Renowned Filipino Architect Felino ‘Jun” Palafox Jr., managing partner and founder of Palafox Associates, underscored on Friday that Davao City needs a much larger airport and seaport to support more trade, tourism, and economic growth.
“Much larger international airport, much larger seaport. Like Dubai, it started with a big airport and seaport, Singapore, the big airport and seaport. Kasi iyan ang gateway, and of course, seamless connectivity,” Palafox said during The Business Brief at NCCC Mall VP.
Palafox explained that airports and seaports connect a city to other parts of the country and the world, and facilitate both passenger and cargo movement.
Palafox stressed that for efficient operations and economic growth, faster permit approvals are also crucial.
Palafox highlighted that Davao City should have more manufacturing and factories to drive economic growth.
“Ecozones also. At least kung ecozones mas madaling kumuha ng permit,” he said.
In terms of urban sprawl, Palafox said Davao City should have more compact and vertical developments.
He lauded the Underground Cabling Project (UCP) of the city government of Davao and the Davao Light and Power Company.
“That’s a very significant yun makita mo may political will,” he said.
To give a glimpse of his vision for the country, Palafox presented his Postcards from the Future: The Philippines 2050 Well into 2100-A first World Country, A First World Economy, A Globally Competitive Nation Toward Sustainable, Smart, Resilient, Inclusive and Liveable Countries, Communities, and Buildings.
In 2020, Palafox conceptualized the Metro Davao Urban Master Plan in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the local government units of Metro Davao: Davao City, Panabo City, Carmen, Tagum City, Maco, Digos City, Santa Cruz, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
One of the major objectives of the project was to establish linkages between the eight LGUs and to determine how each one’s strengths can complement each other to create a more livable and resilient region.
He said his ideas and concepts for the future of the country can only be realized if there’s political will.
