Urban Skylines: Established and Emerging Skyscrapers [Archive] - Page 11

barrera_marquez

January 12th, 2008, 12:29 PM

there had been several plebiscites held not long ago in Kalibo for cityhood but the citizens disapproved it because they don't want to pay higher taxes, etc

Based on standards, Kalibo's population and income is very ripe for cityhood. DILG before declared that even just meeting the two (income & population) most important of the 3 requirements (pop, land area, income) a top class municipality could apply and be approved for cityhood. That's why Talisay City in Negros Occidental was approved cityhood in 1998. So I would really like to see KALIBO CITY a reality :banana::banana::banana::banana:

Yes! Certainly I want to see it. By the way, Palayan City is like a ghost town. With transportation all over Cabanatuan City (all buses and jeeps plying Nueva Ecija converge at their Central Terminal). Palayan City, on the other hand can be reached only by using jeeps that sometimes disappear. Only 1 bus company so far I have seen servicing Palayan City and that is Five-Star.

Fact: Palayan City is 15 kms. away from Cabanatuan City Central Terminal. Just like from Rizal Park to Barangay Paso de Blas in Valenzuela City.

brownman

January 12th, 2008, 03:48 PM

^^ Interesting read. Ganda nga nyan, gusto ko din.

SamwiseGamgee

January 13th, 2008, 10:33 AM

This is what happens when we convert sleepy towns into 'cities' kuno. :ohno:

From Inquirer.net:

Tacloban facing P30-M IRA loss due to creation of new cities

By Joey A. Gabieta
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 16:12:00 01/13/2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines--Mayor Alfred Romualdez of this city has expressed fear that the city's share in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for 2008 would be reduced by as much as P30 million due to creation of new cities.

Romualdez said the projected loss in Tacloban's share of national would be "huge" and could even affect the delivery of basic services and delay the realization of his programs and projects for 2008.

"The creation of new cities last year is to be blamed for this reduction in our IRA share. And it should be noted that some of these new cities even failed to meet some of the requirements like income," Romualdez told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) on Saturday.

"This [reduction of IRA share] is really a big issue among cities now. We don't really know why there was a rush to convert these [towns] into cities," he added.

Romualdez, however, did not explain how he arrived at the projected P30 million reduction in the city's IRA, the main source of revenue for most local government units in the country and representing their share in national funds.

In 2007, Tacloban, which has a population of over 200,000, received around P250 million as its IRA share.

In Eastern Visayas, three big municipalities became cities last year -- Baybay (Leyte), Catbalogan (Samar) and Borongan (Eastern Samar).

The incomes of these newly created cities came into question when data surfaced that their annual revenue did not reach P100 million, the minimum income for towns to qualify for conversion into cities...

Read more (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080113-112081/Tacloban-facing-P30-M-IRA-loss-due-to-creation-of-new-cities).

barrera_marquez

January 13th, 2008, 11:56 AM

Peng Hok

January 14th, 2008, 11:40 AM

^^
Please go on with your game. :)

I am beginning to enjoy it. :)

barrera_marquez

January 14th, 2008, 11:49 AM

^^
Please go on with your game. :)

I am beginning to enjoy it. :)

Ok, here is one, maybe this is will put your brain on spiral.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7f/Balintawak_Toll_Barrier.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/26/62303056_2b61d56469.jpg

barrera_marquez

January 14th, 2008, 01:43 PM

In so it is. It is ripe but never heard that majority of Kalibonhons are against cityhood because of payment of higher taxes.

This has been the major issue of cityhood. Most of the people are afraid of paying higher taxes and land values whenever they are to become a city.

My goodness! That is the reason why the Philippines is such a poor country, people refuse to sacrifice even if the things are good for them as a whole. They are all just very selfish. Meycauayan City, on the other hand is caused by lack of information drive when they first attempted to be a city in 2001.

The people on Kalibo should also be given education about the cityhood benefits. If not, Kalibo will be a municipality looking more like a city.

Their situation is better there than here in Pampanga, the taxes here are also low but their increase would be unstoppable if Governor Panlilio's veto ceases against our Vice Governor Yeng Guiao. I hate to see that mayors will control the quarry operations here. I can't imagine how the taxes here in San Fernando City will increase. Our city relies on quarry income, almost half. If we were to lose it, since we are a city, then the taxes will go up. Why did people chose Guiao as our Vice Governor if he is already the coach of Red Bull in PBA and just do things that would increase the taxes here?

Yeah, I know that you will answer me that we all have other sources of income, but those are not enough, the quarry taxes generate almost most of our income, more than double of the other sources' income.

dinabaw

January 14th, 2008, 03:11 PM

Ok, here is one, maybe this is will put your brain on spiral.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7f/Balintawak_Toll_Barrier.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/26/62303056_2b61d56469.jpg

1st photos is Slex , going to Cavite?

SamwiseGamgee

January 14th, 2008, 03:22 PM

JuIcYdUdE22

January 14th, 2008, 03:41 PM

My goodness! That is the reason why the Philippines is such a poor country, people refuse to sacrifice even if the things are good for them as a whole. They are all just very selfish. Meycauayan City, on the other hand is caused by lack of information drive when they first attempted to be a city in 2001.

The people on Kalibo should also be given education about the cityhood benefits. If not, Kalibo will be a municipality looking more like a city.

Their situation is better there than here in Pampanga, the taxes here are also low but their increase would be unstoppable if Governor Panlilio's veto ceases against our Vice Governor Yeng Guiao. I hate to see that mayors will control the quarry operations here. I can't imagine how the taxes here in San Fernando City will increase. Our city relies on quarry income, almost half. If we were to lose it, since we are a city, then the taxes will go up. Why did people chose Guiao as our Vice Governor if he is already the coach of Red Bull in PBA and just do things that would increase the taxes here?

Yeah, I know that you will answer me that we all have other sources of income, but those are not enough, the quarry taxes generate almost most of our income, more than double of the other sources' income.

well, taking note of the definite marks, you have a point, however, a town who is uncompetitive, what can it do for the better if it became a city?
its like making/pushing a five year old to fly an airplane, definitely it will just crash.

Peng Hok

January 15th, 2008, 02:55 AM

Il Tenore

January 15th, 2008, 09:32 AM

habagatcentral1

January 15th, 2008, 10:39 AM

There are some towns in the country that are deserving for cityhood but was rejected of opportunity, there are towns that doesn't deserve to be a city yet they managed to be one.

barrera_marquez

January 15th, 2008, 11:23 AM

Valenzuela City?

Nope, you just saw the North Luzon Expressway but it doesn't mean that it is in Valenzuela City. There are no big toll barriers there. Try again.

habagatcentral1

January 15th, 2008, 03:50 PM

Bocaue City Bulacan?

Peng Hok

January 16th, 2008, 02:36 AM

Nope, you just saw the North Luzon Expressway but it doesn't mean that it is in Valenzuela City. There are no big toll barriers there. Try again.

Aw sorry sir. Sirit... :D

pau_p1

January 16th, 2008, 09:23 AM

2nd picture is C5 along Eastwood, Libis

barrera_marquez

January 16th, 2008, 11:16 AM

Bocaue City Bulacan?

Bocaue is not a city, it is a municipality.

Okay, I think you're brain is already aching. I think it's time for me to show the answer.

The answer is:
Caloocan City. Sorry.

frustratedarchitect

January 16th, 2008, 04:47 PM

Palayan City N.E. :)

No offense meant, but seriously..this is a city?

Peng Hok

January 17th, 2008, 11:53 AM

Bocaue is not a city, it is a municipality.

Okay, I think you're brain is already aching. I think it's time for me to show the answer.

The answer is:
Caloocan City. Sorry.

Waaaaaa! Next picture please? :D

barrera_marquez

January 17th, 2008, 12:06 PM

No offense meant, but seriously..this is a city?

Yes and no. Yes because of the name and no because of the environment there. The place is called Palayan City, because it is a city full of Palayans (rice field).

barrera_marquez

January 17th, 2008, 12:08 PM

Okay, here they are...

http://www.zuberfowler.com/capitol.jpg

http://thump01.pbase.com/u42/tconelly/medium/27602047.01Palawan.jpg

habagatcentral1

January 17th, 2008, 12:22 PM

^^ Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

barrera_marquez

January 17th, 2008, 12:50 PM

^^ Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Good! You're correct.

However, this post is not a good place to play this game, so therefore, I decided to move this game to a new post in order to give way to other posts here.

Moved to:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=570605

Animo

January 18th, 2008, 08:30 PM

^^ I found it in the basement of my grandfathers house. It was published in 1964. I found some Reader's Digest that came out in the 60's in his old cellar. :D I can't scan everything but I'll try to post some of it later. :)

GearX

January 21st, 2008, 05:27 AM

League wants IRA for new cities stopped (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/21/yehey/prov/20080121pro1.html)
Some city governments may resort to austerity measures due to cut in internal revenue allotment

KIDAPAWAN CITY: The city government here is bent on imposing austerity measures to ensure the smooth delivery of basic services to city residents despite a cut in its internal revenue allotment (IRA) this year, reported the Philippine News Agency.

The cut, estimated at P37 million, was brought about by the conversion last year of some 17 municipalities to component cities across the country.

This as City Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco has joined and supported the campaign of the League of Cities in the Philippines (LCP) to address the IRA cut.

The LCP has filed before the Supreme Court a motion for injunction to stop the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from releasing additional IRA to the newly created cities.

Since last year, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has given the LCP and its 120-member cities a notice of the IRA cut.

The national government has allotted P210 billion for the cities’ IRA this year.

As a result of the conversion, this city, for instance, would only receive an IRA of P5 million or a cut of some P36.5 million from its IRA of P42 million this year.

To make up for its losses, the city government has implemented this year, despite strong opposition from the local business sector, the Revenue Code that has been passed but shelved years ago.

The city government is expected to earn about P10 to P20 million from the increase in local revenues.

Gantuangco defended the implementation of the new revenue code since the IRA cut hampered the city’s implementation of infrastructure projects and delivery of basic social services.

As earlier reported, LCP officials will meet in Malacañang to discuss with the President the cut in their IRA share with the entry of 15 new cities this year.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, chairman of the LCP together with Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, the group president, will bring before the President their position not to release the IRA share of the new cities.

Treñas said the city that suffers the highest cut is Puerto Princesa in Palawan with more than P100 million followed by Davao and Zamboanga cities with more or less P70 million each.

Iloilo City expects a P36-million slash from the supposed P39-million increase from its IRA share this year.

Treñas added that up to now, their petition seeking for a temporary restraining order for the conversion of the 14 municipalities to cities is still pending at the Supreme Court.

He added that the LCP does not oppose the conversion of San Juan because it is very much qualified but the other municipalities are not.

The new cities besides San Juan in Metro Manila are Baybay, Leyte; Tayabas, Quezon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Bayugan and Cabad*baran, Agusan del Norte; Bogo and Carcar, Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Mati, Davao Oriental; Batac, Ilocos Norte; and Tabuk, Kalinga.

lewdsaint

January 21st, 2008, 09:57 AM

City mayors to appeal IRA cut with GMA

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO CITY – The country’s city mayors will seek an audience with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to discuss the cuts in their internal revenue allotment (IRA) because of the establishment of new cities.

Today, 118 mayors of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), headed Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. will troop to Malacañang, revealed LCP chairman Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The city mayors had appealed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) not to release the additional IRA to the new cities until the Supreme Court decides on the legality of their creation.

So far, Treñas said, the High Court has not made any move on the city mayors’ petition and has not approved the temporary restraining order to stop the DBM from releasing the additional IRA funds.

Treñas said Iloilo City will lose some P36 million from its expected IRA.

Iloilo City has an expected P39 million IRA share this year.

Last year, city mayors opposed the conversion of 18 municipalities into cities, arguing that they have failed to reach one requirement – P100-million locally-generated income as prescribed by the Local Government Code.

The country’s newly established cities are:
• Baybay, Leyte
• Tayabas, Quezon
• Borongan, Eastern Samar
• Bayugan and Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte
• Bogo and Carcar, Cebu
• Catbalogan, Samar
• Tandag, Surigao del Sur
• Lamitan, Basilan
• El Salvador, Misamis Oriental
• Mati, Davao Oriental
• Batac, Ilocos Norte; and
• Tabuk, Kalinga.

Treñas said the city that suffers the highest IRA cut is Puerto Princesa in Palawan with more than P100 million followed by Davao and Zamboanga cities with more or less P70 million each.

Iloilo City expects a P36-million slash from its IRA.

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo4.htm

GearX

January 22nd, 2008, 04:10 AM

Cities reel from unseen IRA cuts (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01222008/headlines02.html)
By Mia M. Gonzalez
Reporter

PRESIDENT Arroyo has decided to do two things for cities—to limit their numbers with a moratorium for the creation of new ones, and the extension of financial aid to cities that are unable to meet their budgets.

On Monday she promised, in response to the appeal of the 120-member League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), to help beleaguered cities that receive less than their expected internal revenue allotments (IRA) beginning this year due to the creation of 16 new cities last year.

She told the mayors in a meeting that she is prepared to certify as urgent a proposed bill seeking a moratorium on new cities once it reaches the committee level, according to Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., LCP national president.

Briefing Palace reporters after the meeting, Abalos said the President is eyeing the Kilos Asenso fund provided for in the proposed 2008 budget as the cities’ aid-fund source if it has no conditions restricting its use.

The LCP sought a meeting with the President after members discovered they would receive much less than the 15-percent increase in IRA they had expected for the year because of the conversion of 16 towns into cities—a matter it has questioned at the Supreme Court.

He said that when LCP officials told the President about their plan to seek a moratorium for new cities, she said, “For as long as you lobby for it [at] the committee level, I could certify it as urgent.”

Abalos said the problem arose because city governments have already inputted the expected 15-percent IRA increase in their respective 2008 budgets so that without it, they find themselves overextended.

The Department of Budget and Management had computed the IRA at P210.7 billion, 15 percent more than the 2007 IRA of P183.9 billion, but because of the 16 new cities that have to be given their IRA share, existing cities would only get an average 4.7- percent increase in their share.

LCP computation shows with the new cities, the 120 old cities will each lose P32 million on the average this year.

Abalos said this is crucial because 80 percent of the existing cities are IRA-dependent, among them Puerto Princesa City, which was supposed to receive a P146.1-million increase this year but will instead get only a P1.7-million increase.

Abalos added that Davao City is supposed to receive a P263-million increase but will only get P69 million more IRA this year; Zamboanga City was to have a P150-million increase but will get only P35 million, among the cities.

He said the LCP is not against town conversion into cities as long as the towns meet the required minimum P100-million local revenues. The LCP believes the 16 new cities have not complied with this requirement; hence, the case it raised to the Supreme Court.

The 16 new cities in question are Tabuk, Kalinga; Tayabas, Quezon; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Bogo and Carcar in Cebu; Naga, Camarines Sur; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Catbalogan, Samar; Baybay, Leyte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Tandag, Surigao del Sur, and Mati, Davao del Norte.

Mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa said his city would be among those hardest hit by the development because it is IRA-based, having no logging and mining industries owing to its focus on environmental protection.

“We rely heavily on the IRA. We have factored (the IRA increase) in our budget this year, because we were given assurance that we will not be affected this year,” said Hagedorn.

Calbayog mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, LCP secretary-general, added that existing cities need more IRA because of urban migration, which required higher funds for the delivery of social services.

flymordecai

January 22nd, 2008, 07:14 AM

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r64/jborlongan/DSC_0019.jpg

What church is this? I kept on seeing this whenever I took SLEX/Skyway. Interesting lowrise architecture.

Manila-X

January 22nd, 2008, 09:59 AM

One thing I noticed with Metro Manila and its suburbs are the many residential subdivisions around the city.

But I would like to know the largest ones.

Here are some top contenders

BF Homes (Paranaque/Las Pinas/Muntinglupa)

http://www.bfhomes.net/images/bf_homes_paranaque_map.jpg

Arguebly the largest not just in Metro Manila but in the whole Asian continent! BF Homes occupies three cities and the subdivision has 7 entry/exit points.

Pacita (Laguna)

A contender for BF Homes. This is a large residential community located between San Pedro and Binan.

Solblanc

January 22nd, 2008, 10:20 AM

What an unflattering photo of BF, lol :D

Manila-X

January 22nd, 2008, 10:23 AM

I'll try to find better photos ;). For now I replaced it with a map

GearX

January 22nd, 2008, 10:27 AM

how many hectares?

Manila-X

January 22nd, 2008, 10:29 AM

how many hectares?

Saw it in this site

http://www.gmproperties.org/Listing/ViewListingDetails.aspx?ListingID=1034552

It has 765 hectares.

Manila-X

January 22nd, 2008, 10:39 AM

Some pics of various subdivisions in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

http://www.tropicalisland.de/philippines.html

http://www.tropicalisland.de/MNL_Manila_outskirts_and_ricefields2_b.jpg

http://www.tropicalisland.de/MNL_Manila_residential_outskirts_from_aircraft_b.jpg

Hard to tell there these subdivisions are located but my guess is the bottom one was taken in the south part of Metro Manila particularly in Las Pinas or nearby Cavite

LhexiMont

January 22nd, 2008, 10:50 AM

Ayala Alabang is 600 +++ hectares

Manila-X

January 22nd, 2008, 10:57 AM

Ayala Alabang is 600 +++ hectares

I agree, Ayala Alabang is a big predominantly upper class subdivision. Is it the largest wealthy enclave or is it Forbes Park?

icarusrising

January 22nd, 2008, 11:30 AM

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r64/jborlongan/DSC_0019.jpg

What church is this? I kept on seeing this whenever I took SLEX/Skyway. Interesting lowrise architecture.

Is it the one near the airport? I believe it's called the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus within the Newport City project of Megaworld in Pasay City.

[dx]

January 22nd, 2008, 11:35 AM

looks interesting, any interior shots of that? ^^

JustHorace

January 22nd, 2008, 04:38 PM

^^Nope, AAV is way bigger than Forbes.

MakatiBoy

January 22nd, 2008, 07:18 PM

forbes park 252.66 hectares
dasmariñas 187.21
san lorenzo 269.35
magallanes 119.82
urdaneta 73.75
bel-air 187.57

Total <> 1,090.36 hectares of adjacent subdivisions surrounding the MCBD.

great184

January 22nd, 2008, 07:31 PM

^^Nope, AAV is way bigger than Forbes.

True, just driving from its Acacia Gate to Saint James Parish at almost the very end takes 10 mins @ 50-60 kph. It's quite surprising that the end portion of AAV is near Bilibid...

Arkdriver

January 22nd, 2008, 08:37 PM

i lived in ayala alabang and BF homes hehehe how i miss those place so much... :(

Manila-X

January 23rd, 2008, 05:07 AM

True, just driving from its Acacia Gate to Saint James Parish at almost the very end takes 10 mins @ 50-60 kph. It's quite surprising that the end portion of AAV is near Bilibid...

Actually the ground behind Batangas South (that's the southernmost street in AAV) is already Bilibid.

Anyway Makati Boy, compare the total area you mentioned with that of Paranaque's. Paranaque is huge. It's not just BF Homes. Include Tahanan and neighbouring subdivisions. Plus Merville, Multinational, Sun Valley and Better Living.

Merville is also huge

mambo

January 23rd, 2008, 08:45 AM

i think forbes park is quite big and so is dasmarinas village

Manila-X

January 23rd, 2008, 09:03 AM

i think forbes park is quite big and so is dasmarinas village I

I compared it with Ayala Alabang and it doesn't match its size.

On the other hand, Valle Verde in Pasig can match that size.

mambo

January 23rd, 2008, 10:00 AM

wht abt greenhills its also big

Manila-X

January 23rd, 2008, 10:26 AM

wht abt greenhills its also big

Forgot about Greenhills. Yes they have alot of land as well.

Anyway, how about a subdivision sprawl :D

You have

SOUTH METRO MANILA

1) BF. Homes / Tahanan / Martineville (Paranaque)

2) Better Living / Sun Valley / Multinational / Merville (Paranaque)

3) Alabang Hills / Ayala Alabang / Alabang Southvale (Muntinglupa)

4) Moonwalk / BF Resort (Las Pinas)

CENTRAL METRO MANILA

1) Magallanes / Dasmarinas / San Lorenzo / Urdaneta / Forbes Park / Bel-Air (Makati)

2) Valle Verde / Corinthian / White Plains / Acropolis / Blue Ridge (Quezon City / Pasig)

3) Wack Wack / Greenhills (Mandaluyong / San Juan)

NORTH METRO MANILA

1) Xavierville / Ayala Heights / Loyola Height (Quezon City)

2) Fairview (Quezon City)

Any more?

philip_v

January 23rd, 2008, 03:28 PM

Anyway, how about a subdivision sprawl :D

Any more?

Do you want a list of all subdivisions or villages, just higher-end ones, or those with large areas? I can name quite a few in the Las Piñas area,

True, just driving from its Acacia Gate to Saint James Parish at almost the very end takes 10 mins @ 50-60 kph.

Yeah, driving to Cuenca during the Christmas season feels like going to Batangas already.

le Reine

January 23rd, 2008, 04:21 PM

I hate subdivisions but I live in one. :D

mambo

January 23rd, 2008, 06:57 PM

i think fairview is quite big also

le Reine

January 23rd, 2008, 07:46 PM

2) Better Living / Sun Valley / Multinational / Merville (Paranaque)Present! hahaha... sabi nga ni Custer: gotta represent!

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 05:42 AM

What I did is google earth. Please excuse the small images. Photobucket only allows max 800x600 pix :)

I'll start with Southside Metro Manila

Paranaque

BF Homes / Tahanan / Jackielouville
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/bfhomes.jpg

Merville / Multinational / Sun Valley
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/merville.jpg

Better Living
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/betterliving.jpg

Muntinglupa

Alabang Hills / Hillsborough
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/alabanghills.jpg

Ayala Alabang
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/ayalaalabang.jpg

Las Pinas

Moonwalk
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/moonwalk.jpg

BF Resort
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/bf-resort.jpg

icarusrising

January 24th, 2008, 07:04 AM

Quezon City may not have the largest subdivisions but I'm sure it would have some of the most prestigious... Corinthian Gardens, White Plains, Blue Ridge, La Vista to name a few...

pau_p1

January 24th, 2008, 07:21 AM

Caloocan City also... specially the North Caloocan has a big number of subdivisions as well.... an example would be in Camarin... there are at least 20 subdivisions there alone...

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 07:29 AM

Central Metro Manila

Makati

Magallanes / San Lorenzo / Dasmarinas / Forbes Park / Urdaneta / Bel Air
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/makati.jpg

Ortigas Area

Valle Verde / San Antonio / Kapitolyo
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/ortigas.jpg

Mandaluyong / San Juan

Wack Wack / Greenhills
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/greenhills.jpg

Quezon City

Corinthian / Acropolis / White Plains / Blue Ridge
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/corinthian.jpg

icarusrising

January 24th, 2008, 07:39 AM

Colonel Burger

January 24th, 2008, 07:43 AM

Mission Hills in Anitpolo - Angono is 150HA++ and growing. dunno with other subdivisions in Antipolo

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 07:47 AM

Colonel Burger

January 24th, 2008, 07:51 AM

True even if its middle class. I don't mind the gated subdivisions. Even those of the lower middle class are gated with a security guard on front.

As for me, i mind those gated subdivision even if i live in one.

isa sa mga cause ng traffics gridlock is because the public has to take the main roads all the time instead of taking secondary roads because the subdivisions have locked them up.

sabi nga ni Bayani Fernando, there is no such thing as private roads.

le Reine

January 24th, 2008, 07:56 AM

^^true. sila ang major cause kung bakit hindi rin makagawa ng comprehensive transport system. those gated ghettos! I may sound like a hypocrite though kasi I live in a subdivision too. :D in fairness, we at least have the same opinion on this issue. :lol:

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 08:07 AM

As for me, i mind those gated subdivision even if i live in one.

isa sa mga cause ng traffics gridlock is because the public has to take the main roads all the time instead of taking secondary roads because the subdivisions have locked them up.

sabi nga ni Bayani Fernando, there is no such thing as private roads.

That's true. Gated subdivisions can cause major traffic.

Such perfect example would be BF Homes. BF has seven enter/exit points can provide a quick shortcut. Imagine you're in Sucat in the Lopez area and you have to go to SM Southmall. Its either you take SLEX which is already traffic or the service road. You can also drive all the way up to Evacom and take Alabang Zapote Rd. which has bad traffic especially in the Moonwalk area. Or you can do a quick drive through BF Homes and exit either at Concha Cruz or Southland that is if you have a sticker.

Before, Mayor Bernabe ordered BF Homes open to traffic to decongest the Alabang Zapote Rd and such. But BF residents protested because of safety issues and the tragic death of one's resident from a crime commited in that area. Now, vehicles are again required a sticker to enter through BF Homes.

Honestly, I don't like the idea of having a sticker through BF. There are already alot of commercial establishments inside the village. Plus, there are also gate sub-enclaves in BF with guards in the entrance and such.

Colonel Burger

January 24th, 2008, 08:13 AM

There should be a legislation prohibiting gated communities. dunno if there is a politico brave enough to author such legislation.

icarusrising

January 24th, 2008, 08:19 AM

Some people think that gated subdivisions exist because the government fails to provide a peaceful neighborhood, good roads, etc. to the citizenry so those who have band together to form the private gated neighborhoods where they can control the environment. The proliferation of such may be a reflection of the government's failure to properly manage our communities.

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 08:22 AM

Some people think that gated subdivisions exist because the government fail to provide a peaceful neighborhood, good roads, etc. to the citizenry so those who have band together to form the private gated neighborhoods where they can control the environment. The proliferation of such may be a reflection of the government's failure to properly manage our communities.

Not true. The reason why alot of middle and upper class have gate and security guards is simply security and its not just in The Philippines but in other countries as well.

Just like in HK you can't just enter a private housing development such as Baguio Villas or Parkview.

Colonel Burger

January 24th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Or its the Filipino's desire for a percieved "exclusivity" and "Prestige"

Again, even the lower middle class subdivisions such as Camella Homes have security.

Security is important. Tignan nyo yung mga subdivisions na kulang, mahina o walang security, napasukan sila ng mga squatters! Katulad na lang yung ibang areas ng BF Resort sa Las Pinas o sa Q.C. Yung ibang subdivisions doon nahaluan ng malaking bahay at squatter! Once one squatter settles down, they slowly multiply then it becomes chaotic! Residents would be powerless to drive them out unless they get a good order from the city council :(

But not all upper class communities as gated. Such example is the old rich neighbourhood of New Manila in Quezon City.

icarusrising

January 24th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Not true. The reason why alot of middle and upper class have gate and security guards is simply security and its not just in The Philippines but in other countries as well.

Just like in HK you can't just enter a private housing development such as Baguio Villas or Parkview.

Some places in the world don't have them and yet remain secure and peaceful. My point is the demand for such may be less if we can have peace and order in the ordinary communities of the metropolis and environs. Only the very rich and priviledged would want greater security if common places are secure and orderly enough.

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 08:39 AM

Some places in the world don't have them and yet remain secure and peaceful. My point is the demand for such may be less if we can have peace and order in the ordinary communities of the metropolis and environs. Only the very rich and priviledged would want greater security if common places are secure and orderly enough.

Because they are rich people. And the reason why those living in ungated communities are secure and peaceful because they keep a strong community, have strong ties with their next door neighbour, keep the bad elements out and sponsor campaigns such as neighbourhood watch programs.

GearX

January 24th, 2008, 11:11 AM

I hate subdivisions but I live in one. :D

you must be gettin' tired of living...:lol:

Waldenstrom

January 24th, 2008, 11:41 AM

But not all upper class communities as gated. Such example is the old rich neighbourhood of New Manila in Quezon City.

Also San Antonio & some parts of San Lorenzo in Makati.

Manila-X

January 24th, 2008, 12:16 PM

Also San Antonio & some parts of San Lorenzo in Makati.

San Antonio, Makati? That area is more classified as your a typical barangay more than a private subdivision. Its not gated but at night, they close some of the roads.

philip_v

January 24th, 2008, 12:57 PM

c0kelitr0

January 24th, 2008, 01:47 PM

a s i a n a

January 24th, 2008, 02:10 PM

There are some towns in the country that are deserving for cityhood but was rejected of opportunity, there are towns that doesn't deserve to be a city yet they managed to be one.

Can you name those cities? Am interested.

barrera_marquez

January 24th, 2008, 02:34 PM

Can you name those cities? Am interested.

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte
Catbalogan City, Samar
Tayabas City, Quezon
El Salvador City, Negros Occidental
Tabuk City, Kalinga

Obviously, we will finish tomorrow if I will keep on listing them. Almost all cities created last year have been done this way. From January 1-December 31, 2007. Sad to say.

JuIcYdUdE22

January 24th, 2008, 03:47 PM

habagatcentral1

January 24th, 2008, 03:51 PM

^^ Baka siguro Escalante?

JuIcYdUdE22

January 24th, 2008, 04:00 PM

^^ Baka siguro Escalante?

well, i dunno if they know how it works here for negros, we dont need that much of urbanity to earn money.

garzland

January 24th, 2008, 04:30 PM

Can you name those cities? Am interested.

I can name some -- (No offense po)In Bicol, I could say it's Ligao. It doesn't deserve to be a city. I haven't gone to other newly-created cities in Bicol so I could not speak for them.

El Salvador City, Negros Occidental
theres no such city here in negros occidental. where do you get your sources?:ohno:

El Salvador, I guess that's somewhere in Mindanao. Maybe, part of CDO-Iligan area

JuIcYdUdE22

January 24th, 2008, 05:39 PM

El Salvador, I guess that's somewhere in Mindanao. Maybe, part of CDO-Iligan area

its misamis oriental

a s i a n a

January 24th, 2008, 05:44 PM

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte
Catbalogan City, Samar
Tayabas City, Quezon
El Salvador City, Negros Occidental
Tabuk City, Kalinga

Obviously, we will finish tomorrow if I will keep on listing them. Almost all cities created last year have been done this way. From January 1-December 31, 2007. Sad to say.

I know Tabuk and Catbalogan because they are respective capitals of their provinces but Cabadbaran? I never knew it's in Mindanao.

Oh come on, are we having a race here? Negros Occidental has the most number of chartered cities, can someone again explain to us why (except for that sugarland hacienda thingy)?

I passed by El Salvador in Misamis Oriental four years ago. Tagoloan is more progressive.

JuIcYdUdE22

January 24th, 2008, 05:51 PM

I know Tabuk and Catbalogan because they are respective capitals of their provinces but Cabadbaran? I never knew it's in Mindanao.

Oh come on, are we having a race here? Negros Occidental has the most number of chartered cities, can someone again explain to us why (except for that sugarland hacienda thingy)?

I passed by El Salvador in Misamis Oriental four years ago. Tagoloan is more progressive.

most of negros occidental cities, are chartered due to income it generates, most of them have sugar centrals, and they are the product of sugarcane industry (victorias, silay, talisay, san carlos, cadiz, sagay, kabankalan, la carlota, bago), another example, sipalay city, its city proper is more like a town, and its brgy. mina, looks more urban, however it is where philex mining and maricalum mining is located. himamaylan city and escalante city mainly agricultural, it has a vast agricultural and aquaculture industry, development all over the province of negros occidental, it is spread out, due to the reason that progress should be delivered in equal basis, spread it all over to fight insurgency ( the province biggest problem during the 70's ) and most of all, at least not everything/everybody is left out of the good things.

aside from that, there are more to come however, most of these town would likely decline, eventhough theyre ok for being a city, hinigaran(100+million income), binalbagan(97+million), pontevedra(95+million)

also another reason is this, if developments is like concentrated in one area, bacolod would be more like became a dirty, slum infested city like everywhere else, like cebu, davao, manila, bagiuo etc.

icarusrising

January 24th, 2008, 06:27 PM

Other areas in QC with concentrations of subdivisions are Tandang Sora, Novaliches and Lagro. There's Filinvest at Batasan Hills as well as other gated communities along Commonwealth Avenue.

The stretch of Commonwealth Avenue would be home to the greatest number of informal settlers in the whole of the Metropolis. Here you'd clearly see the gates and walls serving as demarcation line between shanties of the masses and mansions of the middle class. From BF Road, entering the gate of BF Homes-QC transports you to a saner sanctum. The streets are spic-and-span in contrast to the pot-holed and sooty streets outside. Even the air is different... not grimy and dust-laden. The neighbors are quiet and mind their own businesses. Even Koreans choose to stay inside these gated subdivisions which offer a different accomodation from the boxes they are used to living in at their home country.

Being able to walk home drunk from the local bar, Corrida and not worry about getting mugged is of course a big plus factor. There is a field where one can have a game of soccer and a pool at the club house to ward off the tropical heat. It's not only security but a whole new lifestyle.

So my point is, it's not just the need for security which are driving people to yearn to live in gated subdivisions. It's a lifestyle for you and your family that you can opt to have for the right price. If you're one of those who have then good for you. Life is sweeter on your side of the gate. On the other hand, don't you wish such things were available for everybody and not just a select few?

IMPRESARIO

January 24th, 2008, 08:07 PM

^^i want to react to your last paragraph,but i won't na lang.

Lili

January 24th, 2008, 08:34 PM

I've read somewhere that owning a house in a subdivision is one of the dreams of the common Pinoy... Living in one is a status symbol. What do you guys think about these gated subdivisions? Don't you feel that the presence of these enclaves somehow create discrimination in our society in such a way that they marginalize those who can't afford to live in them?

True even if its middle class. I don't mind the gated subdivisions. Even those of the lower middle class are gated with a security guard on front.

If I ever decided to buy a home in Manila I prefer a house than an hi-rise condo. I've been living in a high-rise all my life and to live in a nice house in Metro Manila is a big contrast.

As for me, i mind those gated subdivision even if i live in one.

isa sa mga cause ng traffics gridlock is because the public has to take the main roads all the time instead of taking secondary roads because the subdivisions have locked them up.

sabi nga ni Bayani Fernando, there is no such thing as private roads.

^^true. sila ang major cause kung bakit hindi rin makagawa ng comprehensive transport system. those gated ghettos! I may sound like a hypocrite though kasi I live in a subdivision too. :D in fairness, we at least have the same opinion on this issue. :lol:

There should be a legislation prohibiting gated communities. dunno if there is a politico brave enough to author such legislation.

Some people think that gated subdivisions exist because the government fails to provide a peaceful neighborhood, good roads, etc. to the citizenry so those who have band together to form the private gated neighborhoods where they can control the environment. The proliferation of such may be a reflection of the government's failure to properly manage our communities.

^ I don't see anything egregiously wrong with gated communities. The residents pay for the upkeep of those streets and private security.

Once they allow free access to their private roads, then it loses the sense of security and community they have. Bayani Fernando is wrong in saying (if he did say it) that there is no such thing as private roads. A private road though can become a public road if the public is allowed free access in terms of ingress or egress for a long period of time or if the government expropriates it which means they have to pay just compensation.

New Manila is different because they built very high walls so it does not matter if the streets are open to the public.

a s i a n a

January 24th, 2008, 09:09 PM

most of negros occidental cities, are chartered due to income it generates, most of them have sugar centrals, and they are the product of sugarcane industry (victorias, silay, talisay, san carlos, cadiz, sagay, kabankalan, la carlota, bago), another example, sipalay city, its city proper is more like a town, and its brgy. mina, looks more urban, however it is where philex mining and maricalum mining is located. himamaylan city and escalante city mainly agricultural, it has a vast agricultural and aquaculture industry, development all over the province of negros occidental, it is spread out, due to the reason that progress should be delivered in equal basis, spread it all over to fight insurgency ( the province biggest problem during the 70's ) and most of all, at least not everything/everybody is left out of the good things.

aside from that, there are more to come however, most of these town would likely decline, eventhough theyre ok for being a city, hinigaran(100+million income), binalbagan(97+million), pontevedra(95+million)

also another reason is this, if developments is like concentrated in one area, bacolod would be more like became a dirty, slum infested city like everywhere else, like cebu, davao, manila, bagiuo etc.

I understand.:angel: So, are we gonna expect more cities from Occidental Negros?

JuIcYdUdE22

January 24th, 2008, 09:28 PM

I understand.:angel: So, are we gonna expect more cities from Occidental Negros?

however, the current towns, most likely wouldnt go for the plebiscite, one thing, taxes would go up, its good for a town to be competetive or can stand on its own, rather than pushing to become a city, and dont prosper, like what happened to other cities.

ChicTown

January 24th, 2008, 10:45 PM

Las Pinas:
Pilar Village - 155 hectares
Philamlife Village
BF Almanza
Citadella

I'm sorry but I do like living in a gated community. I have lived in one all my life, and would like to continue to do so. I'd like my (future) children to be able to play in the streets, bike around the community, play sports outside, etc.

To each his own.

:cheers: I'll drink to that @philip_v. Ayala Greenfield Estates - 500ha., gated and well guarded. Thank God such a development exists and we love it! Won't you? Regards...:):)

Manila-X

January 25th, 2008, 05:39 AM

New Manila is different because they built very high walls so it does not matter if the streets are open to the public.

Houses in New Manila have high walls but they used have the problem with illegal squatters right next or beside their high walls :eek:

technoblaze

January 25th, 2008, 07:08 AM

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte
Catbalogan City, Samar
Tayabas City, Quezon
El Salvador City, Negros Occidental
Tabuk City, Kalinga

^^ Catbalogan city is my hometown...:) it was supposed to be a city since 1968, but because of a fire that burned the whole town. the cityhood was revoked.

Manila-X

January 25th, 2008, 07:20 AM

Eastside Metro Manila / Rizal

Pasig / Cainta / Antipolo

Greenpark / Town & Country Homes / Filinvest / Valley Golf
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/pasig.jpg

Marikina

Various subdivisions
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/googleearth/marikina.jpg

BTW, I noticed that there are hardly any gated subdivision within the city of Manila

icarusrising

January 25th, 2008, 08:39 AM

Sinjin P.

January 25th, 2008, 08:45 AM

We have a lot of cities in the Philippines but only a select few are deserving to have an SSC banner since most of our cities are only "villages" from a foreigner's point of view.

Manila-X

January 25th, 2008, 09:28 AM

The walled city of Manila was the gated community. :lol:
That shouldn't come as a surprise. Subdivisions are a more recent invention. Younger cities or the suburbs would be the logical place where subdivisions spring up.

Subdivisons around Metro Manila has been there since the 1950s. The latest ones more better planned such as having facilites such as a clubhouse. They also have better infrastructure such as the underground electric cables, telephone lines and to some extent, WIFI :D

icarusrising

January 25th, 2008, 10:00 AM

icarusrising

January 25th, 2008, 10:28 AM

Mayors to ask House to recall cityhood bill for 27 municipalities
By Non Alquitran
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Philippine Star Online

City mayors nationwide will ask the House of Representatives to recall a bill seeking to convert 27 municipalities into cities.

Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) president, will lead a contingent of city mayors to ask lawmakers to hear their side before sending the bill to plenary.

“We were never informed or notified about the bill,” he said.

Abalos said the LCP is not against the conversion of the 27 municipalities into cities.

“But the problem is where would we get the money to support them?” he asked.

Abalos said if the bill is passed into law a city’s IRA allotment would decrease by at least P90 million.

“If that should happen, what I see is the extinction of the cities in the country,” he said.

Other cities would lose between P300 million to P400 million, he added.

Abalos said the LCP will push through with the plan of 120 cities nationwide to display Philippine flags at half mast during the traditional flag-raising ceremonies and for city employees to wear black arm bands to protest the bill.

The bill seeks to decrease the share of cities in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the national government, he added.

Abalos said the LCP will ask the help of Congress in implementing a long-term solution to the cityhood problem.

“It is not our intention to object to the cityhood of these 27 municipalities because we also want them to enjoy the fruits of being a city,” he said.

“What we want is for them to pass the requirements under the local government code without exceptions.”

Under the Local Government Code, a municipality can only be converted into a city when it generates P100 million in taxes yearly, and with either a 250,000 population or a land area of 100 square kilometers.

However, the bill authored by Zamboanga-Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer aims to amend the Local Government Code to peg the minimum generated average annual income requirement for cityhood at P100 million for at least two consecutive years.

Hofer said the law unduly restricted the economic, political and socio-cultural developments of the 27 municipalities which served as capital towns of provinces that have no cities.

“Given their role as the commercial, political, and socio-cultural centers in their respective provinces, it becomes necessary to further capacitate these municipalities by elevating their status to component cities,” she said.

Hofer said a change of status would give the municipalities more autonomy and taxation powers and an increased share in the IRA.

“More importantly, cityhood will boost investor confidence and invigorate the business climate (of the 27 municipalities),” she said.

At a press conference Tuesday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila mayors declared their opposition to the bill on grounds that the delivery of basic services and salary increase of their employees would suffer.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the criteria of selection for cityhood should not be changed.

“What would prevent other municipalities from converting into a city if some of them are using the backdoor in their bid for cityhood?” he asked.

Quezon City’s IRA is used to care for the urban poor from the provinces who are being sheltered by the city government, Belmonte said.

Abalos said the LCP asked the Supreme Court last year to stop the conversion into cities of 16 municipalities, excluding San Juan City and Navotas.

“We have no quarrel with the cities of Navotas and San Juan because they passed the requirements of the Local Government Code,” he said.

Navotas is expecting an 82 percent increase in IRA this year, while San Juan City is looking at 116 percent.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco said it would be unfair to his constituents who are expecting to taste this year the benefits of the IRA after years of hard work complying with the necessary requirements for cityhood.

Abalos gave as example Puerto Princesa City, which could only get an additional P1.7 million IRA this year instead of its expected share of P146.1 million or 15 percent increase because of the conversion last year of the 16 municipalities into cities.

Abalos said Puerto Princesa City, which is 85 percent dependent on IRA from the national government, would soon find itself seeking other sources of revenues to fund its increasing operational costs.

“Even the slightest reduction in its existing IRA will severely cripple its operations,” he said.

The LCP has called on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to make public its computation for the IRA release for 2008, which reflected a staggering decrease in the share of each city. – With Roberto Dejon

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080124187

Lili

January 25th, 2008, 10:30 AM

Manila-X

January 25th, 2008, 10:43 AM

ah yes... But Manila is already an old city by the 1950s having been incorporated as a city on June 10, 1574. Most of the developments after the war were on the outskirts and not in Manila itself. This period would also coincide with the declaration of Quezon City as the new capital from 1948 to 1976.

Alot of things have changed in Metro Manila after WWII. For now, the city especially its commericial, economic and cultural activities have expanded within the range of Highway 54 now EDSA. And today, the city centre has expanded within the range of C-5.

But despite of that, there are new developments happening in Manila such as the area around SM Lazaro and so on.

BTW Lili, I like hilly subdivisions especially those in Muntinglupa and QC. But accidents can happen inside these gates though rare.

icarusrising

January 25th, 2008, 11:18 AM

^^ So, you mean to say, subdivisions are remnants of the segregation of the Old Walled City of Manila.

But let's not be hypocrites here, wouldn't you rather live in a gated community where you can freely ride your bike without being accosted or hit by a truck? :D

If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have learned to ride a bike. And I got scars to show for it, riding a bike at full speed on the hilly streets of a subdivision. C'est la vie.

I was replying to Wanch's question on why gated communities are seemingly absent in Manila so I jokingly mentioned Intramuros. It is apparent that by the late 1940s, Manila is still fresh from the devastations of war and/or already overcrowded. The declaration of a new capital meant an outward exodus for developments from Manila to Quezon City. Even the return of the title to Manila as the seat of government, did not create gated enclaves since space is scarce in the old city and land cheaper in the newer cities.

I do not know what the earliest subdivisions in Metro Manila were. I would think that the rise of government housing somehow influenced the private sector, by means of wealth, to appropriate areas where they can create order out of chaos.

With the present situation of the Metropolis, I would prefer living in a gated community and I do live in one. How I wish though that our cities were properly planned and laws properly created and enforced so that the need for such enclosures would be minimized. Afterall, every human being, rich or poor, deserves an environment where he/she can live safe and happy.

KulasKusgan

January 25th, 2008, 03:48 PM

We have a lot of cities in the Philippines but only a select few are deserving to have an SSC banner since most of our cities are only "villages" from a foreigner's point of view.

MM, Cebu, Davao & Iloilo were featured so far.

commercial break...
heto pala davao banners noon:

2005
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/davao%20gulf/pano7.jpg

2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/banner/davaosscbanner.jpg

2007 junax made one, di ko na-save. parang ganitong angle:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/sleepie_uno/canon/IMG_0233a.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/sleepie_uno/canon/IMG_0223.jpg

jameslab8470

January 25th, 2008, 05:07 PM

I know Tabuk and Catbalogan because they are respective capitals of their provinces but Cabadbaran? I never knew it's in Mindanao.

Cabadbaran is the capital of Agusan del Norte since 2004. Butuan became the regional capital of Caraga Region. Well, in my observation, Cabadbaran is deserving to be a city since it looks like a city na.

Lili

January 25th, 2008, 05:20 PM

^^ that would indeed be ideal.

Subdivisions and gated communities have become somewhat paradoxical.

Living in such within the Metropolis and its outskirts has given their denizens a semblance of community and neighborliness that has since become scarce or absent in open areas where next door neighbors hardly know each other nor talk to each other. This very same phenomenon happens even in condominium developments.

junax

January 25th, 2008, 05:30 PM

OT: i miss those times when SSC used to feature phil banners. cebu got the most numbers in vizmin, while davao managed 1 banner/year.
2005
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/davao%20gulf/pano7.jpg

2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/banner/davaosscbanner.jpg

2007
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/kadayawan.jpg

kiretoce

January 25th, 2008, 06:18 PM

Pretend cities (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/26/yehey/opinion/20080126opi1.html)

We are taking the side of the League of Cities of the Philippines in opposing the bill to grant automatic city status to all provincial capitals. We also sympathize with the LCP for wishing that last year’s conversion of 16 towns into cities had not happened.

House Bill 24, authored by Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer, would amend Republic Act 9009 (the Local Government Code). The bill seeks to exempt the capital towns of provinces from the income requirement for would-be cities.

Under the Local Government Code, a town must have a locally generated income of at least P100 million annually to qualify for cityhood. The town must also have a land area of at least 100 square kilometers or, lacking that, a population of at least 150,000.

Hofer explains that the income requirement unduly restricts the economic, political and socio-cultural development of provinces that have no cities. Cities indeed, because of their large incomes and population, become a magnet for business and economic investments—like malls and factories. They also attract national politicians and largesse from a friendly Malacañang Palace.

The trouble is that a poor town or capital turned into a neo-city, whatever the reason for its poverty, won’t ever attract serious outside investors or promoters of advocacies (except communists and politicians campaigning for votes).

Calling a goat a horse won’t make it one.

Internal Revenue Allotment

The Local Government Code gives all local government units —provinces, cities, towns and even barangays—a share from national government tax collections. The share is called the Internal Revenue Allotment. The national government has allotted P210 billion for the cities’ IRA this year.

There were 136 Philippine cities as of the third quarter of 2007. LCP counts only 120 as its members. Last year, 16 towns were raised to city status.

The LCP has petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the Department of Budget and Management from releasing money to the 16 new cities from the P210-billion fund.

Instead of only 120 cities dividing the P210 billion among themselves, 136 cities will now share it. And if the Hofer bill becomes law, 161 cities will end up sharing it. Therefore, the 120 cities of the LCP will be receiving much less than they used to get.

There is even a wickedly perverse side to this. Some towns will earn less from their share of the IRA as a city than its IRA as a town. The LCP, in a presentation to the press last week, showed that if Sorsogon City had remained a town it would have gotten an IRA increase of P41.9 million in 2008, an increase of 15 percent. But as a city it is now only getting an P8 million increase. Similar decline in share from the IRA has happened to many cities because the Palace has reduced their share. As more towns become cities, each city’s share of the IRA is further reduced.

Imprudence and untruthfulness

The Hofer bill, by promoting unqualified municipalities to cities, would boost the unwholesome vice of imprudence that prevails in much of Philippine officialdom and governance. For town officials are certainly imprudent when they lose tens of millions in their share of their IRAs just to see themselves as mayors, vice-mayors and councilors of overnight cities—not mere towns.

The proposed law would promote a capital town to a city by removing the basic income requirement of P100 million. That amount is the minimum a local government unit must have to be able to afford some of the amenities enjoyed by a real city. Not making that much income, a town must accept its limitations. It must not pretend to be what it is not. Otherwise, the officials of that town would be morally untruthful.

Human beings by nature tend toward the truth—except those who have become so bent out of shape, like many of our politicians. People who do not honor the truth, who love duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy trample on their own and their fellowmen’s dignity.

This bill strengthens the atmosphere of untruthfulness in our country. It would add to the people’s distrust for government institutions and officials. It would increase the number of lies that we Filipinos are forced to swallow. People of a poor town suddenly called a city will know that the new designation is a lie.

It will only deepen the public distrust for government that opinion surveys regularly reveal. As part of its preparation for the ongoing World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, the WEF commissioned a survey of 60 countries including ours. The survey affirmed something Filipinos have always known—and must contribute to reverse: That most of us think our government officials are dishonest.

Promoting unqualified provincial capitals to the rank of cities without deserving it, will only add to the cynicism of our people.

It is bad enough that we have a proliferation of universities—shady institutions that do not even have the qualifications colleges in Europe and America must have. These universities have contributed to the severe decline of the quality of our graduates.

Elevating undeserving towns as cities by law will worsen the degradation of Philippine governance.

SamwiseGamgee

January 26th, 2008, 08:09 AM

Pretend cities (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/26/yehey/opinion/20080126opi1.html)

Calling a goat a horse won’t make it one.

This bill strengthens the atmosphere of untruthfulness in our country. It would add to the people’s distrust for government institutions and officials. It would increase the number of lies that we Filipinos are forced to swallow. People of a poor town suddenly called a city will know that the new designation is a lie.

It will only deepen the public distrust for government that opinion surveys regularly reveal. As part of its preparation for the ongoing World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, the WEF commissioned a survey of 60 countries including ours. The survey affirmed something Filipinos have always known—and must contribute to reverse: That most of us think our government officials are dishonest.

Promoting unqualified provincial capitals to the rank of cities without deserving it, will only add to the cynicism of our people.

It is bad enough that we have a proliferation of universities—shady institutions that do not even have the qualifications colleges in Europe and America must have. These universities have contributed to the severe decline of the quality of our graduates.

Elevating undeserving towns as cities by law will worsen the degradation of Philippine governance.

^^ Brilliant piece!

kevinb

January 26th, 2008, 11:24 AM

Cities reel from unseen IRA cuts (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01222008/headlines02.html)
By Mia M. Gonzalez
Reporter

The 16 new cities in question are Tabuk, Kalinga; Tayabas, Quezon; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Bogo and Carcar in Cebu; Naga, Camarines Sur; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Catbalogan, Samar; Baybay, Leyte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Tandag, Surigao del Sur, and Mati, Davao del Norte.

Naga, CamSur has been a city for more than 50 years. I wonder how Mia Gonzales reasearched on this article. :ohno:

SamwiseGamgee

January 26th, 2008, 01:17 PM

Naga, CamSur has been a city for more than 50 years. I wonder how Mia Gonzales reasearched on this article. :ohno:

Must be Naga, Cebu. :ohno:

le Reine

January 26th, 2008, 02:12 PM

^^yeah, we should teach those writers how to be extra-careful in writing those articles. Nakaasar na. :bash:

About the issue of those cities whose IRAs are affected by the conversion, I guess it would also be a test to these cities not to rely on their IRAs too much. They should now learn how to earn income without relying too much from the NG. When I read from the article (assuming it is correct since newspapers have a problem of writing their facts and figures right)that Puerto Princesa is 85% depedent on the IRA, I was really shocked. 85% is too much! Cities should not be too dependent on the IRA. Decentralization's goals include fiscal responsibility and autonomy not too much dependence from the NG. :ohno::no:

barrera_marquez

January 26th, 2008, 03:54 PM

^^yeah, we should teach those writers how to be extra-careful int writings those articles. Nakaasar na. :bash:

About the issue of those cities whose IRAs are affected by the conversion, I guess it would also be a test to these cities not to rely on their IRAs too much. They should now learn how to earn income without relying too much from the NG. When I read from the article (assuming it is correct since newspapers have a problem of writing their facts and figures right)that Puerto Princesa is 85% depedent on the IRA, I was really shocked. 85% is too much! Cities should not be too dependent on the IRA. Decentralization's goals include fiscal responsibility and autonomy not too much dependence from the NG. :ohno::no:

Why depend on IRA too much? Anong silbi ng city taxes? Kaya lang siguro gusto nilang maging city ay para magkaroon ng share sa IRA. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

dinabaw

January 26th, 2008, 03:56 PM

^^ eh yung IRA eh hindi naman nagagamit ng city sa bulsa ng iba :runaway:

BOB-bXu

January 27th, 2008, 03:38 AM

Basic Services, Infra Projects Worst Hit By IRA Reduction
January 26, 2008 at | In 1 |

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 26, 2008) - Local Mayor Celso Lobregat said any cut by Manila in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) will have a big effect on the government’s delivery of basic services and implementation of infrastructure projects in Zamboanga City.
Manila announced that it would cut by P115 million the IRA share of Zamboanga City and other cities to provide funding to 16 municipalities which have been converted to cities.

The 16 municipalities converted into cities are Batac (Ilocos Norte); Tayabas (Quezon); Catar (Cebu); Bogo (Cebu); Naga (Cebu); Borongan (Eastern Samar); Baybay (Leyte); Catbalogan (Western Samar); Lamitan (Basilan); El Salvador (Misamis); Mati (Davao); Cabadbaran (Agusan Norte); Boyugon (Agusan Sur); Tandag (Surigao Sur); Gijolngan (Negros Oriental) and Tabuc (Kalinga).

The IRA is a local government’s share of revenues from the national government. It is largely based on land area and population, but local governments also derive revenues from local sources. Typically, the IRA for municipalities accounts for 90% of total revenues, but cities have more sources of local revenues.

Lobregat said Zamboanga will join the League of Cities in protesting the conversion of 16 municipalities which did not meet the income requirements and the consequent IRA reduction effective this year.
On Monday, city officials and employees will wear black armbands. The Philippine flag will also be flown in half mast as a sign of protest. Mayors of 119 other cities will replicate the move in their areas during the flag raising ceremony.

“The impending decrease by P115 million in the IRA share of the city this year due to the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities will greatly affect the delivery of services including the implementation of infrastructure projects,” Lobregat said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
The League of Cities, the alliance of the 120 existing cities in the country declared its protest against the conversion of the municipalities sans the requirements as mandated in the Local Government Code of 1991.
According to the League of Cities, the law requires “among others a P100 million locally generated income in order to be a city but the 13th Congress in 2007 enacted city hood laws which exempted 16 cities from this requirement”.
“We are not against the conversion of municipalities as long as they meet the requirements”, Mayor Lobregat said.

Zamboanga City is the third hardest hit by the IRA reduction at P114.971 million. Supposedly, the city would receive P1.166 billion in IRA share this year but this was reduced to P1.051 billion after the conversion of the 16 municipalities.

As compared to the 2007 figure of P1.015 billion, Zamboanga City’s IRA increase was supposed to be P150.8 million but after the conversion, the increase became P35.87 million or a difference (in increase) of P114.97 million.

The League of Cities said the 2008 IRA share of the 120 existing cities is reduced from P14.3 percent to only P4.7 percent or a loss of P4 billion.
Davao City is number one in the list with a potential loss of P194 million; second is Puerto Princesa with a loss of P144.4 million. Zamboanga City is the third hardest hit with reduction at P114.971 million. Santiago City is 4th with a loss of P81.8 million; 5th is Iligan City with a loss of P68.8 million; 6th is Butuan City with a loss of P68.1 million and 7th is Calbayog with a loss of P65.8 million.

Worst, it said, House Bill 24 which seeks to convert all capital towns of province into cities and exempting them from income requirements, has been passed at the committee level in Congress that will in effect result to an additional 27 new cities.

The League of Cities earlier called for a moratorium on the creation of new cities until a more in-depth study “is undertaken for a more rational basis for city hood”. (With a report from Sheila Covarrubias)

Waldenstrom

January 27th, 2008, 04:04 AM

^^ Tsk tsk! Those are some of our major cities!!!

junax

January 27th, 2008, 06:19 AM

WawaY[625]

January 27th, 2008, 07:19 AM

ano basis sa amount ng nawala sa IRA? bat halos mindanao cities lahat? and bat malaki ang na cut sa davao?

leechtat

January 27th, 2008, 07:31 AM

But despite of that, there are new developments happening in Manila such as the area around SM Lazaro and so on.

^^ yes! it's called Celadon Manila. It has a gated townhouse development - Celadon Residences, said to be the first gated community in Manila.

mambo

January 27th, 2008, 07:50 AM

IS BEL AIR GATED WHT ABT GREENHILLS

Waldenstrom

January 27th, 2008, 10:28 AM

^^ Some parts of Bel-Air and Greenhills are not gated. :)

dinabaw

January 27th, 2008, 11:01 AM

;17992483']ano basis sa amount ng nawala sa IRA? bat halos mindanao cities lahat? and bat malaki ang na cut sa davao?

maraming basis, but basically 1. is kung malaki ang income tax return ng isang city eh malaki rin ang IRA nila 2. laki ng syudad (population & land area) 3. yung city na hindi masyado asenso binbigyan ng malaking IRA.

maraming basis pag compute ng IRA :)

barrera_marquez

January 27th, 2008, 11:11 AM

Iyan ang napapala ng mga lungsod na independent sa mga probinsya, lalong dumarami ang listahan na iyan dahil sa sila ang bumubuhay sa sarili nila. Yung Puerto Princesa City naman ay kabisera ng Palawan, kaya nasa probinsya pa rin sila kahit Highly-Urbanized City sila.

Dapat diskartehan ng mga lungsod iyan. Kung mga dependent sila sa mga probinsya nila, maybe makakatulong ang mga probinsya nila upang maibsan ang IRA problem.

le Reine

January 27th, 2008, 02:47 PM

^^ luckily davao can afford to lose 194 million. in fact until now the city has 207 million pesos of unclaimed IRA. paano na lang yung dependent talaga sa IRA, puputok talaga ang butse sa mga bagong cities hehe.It should . Ilang percent ng budget ng Davao City ang galing sa IRA?

;17992483']ano basis sa amount ng nawala sa IRA? bat halos mindanao cities lahat? and bat malaki ang na cut sa davao?There should be no distinction to a particular region. The basis is purely based on a specific formula with variables such as population, income and land area. Nagkataon lang na puro sa Mindanao. But the questio is why? Na-curious ako and I have to know why. Kailangang i-research ito.

maraming basis, but basically 1. is kung malaki ang income tax return ng isang city eh malaki rin ang IRA nila 2. laki ng syudad (population & land area) 3. yung city na hindi masyado asenso binbigyan ng malaking IRA.

maraming basis pag compute ng IRA :)Yes that's right.

I'm very much concerned about Puerto Princesa City. I still can't believe that 85% of its revenue is dependent of the IRA. And to think it is a HIGHLY-URBANIZED CITY. Cities in this income classification should not be too much dependent on the IRA. I wouldn't be surprised if the newly-created cities (I mean prior to those 16 "cities") or those 2nd and 3rd class would protest. But by the looks of it, the chartered and highly urbanized are the ones protesting the loudest. Be wary, mayors of these highly-urbanized cities should be investigated esp those who depend too much on the IRA. They might not be doing their jobs properly. There must be a problem of fiscal management. The IRA was made just as a support to local governments not as a major revenue source esp in highly-urbanized cities. I've seen highly-urbanized cities that have an IRA share or 12-35% of their budget, but 85%???!!! That is way way too much.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that these mayors are wrong in their assumptions. BUT we should also ask why they are protesting despite their cities' situation or income level (I mean those highly-urbanized city). Be wary because your leaders might not be exercising fiscal discipline and prudence. Revenues are one, if not the most important aspect in Local Governance. WE should ba vigilant. There are also other actors that are responsible such as the National Government. It still doesn't give the supposed 30% on income revenues to LGUs that's why they're now scrambling to have bigger revenues. And those representatives who did not provide ample funding to those devolved responsibilities to LGUs such as Health, Agriculture, Welfare and Development, etc.

Why is this issue important? Because in this devolved setup, cities should be the engine of growth and should be a source of revenue for government. It should not be too much dependent on the NG esp now that the NG is in the red. If these cities esp those in highly-urbanized classification could not do their duties, how much more in a federalized setup?

WawaY[625]

January 27th, 2008, 03:16 PM

It should . Ilang percent ng budget ng Davao City ang galing sa IRA?

alam ko nasa billion mark ang budget ng davao :) wait hanapin ko

edit : found one..budget for 2007 plus income din (i think..lol di ko na binasa ang article)

Davao City listed among
BIR’s ‘Billionaires’ Club’

DAVAO CITY: Vice-Mayor Luis Bonguyan predicted the Davao City government’s annual revenue to hit the P3-billion mark this year, attributing this to investments pouring into the city.

The city is among few cities in the country listed in the Billionaires’ Club of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), with revenues of over P1 billion.

In 2003 the city landed with the third highest income after breaching the P2-billion mark.

Last year the city government operated on a P2.2-billion approved annual budget, with two supplemental budgets totaling about P300 million bringing to P2.5 billion its annual operation. About 60 percent of the revenues came from the internal revenue allocation with 40 percent raised from local taxes.

“We expect our revenues this year to hit P3 billion,” said Bonguyan, who is bowing out of office on June 30 after three terms as vice-mayor.

“This is a tremendous increase from the P380-million income of the city government when I first joined it in 1992,” said Bonguyan, an accountant, who started his political career as a city councilor.

He credited the city’s fast-paced development to stable peace and order and healthy business atmosphere.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is being scored by human rights and progressive groups for unsolved extrajudicial killings of suspected criminals, but the business community here said the killings add up to stronger confidence by business on the city’s potential as Southern Mindanao’s premier investment location.

Bonguyan, vice-chairman of the Davao City Investment Promotions Center, said tax holidays offered since 2000 by the city government under a tax incentive scheme to new investors led to flood local and foreign investments.

Even banks are confident of the city government’s financial status, offering multibillion loans to fund projects.

This year the government took out a P1-billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, which pegged the city government loan capacity at P2 billion.

The 25-year loan funded the city’s modern synchronized traffic system, a new sewerage system, farm-to-market roads and a proposed sports complex.
--PNA

jhunix

January 27th, 2008, 11:50 PM

^^ luckily davao can afford to lose 194 million. in fact until now the city has 207 million pesos of unclaimed IRA. paano na lang yung dependent talaga sa IRA, puputok talaga ang butse sa mga bagong cities hehe.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Robbed twice over

In the year 2000, the Philippine national government withheld a portion of the internal revenue (IRA) share of the city government of Davao in the amount of P 91 million. The following year, another P 116 million was not released. That totals to a whopping P 207 million. Therefore, the local government was deprived of such a huge amount to deliver the much-needed public services to our people for over five years now.

This money is the “just share” of our city from the collection of national taxes. The national government has no right to withhold it. Both the Constitution and the Local Government Code are clear about this. The Constitution says this just share in the national taxes “shall be automatically released” to local governments. The LGC, on the other hand, said this “shall be automatically and directly released to them without need of any further action.”

In the case Alternative Center for Organizational Reforms and Development, Inc. v. Zamora, 459 SCRA 578 (2005), the Supreme Court ruled that the setting aside of a portion of the IRA by the executive or the legislative departments of government is unconstitutional.

Clearly, the national government erred in not releasing this fund to the local governments which amounted to P 20 billion in the two years. It owes the city government of Davao P 207 million. I know of a number of banks that offer to double your money in five years. This could have amounted to over P 400 million by now..........

http://peterlavina.blogspot.com/2006/03/robbed-twice-over_15.html

jhunix

January 27th, 2008, 11:56 PM

Cities should have more IRA share

Hon. Peter T. Laviña

Privilege Speech, January 8, 2008

Madam President, colleagues

There are now on-going discussions on the review of the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA and the share of national and local governments (LGUs) in this fund collected from national taxes.

Through the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines or ULAP, LGUs are calling for the increase of its share in the IRA. At present, the sharing is 60-40, 60 percent for the national government and 40 for the LGUs.

Persistent problems of lack of funds, particularly as many national government functions were devolved to LGUs, have pushed ULAP to seek this review.

There are no definite figures yet for the change in the sharing scheme as the Department of Finance, faced by perennial budget deficit, is expectedly resisting.

In the proposed P1.227 trillion national budget for this year, IRA share is pegged at about P210.7 billion. Incidentally, the 2008 General Appropriations Act has not yet been enacted by Congress. However, since it is deemed automatically appropriated, our IRA should be released regardless of its passage in time for the start of this new fiscal year.

In the current sharing of 40 percent for LGUs, 23 percent goes to provinces, 23 for cities, 34 to municipalities and 20 for the barangays.

There are now currently 82 provinces, 136 cities, 1,489 towns, and 41,885 barangays in the country.

And the distribution of these shares are based on population and land area of LGUs and the principle of “equal sharing.” As revenue collection increases, so does the share of IRAs for LGUs.

Lost in the current push for this reform, however, is the rapid rise of cities throughout the country.

Notice Madam President and colleagues that since the 1970s, when a number of our young colleagues here were not even born yet, we have seen the galloping rise in our population and the incessant draw of cities of provincial migrants.

Where before, most of our people live in rural areas, now, there are more people living in urban cities.

There were only 61 cities in 1977 when Councilor Diosdado Mahipus started his political career in the Kabataang Barangay. Today, as Councilor Paolo Duterte starts on his own political career, there are now 136 cities or a more than doubled with a whopping 123 percent increase.

Of these 136 cities, 32 are classified as “highly urbanized cities” like Davao City, 100 as “component cities” of various provinces and four as ‘independent component cities.”

In the Davao Region alone, there are now six cities, namely, Davao, Tagum, Panabo, and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, Digos in Davao del Sur, and the latest Mati in Davao Oriental. Very soon, Nabunturan in Compostela Valley, Malita in Davao del Sur and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte would become cities too.

It is my firm belief, Madam President, that if there is reform in the IRA sharing between the national government and the LGUs, there must also be a corresponding change in the sharing among LGUs.

There is a need to increase the share of cities from the current 23 percent. Obviously, any increase in the cities’ share must be taken from the 34 percent share of municipalities, which have this penchant of converting their towns into cities even if not qualified.

Recall Madam President and colleagues that last December we passed a Resolution supporting the case of the League of Cities of the Philippines opposing the conversion of several towns into cities.

The creation of every new city reduces our share of the IRA as the 23 percent pie of cities is divided by more and more cities.

I believe that it is only fair and just that such a corresponding adjustment to increase the share of cities be made to make cities more financially capable.

Cities carry the burden of servicing the needs of most of our population today and so, therefore, it should have more in resources.

At the proper time, I will pass a Resolution to this effect.

http://tocouncilorlavina.pbwiki.com/Cities%20should%20have%20more%20IRA%20share%20

kiretoce

January 28th, 2008, 02:21 AM

Cities to fly flags at half-mast to protest cityhood bill (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080127-115170/Cities-to-fly-flags-at-half-mast-to-protest-cityhood-bill)

City governments across the country will launch a nationwide protest on Monday against the creation of new cities that do no meet income requirements.

Local government units, which belonged to the 120-strong League of Cities in the Philippines, were set to fly their flags at half-mast and their employees were expected to wear black arm bands on Monday, said LCP president and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. in a telephone interview on Sunday.

Abalos said at least 90 percent of the members of the League committed to join the protest.

The LCP is opposing House Bill 24, authored by Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer, that seeks to amend Republic Act 9009 or the Local Government Code by exempting the capital towns of provinces from the income requirements of cityhood.

Under the Local Government Code, a town should have a locally generated income of at least P100 million annually before it could be classified into a city. It should either have a land area of at least 100 square kilometers or a population of 150,000.

Abalos said they were requesting that the bill be reverted to the committee level for deliberation so officials of existing cities could air their side. The LCP is also calling for a moratorium on the creation of new cities for at least two years.

The LCP is opposing the creation of new cities that do no meet income requirements because of the resulting decrease in their share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). The IRA is the tax share of local government units, which get 40 centavos of every peso in tax collected by the government.

Existing cities suffer an average drop of P2 million each in their IRA share for every new city that is created.

At least 28 capital towns would be qualified to become cities if House Bill 24 were passed. The creation of 28 new cities will result in a reduction of the IRA share of cities by P56 million each.

In 2007, 16 towns were converted into cities, which resulted in an average decrease of IRA share per city by P32 million.

The LCP members were supposed to receive a total of P6 billion in IRA in 2008 but will be getting only P4.7 billion, or some P1.3 billion less than expected, because of the additional 16 cities.

The LCP has questioned the constitutionality of the conversion of the 16 cities before the Supreme Court.

LCP chair and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the cities, especially in the provinces, have been "hurting" because of the decrease in IRA shares.

He said Iloilo City would lose P156 million from its IRA share because of the 16 new cities, and if House Bill 24 were passed.

Abalos said the cities were ready to hold protest actions every Monday "if necessary."

kiretoce

January 28th, 2008, 03:24 AM

Mayors' League slams upgrade of 16 towns (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20080127-115097/Mayors-league-slams-upgrade-of-16-towns)

Mayors in the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) will read a manifesto, wear black armbands and raise the flag at half-mast every Monday to protest the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities by the 13th Congress.

Mayor Arlene Espinosa-Zambo of Toledo City, secretary of LCP-Visayas, said yesterday that all mayors of the 120-member league will kick off the protest during the flag raising ceremony tomorrow.

“We echo our dismay at the railroaded process of converting these 16 cities without due consideration of what is required by law. We are appalled by the inconsiderate and hasty move of Congress for the conversion of the cities without thinking of the dire consequences it will bring to the existing cities and more importantly to our constituents.” LCP’s three-page manifesto reads.

According to LCP, the conversion of more municipalities into cities without the required income and population, will result in a reduced share for localities in the 2008 Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

Based on the Local Government Code, 40 percent of the national collection of taxes should be given to the LGUs through the IRA. The law also requires that 23 percent of the 40 percent should go to the 120 cities.

In 2008, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released at least P210.7 billion as IRA share for all LGUs with P47.9 billion going to the 120 cities without the new cities.

But with the new additions, the 2008 IRA was computed at 43.9 billion or about P4 billion less than P47.9 billion.

According to the LCP, without the 16 latest additions, their IRA increase would be around 16 percent to 17 percent. With the existence of new cities, the IRA share increase plunged to 3 percent.

“This deplorable effect of the reduced increase of IRA for cities is deeply felt by Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Instead of receiving P146 million as IRA, it will only a receive P1.7 million increase. The same is felt by other cities in the country.” LCP said.

Zambo said Toledo City will only get P31 million less than expected or P276 million from an expected P307 million IRA share.

“Every municipality to be converted into a new city will mean a decrease of around P2 million for each existing city,” Zambo said.

Zambo said the LCP is pushing for a moratorium of the conversion of any municipality into a new city.

But LCP, in its manifesto, said that it is not against the conversion of the municipalties into cities as long as they meet the requirements mandated by law.

LCP painted a worst case scenario if a member city will not have sufficient funds because of the lesser IRA increase -- it will be forced to layoff its workers.

“The casual employees of the city hall could possibly carry the burden,” the LCP manifesto said.

On Monday, Zambo said she will also welcome employees who will wear black armbands.

LCP said the wearing of a black armband is a symbol of the group's dissent and mourning for the effects of this unjust action of the lawmakers.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena said he will hold a meeting with all the city mayors in Central Visayas.

However, in a mobile call made by Cebu Daily News (CDN) to Osmeña yesterday afternoon, he asked to be excused because he was in a hurry of catching up on an appointment.

Earlier, Mayor Benhur Abalos, Mandaluyong City mayor and LCP president, said that the group is questioning the legality of the transformation of these towns to cities before the Supreme Court, saying they failed to meet the P100 million income and population requirements.

Abalos noted that there were some congressmen who pushed for cityhood just to gain points from their constituents.

Bebet Gozun, another LCP official, said many of the new cities were converted just before the 2007 mid-term elections.

The group also asked the Budget department to withhold the release of the new cities' additional IRA pending the resolution of the case.

He said that the drop in cities’ IRA would cripple the delivery of their basic services and the payment of their loans. It would also affect the salaries of their workers.

The LCP called on President Macapagal Arroyo to provide fresh funds to the existing cities to cushion the impact of reduced IRA.

Abalos also urged for a "2 to 5 years of moratorium" on conversion and a re-computation of the IRA share.

dinabaw

January 28th, 2008, 04:08 AM

le Reine

January 28th, 2008, 07:17 AM

^^democratic royalist or constitutional monarchist. wahahaha.. :lol:

yeah, in practice they are because the President could give money from her own special fund. But wouldn't it be nice to make these cities autonomous because by the looks of it, the NG government esp the President could always use the LGU's to prop up his/her administration. I believe this is not healthy in a democratic setup.

I guess that's why the Local Government Code of 1991 made provisions that the revenue should be allocated automatically so that it won't be subject to any political influence.

KulasKusgan

January 28th, 2008, 02:02 PM

btw, the 3 hardest affected cities - davao zamboanga and puerto princesa are also the 3 largest cities in the phils in terms of land area.

nakakatawa ang nasa list of new cities... el salvador? bayugan?... even mati in davao oriental duda ako (pero kung ikompara ang mati sa iba dyan mas urbanized ang mati).

far flung districts in davao city mas deserving pang gawing city at i-separate sa davao city. like toril district (20 kms from downtown), calinan district (35 kms), panacan/tibungco, etc.

ang dami talagang katkat sa bansa natin.

Sinjin P.

January 28th, 2008, 03:10 PM

^ Katkat? Social climber? :lol:

KulasKusgan

January 28th, 2008, 03:57 PM

^^ ginawa parang festival. look, kung anuanong festival ang sumulpot ngayon para lang mapansin ang lugar.

dinabaw

January 28th, 2008, 03:59 PM

^^ ginawa parang festival. look, kung anuanong festival ang sumulpot ngayon para lang mapansin ang lugar.

:lol: yung 16 new cities ano kayang mga festival yan , butete festival ipis festival puede ba baha festival :colgate:

Colonel Burger

January 29th, 2008, 03:30 AM

^^ ginawa parang festival. look, kung anuanong festival ang sumulpot ngayon para lang mapansin ang lugar.

Haha! :lol: Guilty yata ang Antipolo sa ganyan. Inimbento ni Rep. Gatlabayan (the former Mayor) yung SUMAKAH Festival (short for Suman, Manga, Kasuy at Hamaka) para lang mapansin. Yun nga lang, wala din naman pumapansin dun sa festival :bash:

But at least, Anitipolo is a legit city with a 2006 estimated population of 600,000++ and a revenue of at least P1,000,000,000.00 :banana:

May possibility ba na bawiaan ng cityhood status ang isang locality?

BOB-bXu

January 29th, 2008, 06:23 AM

every old/legitimate city, small, medium or large, component, highly urbanized or metropolitan shall ALL bear the brunt of this republic act that converted 16 town into new cities......

Mayors block aspiring cities
SUNSTAR DAILY
CEBU CITY -- Officials of some 120 cities nationwide will stage a mass action Monday during their flag-raising ceremonies to protest the creation of new cities that they blamed for eroding local government incomes.

Officials of each local government unit (LGU), wearing black armbands, will read a three-page manifesto asking for a moratorium on the creation new cities.

The cities will also fly their flags at half-staff as part of the protest.

Central Visayas mayors will also meet in the office of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña Monday to map out plans for the effort, said Toledo City Mayor Arlene Zambo.

She said that in Toledo alone, they lost P31 million in their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share with last year's creation of 16 new cities, which included Cebu's Carcar, Bogo, and Naga.

She said that instead of a P307-million IRA share, Toledo just got P277 million.
This year, Zambo said, there is a plan to make 27 towns into cities, which is in line with the government's plan to make cities in provinces that do not have one.

She was referring to House Bill 24 filed by Representative Ann Hofer (Zamboanga-Sibugay) last July.

"And that is sought even when the requirements are not met," she said.

New cities

Section 10, Article 10 of the Constitution states that "no province, city or municipality may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially altered except in accordance with the criteria established in the Local Government Code."

A municipality may be converted into a component city if it posts an average annual income of at least P20 million for two consecutive years and if it has either one of two other requisites: 100 square kilometers of land area or a population of not less than 150,000.

These are defined in Section 450 of Chapter I, Title III and Book III of the Local Government Code.

Zambo said they would meet in Osmeña's office because he was especially vocal against the creation of more cities.

A document from the League of Cities of the Philippines shows that Cebu City depends on the IRA for 36.46 percent of its operating funds.

The National Government last year set aside P151.6 billion as the LGUs' IRA share based on the 2006 budget.

Measly hike

In March 2007, President Arroyo told the Philippine Councilors' League that P15 billion was to be set aside as additional IRA share.

For this year, the Department of Budget and Management released P210.7 billion as IRA share for all LGUs, with P74.9 billion going to the cities.

"This means that the cities get a measly increase in IRA despite the growing needs of the cities," read the manifesto prepared by the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP).

"We express our indignation and protest against the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities (by) the 13th Congress even if they (new cities) did not meet the income and population requirements as mandated by law," it said.

As set by the Local Government Code of 1991, 40 percent of the national tax collection should go to the LGUs, 23 percent of which will go to the 120 cities of the country.

This means that for every P1 collected as tax, 40 centavos will be shared by the provinces, municipalities, and cities.

Of the 40 centavos, 23 percent (nine centavos) will go to the cities.

Dismayed

According to the manifesto, Puerto Princesa was the one most grievously affected because instead of a P146-million IRA share, it will only get P1.7 million, or a loss of P144 million.

The city in Palawan, which supposedly has the biggest land area, depends on its IRA for 90.67 percent of its operating costs.

Puerto Princesa's loss was due to the use of the 2000 population data in the IRA computation.

"We echo our dismay on the railroaded process of converting these 16 cities without due consideration of what is required by law. We are appalled by the inconsiderate and hasty move of the Congress...without thinking of the dire consequences it will bring to the existing cities, and more importantly, to our constituents," stated the manifesto.

The LCP argued that the creation of more cities adversely affects the delivery of services, and cities are burdened not just by the increase of the number of residents but also with the presence of transients like workers, students, tourists, and businessmen whom they must also serve. (RHM of Sun.Star Cebu)

KulasKusgan

January 29th, 2008, 07:48 AM

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
City: No half-mast for LGUs' protest
By Grace L. Plata

ALTHOUGH the Davao City Government agrees with the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) position against a bill relaxing the requirement to transform a town into a city, it has not called on its employees to wear black armbands and to fly the Philippine flag at half-mast as a sign of protest as most LCP member-cities nationwide planned.

House Bill. No. 24 authored by Zamboanga Sibugay Second District Representative Ann Hofer exempts capital towns of provinces from the annual income requirement of P100 million to be qualified as a city.

The bill also states "that capital towns of provinces where there is no existing city shall be priority for conversion into component cities."

The LCP believes that the country has so much cities, it can barely afford to give the proper internal revenue allotment (IRA) for all these.

The League, composed of 120 cities nationwide, expressed fear that with a less stringent requirement for a town to become a city, internal revenue allotment (IRA) will further decrease for all cities.

For one, the LCP argued, if House Bill 24 becomes a law, there will be 27 new cities, which will further reduce the per capita IRA share of existing cities.

League members thus planned a "Black Monday", the first of which was Monday, wherein employees of their cities will be wearing black armbands. The Philippine flag will also be flown at half-mast to express their opposition to the bill.

However, City Administrator Wendel E. Avisado cannot do that, especially with regards the flag.

"Naay kaakuhan ang matag syudad unsaon pag tratar sa flag (Each city has its own responsibility in how to treat the flag). We have the Flag Code regulating the treatment and uses of the flag. Naa ni siya'y legal basis (There is a legal basis on how you treat flags)," Avisado said in Monday's interview.

Avisado added that any kind of protest should not be taken to the extent of desecrating the flag. Not only would it gain the cities nothing, it would also be a violation of a law.

However, Avisado expressed the city's strong support for LCP's call to have a moratorium on the creation of new cities saying it has already manifested its effects where Davao is concerned. In 2007 alone, 16 towns were converted into new cities.

These are: Bogo in Cebu, Catbalogan in Samar, Baybay in Leyte, Mati in Davao Oriental, Tabuk in Kalinga, Lamitan in Basilan, Borongan in Eastern Samar, Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Batac in Ilocos Norte, Carcar in Cebu, Guihulngan in Negros Oriental, El Salvador in Misamis Oriental, Cabadbaran in Agusan del NOrte, Naga in Cebu, and Tayabas in Quezon.

The Local Government Code says that 40 percent of the national collection of taxes should be given to the Local Government Units (LGUs) through the IRA. The law also requires that 23 percent of the 40 percent should go to the 120 cities.

In 2008, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released at least P210.7 billion as IRA share for all LGUs with P47.9 billion going to the 120 cities without the new cities.

With the new additions, the 2008 IRA was computed at 43.9 billion or about P4 billion less than P47.9 billion.

A letter from the LCP, which Avisado shared with the media, stated that Davao City's supposed IRA share for 2008 at 263 million pesos would be slashed by 194 million. Thus, the city will only be receiving an IRA share of 69 million pesos.

"Luckily for Davao, we did not include the IRA share as basis or source of funding for the city's 2008 budget, thus basic social services and the jobs of our city employees are secure and will not be affected," Avisado said.

Among the existing programs that will stay on track amidst the downgraded IRA share include the "Lingap Para sa Mahirap", Central 911, feeding programs, preventive medical services like immunization and livelihood programs.

To cushion the impact of the IRA share loss, Avisado instructed the city division heads during a meeting Monday to revisit major programs for implementation in 2008.

"This is to check whether we can finish or sustain the project within the already-approved budget since we cannot expect additional funding. Projects that are not pressing will definitely have to go," Avisado said.

On the other hand, Avisado said the LCP must submit a reiterative motion for an injunction to forestall passage of HB 24.

"This is a lesson of sorts. LGUs should not solely rely on the IRA. It must make efforts to generate local revenue," Avisado said.

Avisado added that it is indeed lucky for Davao City to have strengthened its efforts in local tax collection. In 2007, the city has surpassed its revenue projection by 2 percent or 51.7 million. The actual collection was P2.98 billion pesos.

Within January 2008, the Business Bureau collected P272.9 million in business renewals - a P62 million increase from the 2007 renewals amounting to P210.9 million.

habagatcentral1

January 29th, 2008, 08:55 AM

^^ But we have to acknowledge the fact that majority of the cities in the Philippines are IRA dependent too. It will be risky for their urban management if we are to subtract their budget. Seeking local revenues is not a midnight change unlike deduction of IRA.

But at the same time, I have to admit that this scenario gives any city to be creative or resorceful in getting local funds through brewing up their locale into an investment hot pad. :)

junax

January 29th, 2008, 12:32 PM

It should . Ilang percent ng budget ng Davao City ang galing sa IRA?

davao city's approved annual budget for 2008 is about 2.9 billion. from that i can assume 7% comes from IRA (coz davao is expecting 194 million from it). but now 3% nalang kasi 69 million na lang ang chip in ng national government. kaya ang siste nito, chip in ng chip in ang davao sa isang kahong beer (24 bot, pilsen to eh hehe), pero isang shot lang ang natatanggap.

aba lashing na lashing ang bulsa ng national kasi 60% :cheers1: :drunk: sa kanila mapupunta while ang natitirang 40% paghahatian ng provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays (23%, 23%, 34 and, 20% respectively). so sa isang kahong napagchip-inang beer 14.4 bottles sa national (buo yan ha). 9.6 bottles na lang ang paghahatian natin mga tsong. 2.27 sa provinces, 2.27 sa cities, 3.26 sa municipalities at 1.92 sa barangays. ang to think yung 2.27 na bottles sa cities for example, paghahatian pa yan ng mga cities based sa population and land area. so parang big city-isang shot , medium city-kalahating shot, and yung mga maliliit na cities like kidapawan singhot na lang sa baso. :bash:

now, yung sa national na 14.4 bottles supposedly pupunta yun sa mga infra, services, etc. ng buong pinas. eh alam naman natin kung sinong tiyan ang naglalakihan dyan diba? kelangan pa bang i memorize yan? :stupid: FEDERALISM na, now na. bakit ba ayaw subukan ang FEDERALISM? kasi daw kawawa ang probinsya na maliliit. as if meron pang sasama sa sitwasyon nila ngayon? asenso na ba ang poor regions ng pinas dahil sa current system o kelangan pa uli nila ng another century para patunayan na ok ang centralized form of gov't? from isang singhot ng baso ngayon, pag mag FEDERAL pa tingin tingin na lang sa baso? parang ganon ang psywar ng mga maka CENTRALIZED form eh. kaya ang solution hwag na lang tayo uminom ng beer, mag katsubong na lang tayo.

note: hwag masyado dibdibin ang computation, 5 year old kindergarten lang pina compute ko nyan :booze:

dinabaw

January 29th, 2008, 02:09 PM

^^Junax hindi porke't Fedariism eh maiiwan na yung iba meron parin namang central government pero yung tayo ang bibigay kung ano ang dapat not the other way around.

eto atin o 2004 pa hindi naman affected ang basic needs ng mga tao mula 2004 , ngayong 67million nalang baka hindi pa rin ibigay, puede ibalik nalang yan doble insulto naman yan LOL

===========================================================================================

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
City not getting due share from national government
By Grace L. Plata

THE City Government of Davao has not received its share of other monetary allocations intended for local government units (LGUs), aside from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), for a number of years now.

This is according to the initial findings of the inventory undertaken by the City Council committee on finance, ways and means and appropriations, to determine whether or not these funds are being continually released and in correct amount.

Aside from the IRA, the city should have been receiving the Local Government Service Equalization Fund (LGSEF); Share in the Utilization of National Wealth; and Share in the 2 percent Special Privilege Tax (Hdyro-Electric).

Finance committee Chair Myrna Dalodo-Otriz, in Monday's phone interview, said that the city has not received its share of the LGSEF since 2004. The yearly LGSEF allocation amounts to P167,897,450.

Davao has not also been given its share in the Utilization of National Wealth; and share in the 2 percent Special Privilege Tax (Hdyro-Electric) for the past five years.

The deposed President Joseph Estrada created the LGSEF in 1998. It was intended to help poorer LGUs to cope with financial requirements of devolution like their richer counterparts.

An oversight body called the Devolution Committee was tasked to set an amount based on the devolution status appraisal surveys done by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Initial fund for this new allocation came from the savings of the national government for 2008. For the succeeding years, the fund was incorporated in the annual national budget but it was discontinued.

The city's "Share in the Utilization of National Wealth," on the other hand, is based on Sections 289 to 291 of the Local Government Code, which states that LGUs "shall have equitable share in the proceeds derived from the utilization and development of national wealth within their respective areas."

This means the LGUs have a 40 percent share in the gross collection derived from mining taxes, royalties, fisheries and forestry charges, and other fees from the utilization and development of national wealth within the LGU's jurisdiction.

In a case filed by the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Norte, several years ago, it has proven that natural wealth includes water, thus they have been forcing the national government to give them their share in the taxes paid by the giant San Miguel Corporation that operates a brewery in Darong, Sta. Cruz.

Davao City meantime has two bottling plants -- the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines in Ulas, and the Pepsi Cola Philippines in Dumoy. Coca-Cola has already bought the Cosmos Bottling in Bago Aplaya.

Aside from these sources, Republic Act 7156 entitles LGUs to a 2 percent share in the special privilege tax paid by mini-hydro-electric power developers. The operation of Hedcor, sister company of Davao Light, is one of the potentials being looked into.

Ortiz said the committee is expediting the inventory in order to get the funding for the city immediately especially that the city's IRA share has drastically been reduced due to the creation of new cities.

http://mindanao.wowphilippines.com/davao/2008/01/29/city-not-getting-due-share-from-national-government/

junax

January 29th, 2008, 04:54 PM

^^Junax hindi porke't Fedariism eh maiiwan na yung iba meron parin namang central government pero yung tayo ang bibigay kung ano ang dapat not the other way around.

yep, i know how federal system works and i guess it's the best system for philippines to use. yung parang central governing body sa federal system is the federal gov't and the provinces are the states. ang gusto ko lang sa federal system aside from the distribution of finances... are the laws, federal laws and state laws. it's so fitting sa atin kasi divided tayo by religion, tribe, political beliefs, etc, yet we are trying to be an intact nation.

halimbawa davao state and cotabato state.

davao state law: no wearing of seatbelt - agreed by the state 10 years imprisonment
cotabato state law: no wearing of seatbelt - agreed by the state 100 repitition push up

kung mahuli ka sa cotabato, ok lang kasi push up lang. pero kung mahuli ka sa davao na hindi nag wear ng seatbelt you have to comply with its laws. hahabulin ka ng state police kung tatakbo ka. kung sumibat ka papuntang cotabato, federal police na ang hahabol sayo so wala ka ring lusot. o diba maganda, hindi katulad ngayon na ang seatbelt policy ay hindi sinusunod ng ibang cities. ang nangyayari pag pasok ng davao kanya kanyang suot ng seatbelt mga drivers kasi stricto ang police, eh national law naman yon, kasi nga hindi iniimplement ng ibang city, maybe dahil hindi nila gusto ang law at napag desisyonan ng LGU na hindi maghigpit sa lugar nila.

sa nakikita ko ngayon, with regards to laws... we are living in a centralized form of government yet our laws are being implemented in a federal system's way. sige na federal na tayo, dinabaw as governor! vote na. :)

GearX

January 31st, 2008, 11:22 AM

Cities to get bigger IRAs once census results are out (http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Cities_to_get_bigger_IRAs_once_census_results_are_out.shtml)

CEBU CITY, Jan. 31 (PNA) – Cities can expect millions more in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share after Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. pledged that last year’s census will be used in the computation by the middle of this year.

Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Cebu, 1st district) said this will result in the adjustments of IRA shares, which is the subject of the League of Cities of the Philippines’ (LCP) protest starting Monday.

”We were informed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) secretary that they will be re-computing the IRA once the new census figures will come out. Hopefully, it will be in the middle of the year, or even before,” he said.

Gullas said he and mayors of 14 cities that are the subject of an LCP petition before the Supreme Court met with Andaya two weeks ago.

The mayors feared they might not be able to receive an adjusted IRA, this time reflecting their respective place’s share as a city, because of the petition.

Gullas said Andaya assured the mayors during that meeting that the adjusted IRA will be released, which the DBM secretary did days after.

Among other objections raised by 120 mayors nationwide against the creation of 16 cities during the 13th Congress that “did not fulfill the requirements” was the use of the 2000 census as basis on computing each of their IRA share.

”Yet another blow to our cities is the use of the 2000 population data in the computation of the IRA. We all know that our population has continually increased in the past eight years, especially with high urban migration,” said a manifesto read in each of the 120 cities’ flag raising ceremony Monday.

”Another burden for the cities are the thousands of transients who come in and out of the cities as workers, students, tourists and businessmen on a daily basis. They also need services from the City. With the reduced IRA share, the city budget, which is not already sufficient before, is now even more strained,” it said.

The mayors complained that with the creation of new cities, the increase of each of their city’s IRA share was drastically reduced.

”We are the innocent casualty of the reduced IRA share,” they said.

Toledo City, Cebu, for example, got only a 3.34 percent increase with P279.72 million in 2008 IRA share compared to P270.94 million in 2007.

Mayor Arlene Zambo had said they were supposed to receive P307 million, or an increase of 13.66 percent. (PNA)

dinabaw

January 31st, 2008, 01:27 PM

yep, i know how federal system works and i guess it's the best system for philippines to use. yung parang central governing body sa federal system is the federal gov't and the provinces are the states. ang gusto ko lang sa federal system aside from the distribution of finances... are the laws, federal laws and state laws. it's so fitting sa atin kasi divided tayo by religion, tribe, political beliefs, etc, yet we are trying to be an intact nation.

halimbawa davao state and cotabato state.

davao state law: no wearing of seatbelt - agreed by the state 10 years imprisonment
cotabato state law: no wearing of seatbelt - agreed by the state 100 repitition push up

kung mahuli ka sa cotabato, ok lang kasi push up lang. pero kung mahuli ka sa davao na hindi nag wear ng seatbelt you have to comply with its laws. hahabulin ka ng state police kung tatakbo ka. kung sumibat ka papuntang cotabato, federal police na ang hahabol sayo so wala ka ring lusot. o diba maganda, hindi katulad ngayon na ang seatbelt policy ay hindi sinusunod ng ibang cities. ang nangyayari pag pasok ng davao kanya kanyang suot ng seatbelt mga drivers kasi stricto ang police, eh national law naman yon, kasi nga hindi iniimplement ng ibang city, maybe dahil hindi nila gusto ang law at napag desisyonan ng LGU na hindi maghigpit sa lugar nila.

sa nakikita ko ngayon, with regards to laws... we are living in a centralized form of government yet our laws are being implemented in a federal system's way. sige na federal na tayo, dinabaw as governor! vote na. :)

LOL gooblenor kaya , anyway that is so TRUE ,tulad ng death sentence i think hindi lahat ng mga provinces ay sangayon sa ganitong kaparusahan and of course our muslim brothers have diff. kind of laws that we have to respect :)

JuIcYdUdE22

January 31st, 2008, 03:08 PM

if they want their respective towns to become cities, make most of what they have, para mag improve, we have to remember guys that, brgys also have IRA, and aside from that people should also be aware, kasi sa atin ang boto, dapat ang manungkulan sa ating area should be responsoble enough to improve our lifestyle as it should be in the first place; like my town, Hinigaran,negros occidental, even it is eligible to become a city, people dont like it to be, kasi marami pa ang dapat unahin kesa sa gawing city ang area,

to top it all,
kasi ba naman, its all about money, then corruption would come in, imagine sa plenary pa lang may anomaly na, most of them doesnt met the requirments, sus, nagasakit ang ulo ko.

habagatcentral1

January 31st, 2008, 03:21 PM

dinabaw

January 31st, 2008, 03:50 PM

I was wondering, because of the trend of cityhood that we have...
What if Davao City itself will become a province? Fellow Davaoeños, would you agree with such move? Since it has a big land area and also with the population.

no bernie :colgate: , but it's really a drawback having a huge area and w/ only 3 districts , we need 2 more districts to augment the huge economic need of far flung areas :)

habagatcentral1

January 31st, 2008, 03:54 PM

^^ Like Marilog and the other one right? I wonder how Davao City manages this big city. How many barangays are there?

dinabaw

January 31st, 2008, 04:05 PM

^^ Like Marilog and the other one right? I wonder how Davao City manages this big city. How many barangays are there?

yup Marilog , Paquibato, Carmen etc. we have 182 barangays more or less , well thats the problem some are really remote ,district 3 is the most underdeveloped of the 3 districts, mostly still have no roads , district 2 is more progressive thanks to the hardworking cong. Vince Garcia and district 1 is the town proper which is small in area but huge in population . Well in Davao City we have Deputy Mayors to manage each districts (not the 3 congressional dists. but like marilog , paquibato , toril , calinan , tibungko districts etc )and will report to the city mayor and of course Mayor Duterte avails a helicopter to visit or deliver goods to his constituents .:) .

WawaY[625]

February 1st, 2008, 01:01 AM

^^ Like Marilog and the other one right? I wonder how Davao City manages this big city. How many barangays are there?

the total area may be big (2000 +Sq Km) but the built up area where most of the population live is small :) nasa 10% lang ng total area ang built up :) so di naman siguro ganun kahirap i manage ang Davao :)

Nabartek

February 1st, 2008, 05:05 AM

barrera_marquez

February 1st, 2008, 02:54 PM

Certified city na pala ang Tabuk? For real? Inunahan pa nila La Trinidad na aspiring city for many years now.

It is a certified "city." Kaya nga nagwawala ang mga mayors dahil hindi pa sila qualified, ginawa nang city.

Parang mga ganyang salita rin ang lumitaw sa signature ko, pero nakasulat naman doon, bigyan ng dalawang kabisera ang Nueva Ecija.

JuIcYdUdE22

February 1st, 2008, 02:55 PM

It is a certified "city." Kaya nga nagwawala ang mga mayors dahil hindi pa sila qualified, ginawa nang city.

uy **** clear walang el salvador sa negros occidental

barrera_marquez

February 1st, 2008, 03:10 PM

uy **** clear walang el salvador sa negros occidental

Sorry, sa Misamis Oriental pala iyon, sorry!

barrera_marquez

February 2nd, 2008, 02:37 AM

What I hate only in the cityhood classification here in the Philippines is the right of certain cities to be independent of the province. Now, since most of the cities endangered in the IRA reduction are Highly Urbanized Cities independent of the province and Independent Component Cities, it is the right time to think going back to the province where they once belong.

No wonder why you only hear certain Independent Component Cities and Highly-Urbanized Cities complaining about IRA reduction. Although still, dependent Component Cities are also complaining but can be counted and few. The provinces of these cities help them to recoup the costs plus they are finding ways to increase their income instead of protesting.

habagatcentral1

February 5th, 2008, 02:08 PM

TITLE THREE. - THE CITY

CHAPTER 1 - ROLE AND CREATION OF THE CITY

SEC. 448. Role of the City. - The city, consisting of more urbanized and developed barangays, serves as a general-purpose government for the coordination and delivery of basic, regular, and direct services and effective governance of the inhabitants within its territorial jurisdiction.

SEC. 449. Manner of Creation. - A city may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially altered, only by an Act of Congress, and subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be conducted by the Comelec in the local government unit or units directly affected. Except as may otherwise be provided in such Act, the plebiscite shall be held within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of its effectivity.

SEC. 450. Requisites for Creation. - (a) A municipality or a cluster of barangays may be converted into a component city if it has an average annual income, as certified by the Department of Finance, of at least Twenty million pesos (P20,000,000.00) for the last two (2) consecutive years based on 1991 constant prices, (according to Pimentel, one of the components of making the said code, it has increased to at least P100million) and if it has either of the following requisites:
(i) a contiguous territory of at least one hundred (100) square kilometers, as certified by the Lands Management Bureau; or,
(ii) a population of not less than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office: Provided, That, the creation thereof shall not reduce the land area, population, and income of the original unit or units at the time of said creation to less than the minimum requirements prescribed herein.
(b) The territorial jurisdiction of a newly-created city shall be properly identified by metes and bounds. The requirement on land area shall not apply where the city proposed to be created is composed of one (1) or more islands. The territory need not be contiguous if it comprises two (2) or more islands.
(c) The average annual income shall include the income accruing to the general fund, exclusive of special funds, transfers, and non-recurring income.

SEC. 451. Cities, Classified. - A city may either be component or highly urbanized: Provided, however, That the criteria established in this Code shall not affect the classification and corporate status of existing cities. Independent component cities are those component cities whose charters prohibit their voters from voting for provincial elective officials. Independent component cities shall be independent of the province.

SEC. 452. Highly Urbanized Cities. - (a) Cities with a minimum population of two hundred thousand (200,000) inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office, and with the latest annual income of at least Fifty Million Pesos (P=50,000,000.00) based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the city treasurer, shall be classified as highly urbanized cities.
(b) Cities which do not meet the above requirements shall be considered component cities of the province in which they are geographically located. If a component city is located within the boundaries of two (2) or more provinces, such city shall be considered a component of the province of which it used to be a municipality.
(c) Qualified voters of highly urbanized cities shall remain excluded from voting for elective provincial officials. Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution or this Code, qualified voters of independent component cities shall be governed by their respective charters, as amended, on the participation of voters in provincial elections. Qualified voters of cities who acquired the right to vote for elective provincial officials prior to the classification of said cities as highly-urbanized after the ratification of the Constitution and before the effectivity of this Code, shall continue to exercise such right.

SEC. 453. Duty to Declare Highly Urbanized Status. - It shall be the duty of the President to declare a city as highly urbanized within thirty (30) days after it shall have met the minimum requirements prescribed in the immediately preceding section, upon proper application therefor and ratification in a plebiscite by the qualified voters therein.

barrera_marquez

February 6th, 2008, 01:31 PM

le Reine

February 6th, 2008, 06:45 PM

^^no. paano siya naging higly-urbanized kung dependent pa rin sa province? may 3 consecutive year rule na dapat ay P100M ang income nila. And they also don't vote the provincial officials.

flesh_is_weak

February 6th, 2008, 08:43 PM

based on what i read on the reader's input column of a local tabloid it's disturbing how many ordinary people out there equate the creation of more cities with progress :ohno:

le Reine

February 6th, 2008, 08:49 PM

^^well, that stereotype is really hard to eliminate esp in our country. But I think there is some truth to that. In most urban places, the setup is dense and compact. If the government has enough funds, it is easier to provide services to people because they're all lumped in a certain place. Unlike in the rural areas where people are scattered so governance doesn't reach those who are away from the government center or what we call "bayan."

barrera_marquez

February 7th, 2008, 12:17 PM

^^no. paano siya naging higly-urbanized kung dependent pa rin sa province? may 3 consecutive year rule na dapat ay P100M ang income nila. And they also don't vote the provincial officials.

Bakit ang Lucena City dependent pa rin sa Quezon province? They still vote in provincial officials. Proof? Here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucena City

le Reine

February 7th, 2008, 12:23 PM

^^Now that's odd. They're highly urbanized in terms of economy only. what happened? weird

kevinb

February 7th, 2008, 02:20 PM

^^ Look at Section 452 Highly-Urbanized Cities, (c). It stipulates that if a particular city, before being declared an HUC, has been voting for their elective provincial officials, they could still do so after being declared an HUC as per the ratification of the code of "The City."

le Reine

February 7th, 2008, 04:32 PM

^^ahh yaeh, I overlooked it. Thanks.

kevinb

February 8th, 2008, 08:10 AM

^^ No prob. You're av's nice, btw. :D

Colonel Burger

February 8th, 2008, 10:11 AM

^^no. paano siya naging higly-urbanized kung dependent pa rin sa province? may 3 consecutive year rule na dapat ay P100M ang income nila. And they also don't vote the provincial officials.

Mandaue also votes for provincial official. It really depends on the charter of a City.

Ormoc is a component city but it does not vote for provincial officials

barrera_marquez

February 15th, 2008, 08:01 AM

Balik tayo sa topic ng "Why are there so many "Cities" in the Philippines?," napansin ko kasi na malaki ang problema ng Palayan City pagdating sa development ng mga zoned lands (commercial, residential, industrial, etc.), paano ba naman, mas malala pa sa Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City ang kalagayan doon? Walang kagusa-gusali puro gubat, bangin at minsan may bahay at may isang school doon. Pero walang ospital, anong masasabi niyo roon?

English:
Let us return to the topic of "Why are there so many "Cities" in the Philippines?," I noticed that Palayan City has a very big problems regarding development of zoned lands (commercial, residential, industrial, etc.), how is that, the situation in that city is worse than that of Barangay Balingasa in Quezon City. There are no buildings there but forests, cliffs and sometimes houses and there is a school there. But there are no hospitals, what can you say there?

icarusrising

February 28th, 2008, 09:49 AM

One way to reverse the trend of making cities out of towns is by increasing the IRA of towns.

Arroyo increases IRA for towns to P210B

By Manuel Cayon
Reporter

The Business Mirror

DAVAO CITY—The Mindanao cluster of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) announced that it was solidly behind President Arroyo and said it “condemns any unlawful or unconstitutional manner to take over the government.”

After Mayor Ramon Abalos of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, president of the Mindanao cluster of the league pledged support for the beleaguered leader, Arroyo announced in her speech that she has increased the internal revenue allotment (IRA) for all towns to P210 billion.

Abalos in his speech in the first Mindanao Cluster Conference of the LMP on Wednesday, said “we adhere to the rule of law and in the constitutional process.”

“We are united in condemning any unlawful and unconstitutional attempts to take over the government,” he said.

“We are solid behind your administration, Madam President.”

Abalos told reporters later that the manifesto was supported by all the members of the Mindanao cluster of the league, that has 409 members. More than 300 mayors attended Wednesday’s opening ceremony and Abalos said he expected the attendance to reach 400.

He said the Mindanao cluster “would not mind the rallies and demonstrations in Manila” and said that “Mindanao has not been minding them at all.”

“We know that any disturbance in the administration would also hinder and retard economic development,” he said. “We will just do our job here and continue with our work on economic development.”

In her speech, President Arroyo thanked the mayors for their support.

Mrs. Arroyo also announced that she has increasee the IRA to municipalities to P210 billion and has earlier directed Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya to release the national government’s arrears on the IRA “due to the reenacted budget that happened twice in my administration.”

Arroyo said, however, that the increased IRA was due to the increased collection among the localities. “Because we have a bigger value-added collection, we have also increased your allocation to P210 billion.”

“I will ensure that the local governments will receive their IRAs in full,” she added.

“But I will expect you, the local government executives to directly set aside 20 percent of your allocation to develop your areas,” she said.

The President added Malacañang has worked out the process “that would ensure an automatic approval and release of the IRA.”

“Also, I appeal to the local governments to comply with your promise to assure a lasting peace in Mindanao and I urge all localities, the towns and provinces, to lead the effort in economic development in your areas,” she said.

Abalos said the P210-billion IRA was 17-percent higher than the previous allocation.

“Yes, we will do it, being frontliners of the government,” he said.

Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02282008/nation01.html

laquacherra

March 5th, 2008, 05:39 AM

this is my favorite low rise at Bonifacio Global City. i like it's simplicity and IMO it doesn't look generic

HSBC

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/urbanity/hsbc.jpg

tigidig14

March 6th, 2008, 01:29 AM

^it looks similarto that buidling they kept on showing up, zte buildng

flymordecai

March 7th, 2008, 12:27 PM

The HSBC looks ok, I thought it was really nice in the rendering but the final product turned out worse.

flymordecai

March 7th, 2008, 12:30 PM

I took a picture of The Spa place at High Street. I love its wooden facade, very inviting to me.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r64/jborlongan/DSC_0080.jpg

LordCarnal

March 12th, 2008, 12:19 PM

Lots of Cities in the United States too.. I think there are also "small towns" that are called cities..

Los Angeles itself is made up of so many cities and before I thought that it's just a single big city.

Try zooming in on LA on Google Earth and you'll see names such as Cerritos, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Irvine, Bakersfield, Bellflower, Lakewood, etc.. Those are cities and not the equivalent of districts or barangays here in Phils..

Type http://maps.google.com and type in the search box "Cerritos"..

..

kiretoce

March 12th, 2008, 02:22 PM

Try zooming in on LA on Google Earth and you'll see names such as Cerritos, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Irvine, Bakersfield, Bellflower, Lakewood, etc.. Those are cities and not the equivalent of districts or barangays here in Phils..

I think you're confusing the City of Los Angeles with the County of Los Angeles.

Bellflower, Cerritos, and Lakewood are cities in LA County.
Hollywood is a district of the City of Los Angeles.
Irvine is not in LA County, but in Orange County.
Bakersfield is not in LA County but in Kern County.

LordCarnal

March 13th, 2008, 06:29 PM

^^

sorry I just used LA because I'm more familiar with it, hehe.. but yeah still those places I mentioned are cities right? except yeah for hollywood hehe..

so fact is there are also more cities in the US.

kiretoce

March 13th, 2008, 06:53 PM

LordCarnal

March 13th, 2008, 06:59 PM

^^

Right.. :okay:

If I'm not mistaken I think I saw a photo of what looks like a small town or village but it was a city.

I think one doesn't have to be really so urbanized like Manila to be called a city. Problem here in the Philippines is that we set too many standards that are sometimes confusing..

For me, as long as there's a community where there are people residing and working, then it's already a city. Hehehe.. :nuts:

bariQ

March 14th, 2008, 04:41 AM

^^ :yes: There are cities here in the US that don't look like your usual "big cities" (highly urbanized). Some suburbs of major metropolitan areas are cities in and of themselves though they don't have a well-defined CBD area.

Yups... the place where i live in is a a very good example of that :D

basta may walmart city na :lol::lol:

bonixx

March 14th, 2008, 04:23 PM

barrera_marquez

March 14th, 2008, 11:52 PM

iisa lang ang sagot sa isang maliit na Urbanized municipality para maging isang city...Unity just like Sorsogon and Bacon,nagmerge para maging isang ciudad...sa ngayon in IMO competetive na ang lugar na to at maraming developements ang nangyayari...sana lang ipatupad ng tama ang criteria para maging isang ganap na ciudad ang isang malaking bayan...suportahan na lang natin ang mga bagong city na naghahangad din ng kaunlaran masama naman yung puro tayo tayo na lang...andyan na yan wala ng magagawa...

Parang Island Garden City of Samal, dati tatlong bayan iyan tapos ngayon, isang lungsod na lang sila. However, hindi naman basta nag-merge kayo magiging lungsod na kayo. Kailangan kapag nag-merge kayo, maaabot ninyo ang requirements ninyo.

Problema sa merging, magkakaroon ng dalawang munisipiyo (a source of ala-Magalang fight kung saan dalawang mayor ang nag-uumpukan) at maraming city proper o yung mga lugar na may malaking concentration ng development.

Mithril Cloud

March 23rd, 2008, 04:54 PM

Is it the one near the airport? I believe it's called the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus within the Newport City project of Megaworld in Pasay City.

That is the Magallanes Church right beside Asia Pacific College.

icarusrising

March 24th, 2008, 09:33 AM

That is the Magallanes Church right beside Asia Pacific College.

Thanks for the clarification. And the official name is Saint Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish Church.

The previous structure gutted by fire was designed by Architect Leandro Locsin. The new church makes use of some parts that were left of the former. Here's the related article with pictures of the interior...

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11062007/life03.html

brightblade

March 24th, 2008, 09:51 AM

I usually pass by our Pambansang Museo & I think it's a bit old. It badly needs a facelift & I certainly think that Atienza has big plans for it, but sadly Lim took his place. So much for politics, I believe that repainting the structure would be a good head start. Adding some lights outside can express the numerous pillars & removing the basketball court would create a better "National Museum" feel. Even the lights of the building is very old, fluorescent lamps inside a building looks nice but it really doesn't fit the classy styles of our National Museum. They could've installed chandeliers or better lighting fixtures.

Just like ROM, breaking the element of Greek Architecture can ruin the classical style of a certain building. I certainly think that by breaking the monotonous array of classical buildings in Manila, it would create another marvel that can capture Filipinos. What saddens me is the lack of patronage for our local museums. It should have been the famous places to stroll & learn. I have nothing against malls but we Filipinos tend to patronize malls & cinemas than libraries & museums. And to say that malls in the Philippines were like mushrooms, that makes me want to vomit the thought of one day having the title of "The Mall Country in Asia".

By doing such redevelopment to our National Museum, we can have at least a time to learn about our rich history. By the way, even Singaporeans loved Rizal, it's quite absurd to hear a Filipino who doesn't know much about his/her National Hero & his own culture.

Kindly check out http://www.lorcalma.com for his museums designs & concepts.

(Sigh...)Sorry for this out of the topic reply.

There's a master plan for the national museum, covering the existing 2 museums and the DOT building. The structures remain the same. Hehe out of topic din

brightblade

March 24th, 2008, 09:57 AM

pls note....its not an inverted pyramid.....the national manpower and youth council NMYC yun ang inverted pyramid....

Its from the rice terraces isnt it?

Manila-X

March 25th, 2008, 07:10 AM

Public housing is one of the solutions against poverty especially in most major urban areas. Governments and city councils construct low cost housing for the poor. Some public housing also house civic or military personel. The reaction to public housing is mixed. Some are sucessful while other are urban failures.

Public housing in Manila was inplemented back in the 1960s as a solution in fighting poverty in the city. Some of the earliest public housing schemes were built by The Macapagal adminitration during that decade.

Here are some example of public housing in Manila. Included are those constructed by the government, low-cost apartments/condos and housing for civil and military personel. And one more thing, I personally took this pictures while driving. These are in Taguig

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph2.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph3.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph4.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph5.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph6.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph7.jpg

MORE TO COME LATER ON :)

bariQ

March 25th, 2008, 08:06 AM

buti pa sila naka midrise ala serendra :D

Manila-X

March 25th, 2008, 08:13 AM

buti pa sila naka midrise ala serendra :D

Manila's public housing is a combination of mid-rise and low-rise. The tallest can get up to 10 or 14 floors.

The first two pics is the largest in Metro Manila which is right near Food Terminal.

Those living there have the amenities and privilage of having a great view (especially Makati), a nearby public elementary school and church, basketball court, a tennis court which is now being use for volleyball, a children's playground, a medical and dental clinic, an internet centre, some residents run sari-sari stores and easy access to public transportation. What more important is they have a community. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself ;)

Dvorak

March 25th, 2008, 08:19 AM

Manila-X

March 25th, 2008, 08:28 AM

usually these are given to those in the Armed forces or the PNP.. there are some in Pasig too.

Yung mga mass housing dati are yung Bliss or tenement.. I have been to one in Sta. Ana (Punta).. it looks like one big university building kaya lang instead of classrooms eh units yung nandon.. usually maliliit lang.. from 15 to 20sqm studio..

The one (FTI) I mentioned isn't AFP or PNP housing. Those living there are ordinary civilians. Centennial Village though is AFP housing.

The one in Sta. Ana resembles that of the one in FTI. The only problem with this one is they lack an organized community

Here's an image of the one in Sta. Ana
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/454934711_1d81d469a5.jpg

bariQ

March 25th, 2008, 08:44 AM

Manila's public housing is a combination of mid-rise and low-rise. The tallest can get up to 10 or 14 floors.

The first two pics is the largest in Metro Manila which is right near Food Terminal.

Those living there have the amenities and privilage of having a great view (especially Makati), a nearby public elementary school and church, basketball court, a tennis court which is now being use for volleyball, a children's playground, a medical and dental clinic, an internet centre, some residents run sari-sari stores and easy access to public transportation. What more important is they have a community. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself ;)

i think that type of public housing is better than the single house types which i think takes up way too much space. kala ko sa hongkong yan :D

Manila-X

March 25th, 2008, 09:13 AM

i think that type of public housing is better than the single house types which i think takes up way too much space. kala ko sa hongkong yan :D

HK's housing is more of mid to high-rise. Manila didn't have high-rise housing though there was a plan in Makati to construct 23 storie low-cost flats right near Guadalupe.

When I see, medium rise housing would be better in Manila outskirts (say Bulacan or Cavite) than single ones. 5 to 8 stories would be fine

bitoy

March 25th, 2008, 09:18 AM

What about this one in Tondo district, buhay pa ba ito? And the latest on North Bay Blvd. Tenement Housing.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/426262151_fba672a0c4.jpg

I don't see it as an urban failure, maraming nakinabangan din dito since I know some of them from Tondo that were able to fulfill their dreams and step out of this neighborhood and was able to help others to get out from that site.

Manila-X

March 25th, 2008, 09:36 AM

What about this one in Tondo district, buhay pa ba ito? And the latest on North Bay Blvd. Tenement Housing.

I don't see it as an urban failure, maraming nakinabangan din dito since I know some of them from Tondo that were able to fulfill their dreams and step out of this neighborhood and was able to help others to get out from that site.

You're talking about the Vitas Housing Project. Its still there but it was poorly maintained unlike the Smokey Mountain Housing Project.

This is The Smokey Mountain Housing Project (not my pics though)

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/features/worldwaste/images/philippines/20.jpg

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/features/worldwaste/images/philippines/19.jpg

Il be posting mine later on

amras

March 25th, 2008, 11:00 AM

This was posted by @lhexi before:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f394/jayayar/housing03.jpg

HILLSVIEW HOUSING (Muntinlupa City)

Considered as another milestone of achievement for housing program, the Hillsview Housing was a product of consolidated effort from various agencies namely the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Habitat for Humanity (HfH) and Muntinlupa government, of course, as the lead agency.

leechtat

March 25th, 2008, 04:29 PM

buti pa sila naka midrise ala serendra :D

^^ hala.. tinira ang serendra.. :lol: but these tenements are not hyper-amenitized and it doesn't give you the suburban-condo-living-in-the-city feel.. hehe...

the government now should focus more on building low-cost public housing for relocating families that is affected by projects such as the pnr rehabilitation and the de-ghettoing of metro manila. relocating them too far from their workplace will breed the comeback of these informal settlers.

i.e. for the qc-cbd informal settlers, why not construct public housing in the expansive raw land of faaaarview (fairview)

Dvorak

March 25th, 2008, 05:50 PM

may condo like mass housing sa osmeña highway bago mag quirino.. kaya lang wala yatang maintenance.. ang dudumi na.. basag basag pa ang mga salamin.. binabato yata nung mga taga riles..

jcb

March 25th, 2008, 07:53 PM

favor ako sa condo type mass housing.Look kung sa 1 hec. land tatayuan mo ng single detach ilan lang yun sabihin natin 100 unit isandaang families lang ang makikinabang kung pwd naman gawing isang libo sa condo type mass housing.Tapos gawing open space yun rest of the land taniman ng gulay o bungan kahoy di ba?malaki pa kikitain at matitipid ng gov't sa land usable etc.etc.etc.

Waldenstrom

March 26th, 2008, 12:36 AM

there are mass housing project (whice continues to rot) along manila coastal road and i think it was not successful due to its location and high price.

bariQ

March 26th, 2008, 03:19 AM

^^ hala.. tinira ang serendra.. :lol: but these tenements are not hyper-amenitized and it doesn't give you the suburban-condo-living-in-the-city feel.. hehe...

the government now should focus more on building low-cost public housing for relocating families that is affected by projects such as the pnr rehabilitation and the de-ghettoing of metro manila. relocating them too far from their workplace will breed the comeback of these informal settlers.

i.e. for the qc-cbd informal settlers, why not construct public housing in the expansive raw land of faaaarview (fairview)

:lol:
iba naman sa kanla hypo-amenitized inner city ghetto living feel :lol::nuts:

Manila-X

March 26th, 2008, 05:40 AM

may condo like mass housing sa osmeña highway bago mag quirino.. kaya lang wala yatang maintenance.. ang dudumi na.. basag basag pa ang mga salamin.. binabato yata nung mga taga riles..

That's the Sariling Pambahay sa Riles project built in the mid 90s. Actually the conditions there has improved compared to several years back.

Unlike the Macapagal Tenement in Tondo that was built in the mid 60s. The building is condemnd but people still live there.

http://gmapinoytv.igma.tv/sidetrip/blog/uploads/Tenement.jpg

http://gmapinoytv.igma.tv/sidetrip/blog/uploads/tenementbalete.jpg

Music video that featured some tenements in Tondo
o8Ku0Y1nWhg

allan_dude

March 26th, 2008, 10:41 AM

Supreme Court asked to void cityhood of 16 towns

By Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has asked the Supreme Court to invalidate Congress’ grant of cityhood to 16 municipalities for being against the law.

In oral arguments at the high tribunal on Tuesday, the LCP questioned the upgrade of the towns to cities despite the fact that none of them met the annual income requirement of P100 million.

The 16 towns are Baybay (Leyte), Bogo and Naga (Cebu), Catbalogan (Samar), Lamitan (Basilan), Mati (Davao), Bayugan and Borongan (Samar), Batac (Ilocos Norte), Tabuk (Kalinga), Tandag (Surigao del Sur), El Salvador and Carcar (Cebu), Guilhuingan and Tayabas (Quezon) and Cabadbaran (Agusan del Norte).

The LCP, represented by lawyer Regis Puno, said that turning the 16 municipalities into cities was unconstitutional because the Constitution provides that cities should be created using the criteria set by the “local government code and subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected.”

Present laws, Puno said, provide that a municipality must have an annual income of P100 million to become a city.
Puno said public records would show that none of the 16 municipalities met this requirement.

Batac, for example, has an annual income of P33 million, while Baybay and Cabadbaran earn only P14 million each.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080311-124155/Supreme-Court-asked-to-void-cityhood-of-16-towns

Sinjin P.

March 26th, 2008, 12:40 PM

To Inquirer: El Salvador is in Misamis Oriental

le Reine

March 27th, 2008, 11:32 AM

Finally! Whew!

icarusrising

March 27th, 2008, 05:05 PM

Low cost housing in Pandacan... Residencias de Manila.

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/42742/2138149990101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/28574/2001693000101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

icarusrising

March 27th, 2008, 05:22 PM

Some housing for the poor in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila...

If I'm not mistaken, this is a church initiated project, the Cardinal Sin Village has recidences, a church, and a learning center...
http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/41280/2118499140101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

To the right of this new housing project is the older Tenement building...
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/38533/2053347810101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

icarusrising

March 27th, 2008, 05:24 PM

The Miraculous Medal Building of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Village...

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/40272/2569648000101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

Source: http://jcsvillage.com/pages/housing.htm

jcb

March 27th, 2008, 05:56 PM

ang ganda ng Cardinal sin village

--SuperB0y--

March 27th, 2008, 11:39 PM

wow, i love this thread! nice one.

jcb

March 28th, 2008, 04:19 AM

i hope maraming itayong ganitong mga village hindi lang sa mga city ganun din sa mga provinsya.

bariQ

March 28th, 2008, 04:23 AM

i love the pics. what is tondo by the way? is the WHOLE tondo area really a slum area? may jollibee ba dun? :D

Manila-X

March 28th, 2008, 06:29 AM

i love the pics. what is tondo by the way? is the WHOLE tondo area really a slum area? may jollibee ba dun? :D

Of course there's a Jollibee there. How about putting a Starbucks :D

Tondo is arguebly the most depressed area of Metro Manila. But you have outer and inner Tondo. The outer part is mostly low, lower-middle and middle class. The inner part is the "ghetto" which compose of the Smokey Mountain area, Vitas, Manila Harbour Centre, etc. In fact there is a Makro right across the former Smokey Mountain. Inner Tondo is a mixture of slums, part terminals, factories and public housing.

Tondo, Sta. Ana and Taguig have the highest concentrations of public housing in Metro Manila.

bariQ

March 28th, 2008, 09:21 AM

icarusrising

March 28th, 2008, 09:37 AM

We should probably include the pro-poor housing projects initiated by the government and NGOs at the outskirts of geographic Metro Manila. Since Metro Manila is already congested and the real estate more pricey, it is only natural that the public and private sectors concerned with the plight of the poor put up their project settlements in the suburbs. I can think of Roriguez in Rizal, San Pedro and Sta. Rosa in Laguna and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan as areas that provide economical but healthier living spaces for our kababayans.

Manila-X

March 28th, 2008, 09:42 AM

Manila-X

March 28th, 2008, 09:44 AM

thanks for clarifying wanch. ive nver really been to tondo and whenever i search images for tondo, shanty houses always comes out. :ohno:

i dont know if its in zapote, theres a large colony of squatters beside the highway, and the concrete electric lines are humungous! its like a scene in akira :lol:

I only been to Tondo a few times when I'm in Manila. I usually pass by Radial Road when I'm heading to Caloocan.

Yup it's Zapote you're talking about

kyle@1008

March 28th, 2008, 09:54 AM

The Miraculous Medal Building of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Village...

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/40272/2569648000101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

Source: http://jcsvillage.com/pages/housing.htm

^^ okey ha, cute gumawa ng mass housing ang Simbahan...

Dvorak

March 28th, 2008, 11:06 AM

inde naman low cost yan.. ka level na rin nang ibang condos yan.. i think over 1M ang isang studio dyan? paano ma a afford nang mahihirap yun?

Low cost housing in Pandacan... Residencias de Manila.

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/42742/2138149990101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/28574/2001693000101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

icarusrising

March 28th, 2008, 11:25 AM

inde naman low cost yan.. ka level na rin nang ibang condos yan.. i think over 1M ang isang studio dyan? paano ma a afford nang mahihirap yun?

Yup, not very affordable. Pero at least available siya through Pag-ibig financing which would at least soften the burden.

Dvorak

March 28th, 2008, 11:26 AM

dyan may binigay na unit si Atienze kay Pacquiao diba?

re: Pag-ibig - mas mababa pa nga interest nang banks ngayon kesa pag-ibig eh... for 1M to 2M loans ha..

icarusrising

March 28th, 2008, 02:54 PM

dyan may binigay na unit si Atienze kay Pacquiao diba?

re: Pag-ibig - mas mababa pa nga interest nang banks ngayon kesa pag-ibig eh... for 1M to 2M loans ha..

Well that's a healthy competition. Bank financing would be available for them too. Some developers don't accept some types of financing schemes though.

Waldenstrom

March 29th, 2008, 12:13 AM

bakit ganun? sobrang aggresive ng mga towns from far away provinces maging cities? e yung mga towns sa Cavite and nearby provinces, 90's pa lang overqualified na maging city e until now di pa rin napupush. :D

bitoy

March 29th, 2008, 06:27 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2315551765_30f27774c7.jpg

Smokey Mountain Housing

habagatcentral1

March 29th, 2008, 07:04 AM

^^ Like Dasma? Ang tawag na nga ng iba sa bagong munisipyo ng Imus ay City Hall kahit di pa syudad. :D

Il Tenore

March 29th, 2008, 02:21 PM

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/mph2.jpg

painting nalang.. naks! ayos na!

Il Tenore

March 29th, 2008, 02:23 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2315551765_30f27774c7.jpg

Smokey Mountain Housing
ganda naman ng mga midrises sa smokey mountain!

lochinvar

March 29th, 2008, 09:05 PM

The Miraculous Medal Building of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Village...

The residents of this village are called "sinners"

spearhead

March 30th, 2008, 01:14 AM

They look good and acceptable, some are not that well maintaned but i prefer them better than the low-cost detached box houses. Here in canada they do have some slum areas with similar high-rise low-cost condos/apartments but are well taken care of because of our garbage and recycling collection systems. Yan lang naman ang kulang sa slum areas natin, sistemang reliable sa collection ng mga garbages and recyclings while abiding the laws.

Manila-X

March 30th, 2008, 07:27 AM

ganda naman ng mga midrises sa smokey mountain!

Recently, they have repainted them and look so much better compared when they were first built

Il Tenore

March 30th, 2008, 02:36 PM

^^ do you have any pictures about the first construction of those smokey mountain midrises?

Il Tenore

March 31st, 2008, 10:44 AM

hey. that photo is nice. but no. that's makati's crown.

big size
http://www.greatmirror.com/images/big/014376.jpg
I like the skyline... pero.. malabo.. smog ba yan?

Nabartek

March 31st, 2008, 11:30 AM

status symbol kasi kapag may 'city' na nakaatach. Tulad ngayon Tabuk Kalinga is now Tabuk CITY. Hehe

icarusrising

March 31st, 2008, 02:11 PM

Some pictures of a mass housing at Rodriguez, Rizal... Referred to as "Erap City" as it was then envisioned to be the centerpiece of the Estrada administration's housing project. The housing project spans 5 baranggays and covers a total area of 2,500 hectares. These pictures were taken from a site on the net. I have yet to take newer pictures as these photographs were probably dated early 2000.

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/41946/2178727370101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/36120/2221774380101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

frustratedarchitect

March 31st, 2008, 03:32 PM

Nice thread. Theres something about those eery uniform high rise tenements that I love. I just have to figure out what it is. Well anyway, Its good smokey mountain was transformed to something better.

Manila-X

April 1st, 2008, 05:17 AM

Some pictures of a mass housing at Rodriguez, Rizal... Referred to as "Erap City" as it was then envisioned to be the centerpiece of the Estrada administration's housing project. The housing project spans 5 baranggays and covers a total area of 2,500 hectares. These pictures were taken from a site on the net. I have yet to take newer pictures as these photographs were probably dated early 2000.

The only problem with these kinds of public housing is they are far from the city plus the accessibility to public transportation. There was one major public housing scheme within the borders of Pasig, Metro Manila and Taytay, Rizal but it didn't succeed because of location and road access.

Dvorak

April 1st, 2008, 06:50 AM

Manila-X

April 1st, 2008, 07:10 AM

^^ yup.. sometimes din.. walang water, walang electricity.. ang layo sa main road.. mag tricycle ka pa na pagka mahal mahal to get there.. how can you expect people to live there?? tapos walang source of income.. so wala talagang titira.. gagawin niila.. bebenta yung rights.. then babalik sa Metro Manila then mag squat na naman..

If you watched the movie "City of God" that's the same problem with its dwellers when the housing development was new. Then later on, the government installed electricity, water etc. It was first one storie housing just like the pics of the ones in Rodriguez, Rizal. Then mid-rise flats sprouted out.

BTW, I just found out that it's Rodriguez now, not Montalban :D

bitoy

April 1st, 2008, 10:09 AM

The only problem with these kinds of public housing is they are far from the city plus the accessibility to public transportation. There was one major public housing scheme within the borders of Pasig, Metro Manila and Taytay, Rizal but it didn't succeed because of location and road access.

^^ yup.. sometimes din.. walang water, walang electricity.. ang layo sa main road.. mag tricycle ka pa na pagka mahal mahal to get there.. how can you expect people to live there?? tapos walang source of income.. so wala talagang titira.. gagawin niila.. bebenta yung rights.. then babalik sa Metro Manila then mag squat na naman..

The city planners are not doing their job when it comes to these situations.
My cousin who retired from the Philippine Army had a low income housing application either in Tanay or Taytay(not sure), he mentioned that to me during my last vacation and lately I found out that they are now renting an old house in Project 4 instead. Most likely, those are the reasons why they did not want to live in those faraway places.

But in other cases such as these, discipline, ability and unity of the residents can offset the major hurdles in living in such community with logistical problem. People should not always rely on the government, especially ours.
:)