Strategic planning for Zamboanga City’s future development gained ground Thursday afternoon, June 4, as city government and the Planning and Development Research Institute (PLANADES), Inc. convened a consultation to advance the updating of the city’s key development and land-use plans.
Held at the City Hall conference room, the consultation forms part of the consultancy services for the updating of the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Zoning Ordinance (ZO), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA), which will serve as the blueprint for Zamboanga City’s development over the coming years.
Mayor Khymer Olaso, together with Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, PLANADES representatives and partner agencies, underscored the importance of ensuring that proposed programs, projects and policies are aligned with national and local development priorities while responding to the city’s evolving needs.
Discussions focused on infrastructure and transportation, economic and social development, enviromental management, institutional governance and proposed land-use plans for barangays in most need.
The consultation also emphasized the importance of evidence-based planning, sound policy direction, and the optimal utilization of local resources in advancing the city’s vision of sustainable and inclusive development.
PLANADES, an association of planning and development experts from the University of the Philippines (UP), is providing technical assistance and research-based recommendations to put the city’s planning initiatives.
The meeting will continue until June 5 for further technical review, plan validation and policy recommendations.
Present during the consultation were Councilors Atty. Mel Sadain, Hannah Nuño and Atty. Vlad Jimenez; PLANADES Executive Director Dr. Tabassam Raza; Team Leader Dr. Meliton Juanico; Deputy Team Leader Arlene Santiago; Economic Development Specialist Catherine Vidar; Project Coordinator Jade Agapinan; Environmental Management Specialist Dr. Jose Regunay; Land Use Specialist Dr. Carmelita Rosario Eva Liwag; Local Administration and Finance Specialist Dr. Nicasio Angelo Agustin; city department heads; and representatives from national government agencies and private institutions. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)