unable to physically observe.
While working in Albay, I also started following the Facebook Page of Legazpi City.
I still follow the Page because it shares beautiful and interesting photos of tourist destinations in Albay, especially of Mayon Volcano.
Conclusion
The convenience of learning about urban planning through digital resources is an advantage for environmental planners today.
Setting aside time to read of and also write about planning experiences will thrust Filipino urban planning towards resolving issues more effectively.
What sites and pages do you follow to pursue planning knowledge?
Become a Filipino Environmental Planner!