Palafox wins bid to master plan Zamboanga City

Palafox wins bid to master plan Zamboanga City

Jan 11, 2016  | Architecture 

Palafox wins bid to master plan Zamboanga City
(Photo by: digishooter)

Palafox Associates recently succeeded in its bid for the review and update of Zamboanga City’s Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and its Comprehensive Development Plan.

The agreement was signed last 16 December 2015, represented by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco and Principal Architect-Urban Planner Felino Palafox, Jr. Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and Managing Partner Karima Palafox stood as witnesses.

Zamboanga is a key city in the south of the Philippines. It is the trade center of Western Mindanao, particularly of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. It is also a gateway city to neighboring ASEAN countries like Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, among others. As such, Zamboanga City is a melting pot of many cultures.

The contract signing was followed by a kick-off meeting, where leaders and stakeholders had the opportunity to express their aspirations for the master plan. After the Zamboanga siege in 2013, it is hoped that the plan will reignite the city’s growth and serve as an inspiration for its people.

Joining the Palafox team is a multi-disciplinary group of professionals and consultants, including: Gabby Lopez (Social Development Planner); Elmer Mercado (DRRM Specialist); William Menes (Infrastructure and Utilities Specialist); Nabor Gaviola (Transportation Planner); Ana Marie Abante (GIS Specialist); Jimmy Lambunao; Anabel Garcia; and Jihan Hashim-Adil (Environmental Management Specialist).

The team initially visited key areas of interest like the Santa Cruz Islands, Rio Hondo, Barangay Taluksangay  (with the oldest masjid in the Zamboanga Peninsula), and areas affected by the siege.

According to Ar. Palafox, Zamboanga has the potential to be like Dubai. He also envisions Zamboanga to be the “interfaith Latin City of Asia.” He also assured to adopt, where applicable, the best practices in the world on resilient, sustainable, smart, and gateway cities. 

Via Palafox Associates
Image,video ©: digishooter, Flickr, All Creative Commons