Palafox to rescue Cebu from own rapid growth

CEBU, Philippines — World renowned urban planner and architect Felino "Jun" A. Palafox has set up an office in Cebu, bringing world-class practices to rescue Cebu from becoming a victim of its own growth.

Used to be available only by requests, Palafox said his firm Palafox Associates' entry to Cebu would not only mean business but rather his way of giving back to help the fast spinning urban centers like Cebu how to deal with growth through proper and engineered planning.                   In an interview with Palafox, he said his company is also making strong presence in Cebu as well as Davao and other major urban centers in the Philippines, as he believes firmly and even advocates for Federalism.

An Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) architect, building thousands of iconic architectural landmarks all over the world, Palafox said it is now the right time to go back and share his expertise in his home countries. Cebu and Davao are ripe to implement sound urban planning projects.

In fact, Palafox had already been talking with the Mayor's League for his plan to inject his world-class urban planning expertise to these fast growing urban municipalities.

While he expressed his disappointments on hardcore bureaucracy culture in the Philippines that derailed or even wasted some good and well thought of plans, he was quick to say that it’s better now because the government is listening.

Ever since, he said bureaucracy has been the major obstacle for the Philippines, or the "too much bad politics".

In Cebu, Palafox has proposed to introduce Megalopolis development, in order to decongest the northern and southern part of Metro Cebu.

A Megalopolis is referred to as very large city, or an urban area that consists of several towns and cities.

Cebu's set up, he said will be a creation of three metropolis, instead of having a congested lone metropolis concept.

Although, Palafox has been working with some municipalities and private sector players in real estate in Cebu, he said his firm's presence is a testament of his commitment to help Cebu's government and private sector players enjoy the growth of civilization, instead of being a victim of its growth.

Palafox's projects all over the world are mostly adaptive architecture, which designs could help save lives and properties. He has the credentials and the gravitas to be a climate adaptation advocate.

Palafox's is the Philippines' foremost architect, master planner, and urban planner.

Palafox Associates founded in 1989 is the only company Filipino practice listed among the world's biggest architectural firms consistently for the past 10 years. (FREEMAN)