Ang Pinaka: Livable Cities in the

Philippines
Out of almost 150 cities in the Philippines, which are the most
livable? Ang Pinaka took on the challenge of listing the top 10. Top
travel blogger and heritage conservation advocate Ivan Henares,
University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Architecture Dean
Mary
Anne
Espina,
and
architect,
urban-planner,
and
environmentalist Felino Palafox Jr. joined the episode as expert guest
panelists.
To come up with the list, Ang Pinaka measured each city using the
following criteria:
culture and heritage preservation
traffic management
accessibility of transportation
presence of parks and malls
presence of trees and environmental efforts
safety
availability of employment opportunities
provision of basic services and infrastructures
accessibility of schools

 well-planned residential communities

10. Manila
Manila is the Philippines' business and political hub. The city also showcases our countrys
culture and heritage.
"I like Manila because it's the gateway to our rich heritage, from Intramuros to Binondo, Sta.
Cruz, in fact, and even San Nicolas," says Ivan Henares.
Manila, however, has a lot of assignments to work on, starting with its inadequate public
services and dirty streets.
"Manila needs urban-renewal or urban acupuncture. It's really deteriorated. The flooding is
still there, the garbage. There's no coordination," says Felino Palafox Jr.
9. Bacolod City
Bacolod is the gateway to the sugar-rich cities and towns of Negros Occidental. The city used
to be dependent on the sugar industry, but over the years, business has diversified. Bacolod
now has a bright future in tourism, handicrafts, and agro-industrial enterprises.
While it boasts a healthy economy, Bacolod also takes pride in its glorious past. The city has
managed to preserve much of its heritage architecture.
"The Negros Occidental Capitol is one of the best buildings in the country, so kapag nakita
mo 'yung capitol building, alam na alam mong nasa Bacolod ka," says Ivan Henares.
8. Iloilo City
Iloilo, dubbed as the 'Princess City of the South,' is now moving towards socio-economic
growth. Multi-million-peso investments have been flowing into the city, and construction is
on the rise.
As the city moves towards progress, it doesn't forget its culture and heritage. The twin sister
of Bacolod City, in fact, is famous for its preservation of heritage buildings.
"Iloilo is one of those cities na may character," says Ivan Henares. "Especially now na nirerepaint nila 'yung mga lumang structures."
The residents of Iloilo are also known for their friendliness and hospitality.
"I don't know many people in Iloilo, but when I go there I feel like I know many people. I just
feel naturally welcome there," says Mary Anne Espina.
7. Baguio
Baguio is not only the summer capital of the Philippines but is also the gateway to other
tourist destinations in the north. Its cool weather and pine-scented mountain air make it the

perfect weekend getaway. The city too balances modernity with traditional Cordillera culture.
However, some consider Baguio too congested already says Ivan Henares.
6. Davao
Davao City, a regular entry in Asiaweek's Best Cities in Asia, is famous for its strict
government and disciplined locals.
"Crime is very low in Davao. It's a very safe place to live. Takot na takot ang mga criminal sa
Davao City because of the political will of the mayor," says Ivan Henares.
Residents of Davao also enjoy the luxury of having nature within reach of their bustling
metropolis.
"Davao is the place where you can enjoy nature even in the city. If you want to go to the
beach, the beach is just a few minutes away from the city. If you want to go to the
mountain, we have the foothills of Mt. Apo in Davao City," says Mary Anne Espina.
5. Tagaytay
Tagaytay City is a favorite tourist destination because of its excellent view of the Taal Lake
and its cool weather. The city, however, is now seeing the rise of several condominium
developments, which might mar its natural landscape.
"'Yung pagtayo ng condo units is scary in the sense na kapag dumami 'yung tao sa Tagaytay
at hindi nila aayusin 'yung infrastructure, road networks, public transportation, baka magkatraffic," says Ivan Henares.
4. Puerto Princesa
Nature and eco-tourism immediately come to mind when we say Puerto Princesa. The city is
famous for its enivronmental efforts, nearby beaches, and the Underground River, which was
recently declared as one of the new seven wonders of nature.
"The thing I like about Puerto Princesa is that it's a green city. You have the Underground
River, for example. Also, everything you need is in the city center, but when you go outside,
you now have beautiful beaches," says Ivan Henares.
3. Quezon City
Accessible public transportation, availability of employment opportunities, good schools, and
well-planned residential communities-- these are what make Quezon City one of the most
livable cities in the Philippines.
"We have really comfortable and well-planned residential areas in QC. Hospitals too, top
universities, and shopping malls are also available," observes Ivan Henares.
Quezon City, however, also takes pride in its large, open parks that house old, tall trees, and
green patches. These parks include Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife and Quezon Memorial
Circle.
2. Makati City
Makati is the commercial and financial center of the Philippines, famous for its intelligent

urban-planning and conduciveness to business. The Makati City government is also known
for its social welfare programs. Makati residents even get "perks" -- for example, senior
citizens get cakes and movie passes on their birthdays.
"Makati is livable because of the initiatives of the private sector," says Jun Palafox, Jr.
"Amenities of urban living are available in Makati. You can walk to a fine dining resto or to a
fast food."
1. Cebu City
The Queen City of the South is a thriving, highly-urbanized city that is able to balance
modernity, nature, and culture.
"Cebu preserved its character. Kapag nasa Cebu ka alam mong makikita mo yung landmarks
and public open spaces. Kumpleto rin dahil we have a major airport here, as well top
universities. And yung mga beach, few minutes away only," says Ivan Henares.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319645/newstv/angpinaka/ang-pinakalivable-cities-in-the-philippines

AIA Communities by Design's 10 Principles for Livable Communities

1. Design on a Human Scale
Compact, pedestrian-friendly communities allow residents to walk to shops, services, cultural resources,
and jobs and can reduce traffic congestion and benefit people's health.
2. Provide Choices
People want variety in housing, shopping, recreation, transportation, and employment. Variety creates
lively neighborhoods and accommodates residents in different stages of their lives.
3. Encourage Mixed-Use Development
Integrating different land uses and varied building types creates vibrant, pedestrian-friendly and diverse
communities.
4. Preserve Urban Centers
Restoring, revitalizing, and infilling urban centers takes advantage of existing streets, services and
buildings and avoids the need for new infrastructure. This helps to curb sprawl and promote stability for
city neighborhoods.
5. Vary Transportation Options
Giving people the option of walking, biking and using public transit, in addition to driving, reduces traffic
congestion, protects the environment and encourages physical activity.
6. Build Vibrant Public Spaces
Citizens need welcoming, well-defined public places to stimulate face-to-face interaction, collectively
celebrate and mourn, encourage civic participation, admire public art, and gather for public events.
7. Create a Neighborhood Identity
A "sense of place" gives neighborhoods a unique character, enhances the walking environment, and

creates pride in the community.

8. Protect Environmental Resources
A well-designed balance of nature and development preserves natural systems, protects waterways from
pollution, reduces air pollution, and protects property values.
9. Conserve Landscapes
Open space, farms, and wildlife habitat are essential for environmental, recreational, and cultural reasons.
10. Design Matters
Design excellence is the foundation of successful and healthy communities.

http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075369