Western Visayas needs urban planners
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 6 said Western Visayas is in need of urban planners.
Gil Altura of NEDA 6 said that urban planning will address most of the region’s rapid growth rate, increase its economic opportunities and income.
Altura said that urban planning allows cities and towns to attract more investors and potential businesses. He also said that this is needed in advancing the major tourism destinations of the region as well as the infrastructures, power and energy, and agriculture needs of the provinces.
Likewise, Altura said that the region needs urban planners in the municipalities. He said that urbanizing the municipalities will hasten its progress. It will also stir economic activities in the countryside, and decongest the city and provincial capital, he added.
Urban planning integrates land use planning and transportation planning to improve the built, economic and social environments of communities. It also includes adapting urban planning methods to existing cities suffering from decay and lack of investment.
Urban planning focus is the design and regulation of the uses of space as well as physical structure, economic functions, and social impacts.
Altura said that NEDA is encouraging municipalities, and cities to practice urban planning in their future projects and programs.*PNA
