International architect makes no apologies for ‘criticisms’

Saturday, February 11, 2012

INTERNATIONAL architect Senen Antonio acknowledged he may have offended some Cebuanos when he criticized Cebu City’s land use plan, but he’s not apologizing.

Antonio even chided Cebu City Hall for failing to develop coastal areas and for not telling the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) about this.

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He said seafront properties are prime properties in other countries.

Cebu City Planning and Development Coordinator Alipio Bacalso frowned at Antonio’s criticisms of the city’s land use plan, saying the international architect only looked at one aspect of the development plan for Cebu City. Bacalso said the land use plan is not a stand-alone plan and Antonio did not ask for the city’s zoning plan, which complements the other document.

“Nobody wants to be told they have cancer” but it is better to be informed now than later when the situation has gotten worse, said Antonio.

Antonio, an architect for the international firm Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company (DPZ), made a presentation on urban planning during the week-long Sustainable City Dialogues 2012 organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi), the research and development arm of MCDCB.

Officials

During a press briefing after the presentation, Rafi president Roberto Aboitiz said local government officials may not always approve of programs under MCDCB and even the board itself.

“That's a reality…. But if we produce outputs good for the constituents then I don't think politicians would not want to be identified with the program that would improve the lives of citizens,” he said.

Aboitiz’s concept of a Mega Cebu—a coordination body of 13 local government units in Metro Cebu—was the basis of MCDCB.

Aboitiz clarified that Rafi is still going to present Senen's paradigm of Mega Cebu to MCDCB and the board has not yet commissioned the DPZ to make the physical planning of Mega Cebu.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado said she wants to continue supporting the Mega Cebu concept even after her term.

Professionals

Engineer Fortunato Sanchez asked politicians to heed professionals’ advice development.

“We minimize mistakes if politicians let us do our jobs,” he said.

Department of Interior and Local Government 7 assistant director Elias Fernandez Jr. suggested the institutionalization of the Mega Cebu proposal through legislation.

The first step is “identifying champions” among congressmen and senators.

But Liloan Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco said that in the absence of a national legislation, the 13 cities and municipalities can do their part by passing local ordinances.

Carcar City Councilor Rogelio Montesclaros suggested that legislative councils should pass a “general legislation” in support of the principles behind Mega Cebu.