Mindanao copying mistakes of Manila
MINDANAO is copying the urban planning and infrastructure mistakes committed by Metro Manila in the past, Architect Jun Palafox, Jr. said.
“Our roads are supposed to be connectors. Our major roads in the rest of the Philippines, in Metro Manila, their roads are major destinations, not a connection. Look at Davao, the parking is on the sidewalk. So, even the traffic lanes of the roads are part of the parking maneuvers. Elsewhere in the world, you park behind the buildings,” said Palafox, who was a guest during yesterday’s guest at Habi at Kape weekly press conference at Abreeza Ayala Malls.
As had been a practice in Metro Manila years before, Palafox said road widening in Mindanao always involve cutting down trees which shouldn’t be the case as a single tree supports a lot of people thru its oxygen emission and carbon dioxide emission.
During the press conference, Palafox presented to the press their firm’s different projects all over the globe with unique designs while keeping and incorporating the trees in their structures.
“We build and do more parallel roads rather than expanding the roads. No need to cut down trees,” he said.
Palafox also pointed out that some road widening done by the Department of Public Welfare and Highways (DPWH) in Mindanao involves “destroying sidewalks”, which instead of being a lane for pedestri-
Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson emphasized when she said that Alabado already knows Davao City. Like Tecson, Guide Davao appeals to secretary Teo to reconsider the reassignment of Alabado.
Other tourism-related organizations said they are to show support to the new regional director as long as the tourism growth of the region continues to flourish and their plans are also supported as well.
As per the order signed by Teo on January 4 and which is effective immediately, Antonio Fernando Blanco will be the new Tourism Regional Director of Davao. Blanco is the former regional director of DOT-Zamboanga Peninsula.