TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) launched the PLAN & DO (PLANADO) Program at the People’s Center, here in the city, on Tuesday (May 7).
As part of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ initiative, this program aims to achieve six key outcomes, including the elimination of backlog in comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs) and provincial development and physical framework plans (PDPFPs) by 2028, with a particular focus on UrbaNext 2024.
Tacloban City was selected as one of the pioneering locations for the program due to its readiness, presence of a master plan for the site, and the area’s economic development prospects.
UrbaNext 2040, aligned with Ambisyon Natin 2040, aims to revolutionize urban development for future generations.
It emphasizes the creation of open spaces and networks, transit-oriented development, support for local government units (LGUs) in implementing urban development projects, and optimal utilization of idle government funds.
“Though ambitious, if we delay, when will we begin?” remarked DHSUD Regional Director Michael Victor Tezon regarding UrbaNext 2040.
DHSUD’s main goal is to streamline and digitize land use and urban planning processes, fostering the creation of smart, green, resilient, and inclusive human settlements.
These efforts are essential in addressing pressing issues such as traffic congestion and informal settler displacement.
(By KATRYNA MAE N. MALLARI, LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)
