Bulacan in ambitious bid to become world province

CITY OF MALOLOS: The provincial government of Bulacan has entered into an agreement with urban planner Palafox Associates in its bid to become a first world province.

Under the agreement, the Palafox Associates will undertake the Updating of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) of the province of Bulacan.

The signing was held at the Palawan Hall in Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City last Thursday, January 25, with no less Gov. Daniel Fernando representing the province.

Architect Felino Palafox Jr., principal architect and urban planner of Palafox Associates, outlined his vision for the province 15 years into the future during the contract signing.

“Natulungan ko ang Dubai, desert town ng Dubai, na maging first world in 15 years (I was able to help Dubai, the desert town of Dubai to become first world in 15 years),” said Palafox as he discussed what’s in store for Bulacan should the ambitious plan of its provincial government push through.

According to Palafox, he sees in the Philippines the same thing he saw in Dubai.

“There are roots of Dubai which I see also in the leadership here — visionary leaders, strong political will, good appreciation of urban planning, good appreciation of good design architecture engineering, excellent management and good governance,” said Palafox.

“With those ingredients, I think Bulacan can be ahead to join the first world,” declared Palafox.

According to him, Bulacan has a great potential for growth and development, citing that the province is more than four times the size of Metro Manila, four times the size of Singapore, and two and a half times the size of Hong Kong.

“The first highest development potential countermagnet to Metro Manila is Bulacan. The topography is so nice like we can plan from ridge to reefs — from the top of the mountain, highlands, lowlands and coastal areas,” he added.

In his message, Fernando mentioned that both the provincial government of Bulacan and San Miguel Corp. have a fair share in advancing the province’s development, which made the contract signing possible.

“Bulacan now is the target — the target of economy, the target of development and infra, everything po. We already cited what needs to be done, there are towns which we placed under economic development, while other towns were placed under infra,” said Fernando.