This page is reserved for COVER PAGE. COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN 2018-2027 VOLUME ONE: THE LAND USE PLAN CITY GOVERNMENT OF IMUS PROVINCE OF CAVITE FOREWORD MESSAGE It is with great honour and pride to be part of the validation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the City of Imus, Cavite. Over the years, the City of Imus has proven worthy of the trust and confidence of its constituents, as well as the general public for its dedication in ensuring the protection and development of its interests, through the implementation of effective and efficient development projects and ordinance. Now, the City of Imus once again is in the verge of its next step to greatness, upon the validation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plan and later on pave to the enactment of Zoning Ordinance of 2019. Surely, this addition shall guide the future actions of our community. Moreover, it presents a vision of the future, with long-term goals and objectives of all projects that affect the local government of the City of Imus. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the citizens of the City of Imus, for their continuous support and trust to the City Government of Imus, and all its endeavours. Together, let us welcome the future and embrace its opportunities for the betterment of our service to the City of Imus. God Bless us all! HON. ARNEL M. CANTIMBUHAN City Vice May EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) serves as a guide in achieving the vision of turning Imus into a premier city of sustainable economic, environmental, and technological progress. It serves as a framework on how to address the challenges the City is projected to face in the coming years. These include, among others, the increasing demands of its expanding population with respect to resource needs and quality public services, possibilities on how to develop and expand its local economy, and the adaptations of its citizens to the anticipated effects of climate change. The City’s CLUP would be given teeth through the enactment of zoning ordinances that have been forged through the active cooperation between the local government and the citizens of Imus. City of Imus’ CLUP builds on the updated compendium of data in the Ecological Profile (EP) and identifies how the social, economic, infrastructural, and institutional sectors can be planned and improved through proper zoning and guidelines relating to land use. This Executive Summary broadly touches on the land use profile and trends of Imus and covers interconnected concerns and issues arising from these. Moreover, it outlines the plans of action identified by the City Government to address these issues. Subsequent chapters provide detailed discussions and analysis matrices for specific issues and both ongoing and proposed policy interventions for each sectoral study. General Profile of the City The City of Imus is a first class component city under the 3 rd Congressional District of Cavite. It consists 97 barangays that have been grouped into nine (9) clusters for ease of facilitating communications and interactions. Imus has a total land area of 5,314.60 hectares and is located in northeastern Cavite, bounded by Bacoor City, Kawit, Dasmariñas City, General Trias City, and Muntinlupa City. It is proximate to Metro Manila and is only 18 kilometers away from the City of Manila The City is mainly composed of lowland alluvial plains as its gentle slopes (5-7%) with elevations do not go beyond 70 meters from sea level. No active geologic faults are known to transect Imus with the nearest active fault system, the West Valley Fault, located in Muntinlupa City. The entire City is classified as alienable and disposable (A&D). Of the total land area, about 1700 hectares or roughly 20% is for production and agricultural activities. The general land use of Imus, as identified from land use surveys and remote sensing with field validation, are built-up and agricultural. Roughly 2,651 hectares or 52.5% of the City are already built-up. Forty-three percent or 2,177 hectares are cultivated lands for both annual and perennial crops, while the remaining are mostly natural grasslands and some fishponds. Such a land use composition is an expected pattern due to its geographical, topographic and climatic characteristics. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Imus consist of residential areas, government institutions, parks, roads, industrial, and infrastructure land uses. It can be gleaned from previous plans that there has been a significant area of agricultural lands that have been converted to urban uses. Land Use Patterns and Trends The land use changes over recent years reflect the City’s continuous and rapid urbanization. There are areas with a notably higher and growing intensity of commercial and industrial uses such as those along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway and major roads. An issue that needs to be addressed as a result of the City’s urbanization is the stricter implementation of zoning in areas intended for commercial purposes. As a case in point, the zoning map indicates the central and southern portions of the city that should be commercial and industrial areas but are either vacant or remain as residential lands according to the Existing Land Use Map (2017). Proper zoning also did not emerge for the western and southeastern portions of the city. The Zone District Plan of 2017 prominently materialized along the lands that run parallel to Aguinaldo highway and is predominantly gearing towards commercial and industrial facilities that extent towards the south of the city. A large amount of agricultural areas had been reclassified to urban uses in the previous CLUP, and the conversion of agricultural lands, without proper interventions, would likely continue. These include prime agricultural lands and protected agricultural lands are being slowly converted into commercial and residential uses which may compromise the City’s food security. In addition, there are social services that need prioritization in terms of land allocation. Increased student enrolment in public schools requires the construction of new buildings and the identification of new lands in areas that are safe from flooding and landslides. The same is true for public health stations and facilities, which are projected to be inadequate to meet the needs of the city’s projected population. There is also the increasing challenge of solid waste management and recovery. Environmental Issues and Concerns An issue that Imus needs to prepare for is climate change. Cavite and the surrounding areas in the region are generally expected to experience higher temperatures in the future. Following a model of seasonal temperature increase with moderate-range atmospheric emissions, there is an expected rise of 1-degree Celsius by year 2020 from baseline readings from 1971-2000. The model also predicts a total increase in temperature of around 2-degrees by 2050. The agricultural sector must be prepared with new approaches or croprelated technologies, since occurrence of dry spells can be expected especially during summers. There may be higher occurrences of bushfires and less water supply for crops. Warming may also be a health and safety concern due to the urban heat-island effect which will be likely experienced in built-up areas. Besides fire hazards, people may develop higher risks to heat-strokes, fatigue, and other diseases. Global climate change may possibly intensify the effects of typhoons and monsoonal rains in the area. These could lead to higher risks of flooding and landslides to certain barangays and facilities that offer social services such as health centers and schools. To mitigate such concerns, the CLUP includes data-driven Climate Disaster Risk Assessments (CDRA) per sectoral study. Such risk evaluations identify facilities and infrastructure that are exposed to climatic risks and propose physical or policy interventions. Climate change can also have repercussions on Imus City’s air quality. Emissions from vehicles and industrial sites aggravate warming and by themselves pose threats to the environment and health of the citizens. The areas along Aguinaldo Highway are measured to have 200-300% beyond the acceptable levels of pollutants in the atmosphere. Imus’s city government must work on curbing emissions across these areas and implement strict guidelines to counter air pollution. Currently, most industries and establishments do not have safeguards against the emission of smokes and fumes. It is also critical for water quality to be monitored and improved. The Imus and Alang-Ylang rivers are reported to exceed DENR’s standards for parameters such as dissolved oxygen and chlorides. The rivers also have an alarming level of heavy metals such as cadmium, which is indicative of industrial and commercial activities. These water bodies also have exceptionally high levels of coliform and fecal matter, a condition observed in communities with industries and settlements that lack or are without sewerage systems. Based on population growth rates, the city is expected to produce around 490,000 metric tons of solid wastes in 2024, compared to the 177,000 tons in 2015. About 114,000 (64%) tons are household wastes. The city government must continue the strict implementation of its 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (2015-2024). Alongside awareness campaigns for waste minimization, the city has materials recovery facilities for 88 out of 97 barangays, a centralized composting facility, and a system for producing ecological bricks from residual wastes. Development and Traffic Congestion The CLUP comprehensively covers the transportation profile and facilities of the city, as well as identifies issues that may need addressing to improve traffic. There are about 81,000 registered vehicles in the city as of 2018 and this number has been steadily growing annually. The top three most common vehicle types are motorcycles and tricycles, utility vehicles, and cars, of which more than 50% are privately owned. The traffic situation is also directly affected by the growth of the City’s economic sector. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of business permits issued in the last five years. These establishments agglomerate on commercial areas that are arguably larger than the standard, and the pattern of commercial development tends to be linear across major highways. Such configuration reinforces car dependence in accessing the establishments, leading to traffic congestion as well as air and noise pollution. Moreover, there are not enough roads within the city to support the increasing intensity of vehicular traffic. The existing road design, similar to many settlements, also discourage walking and cycling. These leads people to prefer public transport modes for short trips. These people also tend to compete with vehicles in using road space due to the lack of sidewalks. With respect to the congestive effects of commercial development, the situation calls for the preparation and enforcement of a traffic improvement plan along with a comprehensive transport plan. The city government should also consider leaning more towards compact and vertical development. Moreover, policies that link business licensing to a land use monitoring system should continuously be enacted. A Local Public Transport Route Management Plan (LPTRP) must also be developed. Through the LPTRP, strategic locations for integrated transport terminals and public parking spaces can be identified and constructed. Pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks must be improved with safety measures such as additional barriers and streetlights. Moreover, certain gated roads that belong to subdivisions can be studied and opened to potentially ease traffic at major thoroughfares. Population Growth, Water Supply, and the Housing Situation Rapid urbanization and proximity to Metro Manila leads to rapid population growth and, consequently, higher demands for housing in the city. Imus experienced fluctuating population growth since the 1900s but there is a noticeable increase in recent history due to in-migration. The 2015 census reveals that the population increased from 301,624 to 403,785 (6.01% growth), alongside little but steady decreases in Crude Death Rates. Based on projections using an annual growth rate of 4.95%, there will be around 720,000 people by 2027. The 2015 household count of 97,397 is expected to almost double to 175,855 during the aforementioned period, a condition that is expected to exert pressure on the City’s current housing facilities. According to the Housing Situation data from 2010 NSO Census, the ratio of Household Population to Occupied Housing Units (HU) is at 4.27. This is slightly higher than the national standards of 1:1 indicating the existence of doubled-up housing and a shortage of housing unit. Doubled-up households, or double occupancy, exists when one dwelling unit is shared by two or more households. There is a significant increase in the number of occupied housing units from 2000 to 2010 resulting from the rapid development of housing subdivisions in CALABARZON. The most recent data on subdivision as of 2014 reveals that most subdivisions are classified as Open Market Residential Subdivisions with more than 60% share of residential land area occupied. This is followed by Economic Housing with almost 30% share, while only 8.73% are occupied by Low Cost/Socialized Housing. Commercial subdivision shares less than 1% of the area occupied. In 2015, there was an increase in the subdivision land area to 1612.31 hectares that were made up of an estimated 135,500 lots/units. Residential lands occupy the largest land area in the city, and this is primarily due to the increase of lands converted into subdivisions and the influx of migrants into Imus. Metro Manila is also sprawling towards its fringes and Cavite serves as a more accessible place of residence for people who want to have homes more proximate to their workplaces. Among these residential areas are 11 hectares of informal settlements which are occupied by poor and marginalized families. In a mapping workshop conducted by DSWD, it was identified that there are at least 812 households residing in informal settlements as of 2017. The situation could be improved if the city government finds ways to allocate more low-cost housing facilities. As of 2014, there are 36 subdivisions for socialized housing (Php 150,000 maximums selling price), including Bliss Homes, and 133 for economic housing (Php 375,000) among all 477 subdivisions identified. In terms of percentage distribution, only 8.73% of the total residential land area has been allocated for socialized housing. Besides the further need for socialized housing, special attention must be given to mitigating flood risks on informal settlers. Around 15% of the City’s informal settlements are exposed to moderate to high risks of flooding because of their proximity to water bodies within the city. Equally important is the degree of stress that the population will exert to the city’s power and water utilities. Insufficient supply of water and electricity can significantly disrupt socio-economic activities and lead to monetary losses and inconvenience of the residents. In collaboration with utility providers, the city government can allocate land and grant zoning approvals for future expansion of utility infrastructure. In connection with housing and the aforementioned environmental issues, water supply and water-related infrastructure is another critical concern. Household water is mainly supplied by Maynilad, BP Waterworks, and Goodhands Water Specialists. However, around 30% of the total 1.6 million cubic meters of the city’s monthly consumption are sourced through deep wells. Relying on deep wells can potentially deplete the supply of groundwater and this may lead to ground subsidence in the long run. In addition, a fifth of all households are either served by a Level 1 supply or are from unaccounted connections. As an intervention, the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) must be utilized to account for all Level I water supply systems. The local government must also formulate policies to limit groundwater dependency. Impacts to Education, Health, and other Social Sub-Sectors The steady growth of population and the growing constraints to equitable land allocation are expected to apply stress to the City’s social services. There is a rising need to identify land requirements and safe areas for constructing new educational and health service buildings, as well as the consideration of vertical expansions of these facilities in some barangays. Public elementary and secondary school enrolment increased by 4.9% and 9.9% respectively from 2014 to 2017. It is projected that there will be more than 70,000 and 40,000 fresh enrollees respectively at the primary and secondary level in 2027. This will require the construction of around 1500 new classrooms and hiring around 750 new teachers to comply with Department of Education standards. Health services may also entail higher costs due to the lack of public health facilities. To partially address this concern, a government hospital is currently being constructed in Barangay Malagasang 1-G. It was also observed that around 25 public health centers and clinics are located in areas of low to moderate risks of flooding, while 12 are in areas at risks of being affected by landslides. In fact, the government hospital that is being built is also potentially exposed to some risk of flooding. Hence, there is potential disruption of delivering basic health services at the community level, particularly in times of meteorological disturbances. To mitigate the possibility of service disruption, existing facilities need to be retrofitted with hazard resistant designs. If possible, certain health stations may need relocation to safer sites. The physical structures are not the only issues with the health and medical sector. There is also a notable gap between the population and the number of health personnel. Funding allocation towards the sector must be increased so that new staff can be hired, and health personnel complement must be augmented. Aside from schools and health facilities, resources must also be allocated to enhance the city’s protective services. The current ratio of police to citizens is roughly at 1:3000 while the PNP standard is 1:1000. The same is true for the fire brigade where there is only one fire personnel for roughly every 22,000 people when the ideal is 1:2000. To compensate for the city’s limited protective services personnel particularly the police, the local government has trained and mobilized several civilian volunteer organizations to aid maintaining peace and order. These groups include the Police Assistance Group, the Junior Police Force, and the Bantay Bayan Volunteers. In terms of policy interventions, the city needs to recruit more police and conduct more training for volunteer fire response. Coordination with the CDRRMO must also be improved for faster response times. Proposed Land Use Plan The Proposed Land Use Plan for the City of Imus was based on the overall vision of the city, as well as the development thrusts and strategies needed to attain it. Table 1. Existing and Proposed Land Uses Matrix (2018-2027) of the City of Imus Land Use Classification Existing Land Use % Proposed Land Use % % Change Residential 2,120.20 39.89% 2,862.35 53.86% 13.97 Agricultural 1,071.63 20.16% 233.47 4.39% -15.29 Commercial 109.24 2.06% 363.33 6.84% 4.78 Institutional 62.31 1.17% 94.18 1.77% 0.60 Industrial 88.09 1.66% 116.89 2.20% 0.54 0 0.00% 10.53 0.20% 0.20 Roads 460.76 8.67% 631.32 11.88% 3.21 Rivers and Waterways 64.28 1.21% 64.28 1.21% 0.00 Parks and Recreational 0.57 0.01% 32.52 0.61% 0.60 0 0.00% 31.32 0.59% 0.59 Idle lands 1,247.01 23.46% 0.00 0.00% -23.46 Cemetery 19.43 0.37% 33.83 0.64% 0.26 Infrastructure and Utilities 58.7 1.10% 65.09 1.22% 0.12 Dumpsite 1.37 0.03% 0.00 0.00% -0.03 Informal Settlement 11 0.21% 0.00 0.00% -0.21 Socialized Housing 0 0.00% 37.71 0.71% 0.71 MRF 0 0.00% 0.61 0.01% 0.01 PUD 0 0.00% 737.18 13.87% 13.87 Total 5,314.59 100.00% 5,314.59 100.00% 0.00 Industrial Buffer Linear Parks Figure 1. Proposed Land Use Map (2018-2027), City of Imus Residential Land Uses The existing land allocation of 2,120.2 ha. for residential land uses is adequate in providing the housing needs for its constituents including the city’s large housing backlog. This backlog can be attributed to the lack of low priced housing which has led to the existence of unoccupied housing units and idle lots, as well as the presence of informal settlements. As such, an additional 742.15 ha. of land or a 13.97% land increase will be allocated for residential uses that allow low priced housing developments, such as midrise housing. The aggressive projections on the increase of residential lands is connected with the growth of minor commercial uses allowed in residential zones. In addition to the increase of residential land uses, the 37.71 ha. will be allotted for Socialized Housing Projects in compliance to Republic Act (RA) 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act. This project also aims to eradicate the 11 ha. of informal settlements present in the city. Agricultural Land Uses Due to the projected continued urbanization of the city, agricultural lands will further be reduced to pave way for other uses related to urban development such as roads, infrastructures, and utilities. Approximately 838.16 ha. of the agricultural lands will be converted to urban uses. To ensure that the city will be able to support the basic food requirements of its inhabitants, the intensification and modernization of agricultural practices is proposed. Since productive agricultural lands are continually becoming scare, the general strategy is to increase yields per hectare by increasing the income and purchasing power of the agricultural sector by focusing on high-value products and establishing a processes that will add value to these goods. Also, portions of this land use shall be allocated for tourism purposes, especially those farmlands that showcase best practices in sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, idle lands and open spaces shall be converted into temporary community urban farms to supplement food production and optimize land productivity. The remaining agricultural lands, majority of which are prime and irrigated land shall be strictly protected from land conversion. Commercial Land Uses If current economic trends in the province are to continue, commercial land uses shall see a considerable increase in land allocation for the next ten years. These lands are situated along the main provincial economic corridor (Aguinaldo Highway), and near the City of Dasmariñas – one of CALABARZON’s commercial hubs. The existing commercial land uses of 109.24 ha., shall be increase to 363.33 ha. in the proposed plan. The 4.78% increase was to accommodate the city’s potential to become a magnet for trade and commerce. These establishments shall also aid in marketing products of the city’s industries. The main commercial centers will be along the Aguinaldo Highway while the Special Development District shall be adjacent to the Planned Unit Development of Vermosa to complement activities and uses. In addition, minor commercial districts shall also be allowed to ensure that small neighborhood and communities can easily access their basic needs. Institutional Land Uses The increase in institutional land use allocation can be attributed to the development of a new Government Center. A total of 94.18 ha. of land will be designated for institutional uses to further expand the facilities and services of the LGU. This allocation is to support the city’s drive for efficient and improved public services. Industrial Land Uses Being part of the industrial center of the province and region, a total industrial land area of 116.89 ha. will be allocated to provide additional livelihood opportunities for the people of Imus. An additional 28.80 ha. shall be for the development of an industrial park which will be located in Malagasang, in the southwest portion of the city and away from the residential settlements. This will complement the activities within the area and incorporate the principles of industrial ecology and environmental protection. In order to ensure that industrial uses do not affect adjacent uses, an additional 10.53 ha. of industrial buffer is proposed for new and existing industrial developments. In addition, industries are required to comply with environmental regulations such as the provision of solid and liquid waste management programs and the monitoring of emission and air pollution. Special Area Development Approximately 737.18 ha. of land is allocated for Special Area Development, which will become the Vermosa District. The area is a mixed-used residential, commercial and institutional development envisioned to be a major regional magnet for settlers, employment, commercial establishments, educational institutions and recreational activities. To ensure it’s compliance with the city’s environmental standards, the project shall be accompanied by a Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) which will outlines the proposed land uses, building density and bulk, road layout, and road and sidewalk section details. This CDMP would also include the layout of utilities such as potable water, storm drainage, sewerage, power supply, telecommunications and solid waste management. Parks and Recreation Majority of Parks and Recreation land use type in Imus will come in the form of green open spaces and linear parks (along rivers) that serve as nature’s green lungs in an urban setting. In the proposed land use plan, an additional of 31.95 ha. is projected to account for the open space and recreational needs of the city’s future population in the next ten years. These facilities and spaces shall be supported by a city-wide parks and plaza development program which aims to enhance existing public recreational areas and to connect these via green and walkable corridors. Memorial Parks and Cemeteries To provide for the projected increase in land demand for burial sites and cemeteries, an additional 14.40 ha. will be allotted under the memorial parks and cemeteries land use. The expansion areas shall be located near the existing cemeteries in Toclong and Bayan Luma. Infrastructure and Utilities There is a proposed increase of 6.39 ha. for utilities and other related land uses for the period 2018-2027. These lands will be used for expanding critical facilities and infrastructures related to solid waste, power, water and transportation. The main structures targeted for this land use shall include retarding basins and transport support facilities (i.e., impounding areas and transport terminals). In addition, 0.61 ha. will be appropriated for the development of three new MRFs that will be strategically situated around the city. Roads Roads land areas are expected to increase by 170.56 ha. for the next ten years. This was based on the projected need for a more connected and efficient city circulation. Such outlays, once implemented, would both increase the number of arterial roads and, consequently, improve mobility within the city. Activities for this type of land use would include the development of new roads and the widening of existing ones. Rivers and Waterways Waterways and other natural water bodies shall have the same land area of 64.28 hectares as per the existing land use data. Lands of this type shall be protected from conversion and other negative impacts caused by human activities. Easements and buffers from these water bodies are to be enforced as stated under the Water Code. Portions of these easements shall be allotted for linear parks and pathways. Proposed Overlay Uses Overlay zones are special regulatory tools that facilitate the creation of a special zone or district, placed over existing base zones, which defines special and additional provisions to the latter. Allowable uses within these zones shall consider the special concerns of particular land uses and areas within Imus. These zones aim to enhance an area’s the physical character and form as well as the activities conducted within it by providing necessary regulations and redirecting activities, programs and projects in these special districts. 1. Culture and Heritage Overlay Culture and Heritage Overlay aims to maintain and preserve historic and cultural assets that make up the image and character of the city. Those places that are covered by the Cultural Heritage Overlay include the Poblacion Culture and Heritage District, the Battle of Alapan site, and other historical landmarks. In some cases, especially with historical landmarks and monuments, this regulation would propose a buffer of 20 m. for such sites. 2. Modern Agri-industrial Research and Development Overlay Modern Agri-industrial Research and Development Overlay intends to apportion a section of the city’s agricultural lands for intensified and modernized farming practices. Activities inside this zone shall be supported by an Agro-industrial Research and Development Program to be implemented by the LGU. Areas covered under this zone include a portion of the agricultural land area in Malagasang. 3. Organic Urban Farming Overlay This overlay zone particularly intends to maximize the use of idle lands by using these for production purposes. Portions of Alapan, Carsadang Bato, Bucandala, Bayang Luma, Medicion, Tanzang Luma and Toclong were selected to be part of this. Provisions under this zone aim to incentivize the conversion of these lands into temporary organic urban farms while penalizing owners whose lands remain idle. A community urban gardening program shall be implemented in this overlay zone to capacitate communities and provide initial assistance in establishing urban farms as well as to improve community participation and cooperation. 4. Institutional Hub Overlay The Institutional Hub Overlay shall be located in the new Government Center in Malagasang and aims to ensure that this new complex shall embody the image of Imus as a Premiere City in the region. 5. Cultural Urban Corridor Overlay The Cultural Urban Corridor Overlay shall be implemented along the urban corridor of Aguinaldo Highway in order to improve and enhance this area’s capacity to properly represent the city of Imus. 6. Hazard Overlays Two Hazard Overlays, namely Flood Overlay and Liquefaction Overlay, shall be implemented within the city to avoid/mitigate occurrences of such hazard, minimize its impacts on the different systems of interest, and to protect lives and properties in the identified hazard-susceptible areas. Flood Overlay shall be implemented on areas 20 meters from both sides of major rivers and waterways, and in flood-prone areas of barangays of Pagasa, Medicion, Toclong and Buhay na Tubig as identified in the Flood Susceptibility Map. On the other hand, Liquefaction Overlay shall cover areas in Alapan, Pag-asa, Carsadang Bago, Medicion and Toclong as indicated in the Liquefaction Susceptibility Map. Proposed Overlay Uses Map Proposed Land Use with Overlay Use Map (2018-2027) Agricultural Lands and Land Conversion Another key impact of Imus City’s urbanization is the loss of agricultural lands. In 2017, there was 1071.63 hectares of agricultural lands in Imus, comprising a fifth of the city’s total land area. Seventy-two percent of these are rice farms. The issue needs immediate attention since the agricultural lands of the city decreased by an alarming 37% in from 1990 to 2017. Among the 14 barangays where the farmlands are located, there are just three cases where some growth in size of agricultural land area was observed while the remaining has lost up to 17% of its total agricultural area since 1990. In a span of one year from 2016 to 2017, there has been a decrease from 7583 to 5396 metric tons (-28.8%) in rice production. Rice, among other crops, is an important produce of the city as it is equivalent to a large 15.14% of the total production in the province of Cavite. Through the CLUP, the city government needs to continue allocating land and budget for facilities that support the farmers. These include rice mills, threshers, motorized pumps and flatbed dryers. The local government should also maintain its initiatives such as the Organic Agricultural Program, Technological Demonstrations, and High Value Crops Production training to sustain the agricultural community. To mitigate the effects of the already converted agrarian lands, the government can introduce policies on intensification of production in the remaining farmlands, implement a Sustainable Agricultural Program, and encourage urban farming. Also through the CLUP, a strong monitoring mechanism must enforce strict zoning to preserve remaining agricultural lands. Finally, these crop lands are also exposed to moderate to high risks of flooding and eventual warming due to climate change. The agrarian sector must explore new technological and climate-resistant strategies and support facilities for their crops. The Zoning Ordinance The proposed interventions that would guide the future use and development of various levels of lands allotted for agriculture, residence, institutions, industries, commerce, recreation, roads, and water in Imus City will be legally implemented through the enactment of a detailed 108-page zoning ordinance (ZO). The proposed ZO of Imus City can be considered as an innovative document as it deviated from the usual zoning ordinance that focuses mainly on Euclidean or exclusionary zoning that pigeon holes areas into rather inflexible uses. While the Imus City ZO still employs Euclidean principles, this ordinance combines these with regulations that allow for certain land uses and intensities within specific areas for as long as these comply with performance standards. Aside from principal uses in certain zones, certain uses that are compatible to the main land use, called accessory uses, may be allowed. The proposed ZO also allows for conditional land uses or that may not be necessarily compatible with a principal use but whose possible ill-effects may be mitigated by setting performance standards or regulations. An example of this innovation is how the ZO allows for organic urban farms and community-level commercial centers to exist within residential areas. The proposed ZO also complies with the recent guidelines of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board’s standards pertaining to CDRA principles as it uses hazard overlay zones (i.e., flood, liquefaction) that are overlain on basic zones in order to come up with additional regulation to determine additional allowable uses, building densities, and structural designs. The ZO also employed these overlay zones to identify areas that could be earmarked for agri-industrial research, organic urban farming, culture and heritage, and urban corridors. Once implemented, it is hoped that this innovative approach would lead to not only additional employment for Imusenos, but also diversify the City’s economy. Moreover, the Imus City ZO incentivizes projects that use CCA/DRRM technologies and innovations, such as the use of solar panels, rainwater harvesting, smart urban drainage systems, and green architecture, among others. The Planning Process The formulation of the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) is one of the mandated plans by the Local Government Code of 1991 Section 20(c). The CLUP serve as the long-term strategic development plan of the City of Imus by rationalizing the use of land resources. The CLUP formulation process is consistent with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) standards and guidelines on mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). A group of consultants were hired to provide consultative services in the analysis, formulation and preparation of the CLUP, including the Zoning Map and Sectoral (environmental, social, economic, infrastructure, and institutional) Studies, in accordance with the existing guidelines by the HLURB and other agencies. To check the accuracy of the database, a thorough field collection and validation was facilitated. Also a series of meetings and workshops were conducted during the planning and deliberations of the CLUP’s documentations. The inputs coming from the various stakeholders were also considered as an important proposition in this nine year plan. Period of Implementation The project was started last December 2017 and the following are phases of the project conducted by the City Planning Development Office and CLUP Technical Working Group in coordination with the hired consultants. Phase 1. Preparatory and Profiling 2018 December • Contract Signing • Identification and Creation of the CLUP TWG • Data assessment and collection • CLUP Orientation 2017 to January, Phase 2. Conduct of CDRA and Sectoral Studies March, 2018 February - • Drafting/Revisiting Vision and objectives • Assessing Climate and Disaster Risks • Identifying Sectoral Issues and Gaps • Mapping of Existing Land Uses & Critical Facilities/Points of Interests & Hazard, Exposure, Vulnerability, Capacity databases • Drafting of Sectoral Studies (CLUP Vol.3) Phase 3. Formulation of the Land Use Plan - March-May, 2018 • Presentation and Validation of Sectoral Studies • Consultation and finalization of vision and objectives • Drafting of development strategy Phase 4. Finalization of the Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance May- August, 2018 • Presentation and Validation of Draft Land Use Plan and Proposed Zoning Ordinance (TWG and LCE) • Presentation and Validation of Proposed Policy Intervention, Programs and Projects for the Implementation of the Plan Phase 5. Presentation of Draft CLUP to SP for approval by the LCE November, 2018 • Technical briefing of Draft CLUP to the LCE • Draft CLUP Powerpoint Pesentation • Revised Draft CLUP (integrating inputs from the SP) Phase 6. Public Consultation The public hearing on the Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the City of Imus was conducted last April 23, 2019 at the Imus Sport Complex, Imus, Cavite. It was participated by the different sectors coming from the public and private organizations within the City of Imus. Different government agencies and offices like the Provincial Planning Office of Cavite, Housing Land Use Regulatory Board and other neighboring city/municipality were also invited. The minutes of the meeting and the list of attendees and other important documents were attached as annexes in this executive summary. Phase 7. Approval and Adaptation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plan The Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2018-2027 of the City of Imus, Cavite was approved and adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Imus Cavite through Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 03-2018-260 dated December 03, 2018. While the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Imus Cavite was adopted through Sangguniang Panglungsod Resolution No. 03-115 Series of 2018 dated December 10, 2018. It was then submitted on May, 2019 to the Sangguniang Panglalawigan for final review and adoption. LIST OF ACRONYMS A&D Alienable and Disposable ARCs Agrarian Reform Communities BFP Bureau of Fire Protection BHS Barangay Health Station BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand BPLO Business Permit and Licensing Office BPO Business Processes Outsourcing BPWI BP Waterworks, Inc. BSWM Bureau of Soils and Water Management CALABARZON Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon CALAX Cavite-Laguna Expressway CAO City Agriculturist Office CAVITEX Cavite Expressway CAVSU Cavite State University CBMS Community-based Monitoring System CCA Climate Change Adaptation CCTV Closed-Circuit Television CCVA Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment CDMP Comprehensive Development Master Plan CDP Comprehensive Development Plan CDRA Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment CEO City Engineering Office CITMO City of Imus Traffic Management Office CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan CPDO City Planning and Development Office CSWDO City Social Welfare and Development Office DAR Department of Agrarian Reform DBM Department of Budget and Management DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources DepEd Department of Education DIGITEL Digital Telecommunications Phils., Inc. DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government DO Dissolved Oxygen DOF Department of Finance DOH Department of Health DoT Department of Tourism DoTr Department of Transportation DPWH Department of Public Works and Highway DRA Disaster Risk Assessment DRRM Disaster Risk Reduction and Management DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development EMB Environment Management Bureau GDTS General Development Thrusts and Strategies GHG Greenhouse Gas GIS Geographic Information System GLOBE Globe Telecommunication, Inc. GSS Guadalupe Soil Series GWSI Goodhands Water Specialists, Inc. HDI Human Development Indicators HH Households HLURB Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board HU Housing Unit ICT Information and Communication Technology IEC Information, Education, and Communication IRA Internal Revenue Allotment IRR Implementing Rules and Regulation ISFs Informal Settler Families IT Information Technology IVTS Imus Vocational and Technical School JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency KWH Kilowatt per Hour LDIP Local Development Investment Program LGC Local Government Code LGU Local Government Unit LTO Land Transportation Office MARDD Modern Agri-industrial Research and Development District Maynilad Maynila Water Services Inc. MERALCO Manila Electric Company MGB Mines and Geosciences Bureau MRF Materials Recovery Facility MSMEs Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises MVA Megavolt Amperes NAMRIA National Mapping and Resource Information Authority NBC National Building Code NCCA National Commission for Culture and the Arts NGA National Government Agency NHCP National Historical Commission of the Philippines NPAAAD Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-industrial Development NSO National Statistics Office NWRB National Water Resources Board OUFD Organic Urban Farming District PAGASA Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration PHIVOLCS Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology PLDT Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company PNP Philippine National Police PSA Philippine Statistical Authority PUD Planned Unit Development R&D Research and Development RA Republic Act RDP Regional Development Plan RPFP Regional Physical Framework Plan SAFDZ Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone SGLG Seal of Good Local Governance SMART Smart Telecommunications, Inc. TOD Transit-Oriented Development WQMA Water Quality Management Areas ZO Zoning Ordinance Table of Contents CHAPTER 1. 1 BRIEF PROFILE OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF IMUS 1.1. HISTORY 1.2. GEO-PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 1 6 1.2.1. 1.2.2. 1.2.3. 6 8 11 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION POLITICAL BOUNDARIES TOPOGRAPHY 1.3. GEOLOGY 14 1.3.1. 1.3.2. 16 18 SOILS ACTIVE FAULTS 1.4. LAND RESOURCES 20 1.4.1. LAND CLASSIFICATION 1.4.2. PROTECTED AGRICULTURAL LANDS 1.4.3. LAND COVER 1.4.4. HYDROLOGY AND FRESHWATER RESOURCES 1.4.5. BIODIVERSITY 1.4.6. CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS 1.4.7. SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE CITY OF IMUS TO PARTICULAR HAZARDS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA 1.4.8. DISASTER RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS 1.4.8.1. RISKS TO FLOOD 1.4.8.2. RISKS TO LANDSLIDES 1.4.8.3. RISKS TO OTHER EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED HAZARDS 1.4.9. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 1.4.10. SOLID W ASTE MANAGEMENT 20 20 22 24 28 28 31 37 37 38 40 40 42 1.5. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE 1.6. SOCIAL SECTOR 42 47 1.6.1. 1.6.2. 1.6.1. 1.6.2. 1.6.3. 1.6.4. 47 48 50 53 54 56 SOCIAL SUB-SECTOR: EDUCATION SOCIAL SUB-SECTOR: HEALTH AND SANITATION SOCIAL SUB-SECTOR: HOUSING SOCIAL SUB-SECTOR: SOCIAL W ELFARE SERVICES SOCIAL SUB-SECTOR: PROTECTIVE SERVICES SOCIAL SUB-SECTOR: SPORTS AND RECREATION 1.7. ECONOMIC SECTOR 57 1.7.1. 1.7.2. 1.7.3. 1.7.4. 57 59 61 63 ECONOMIC SUB-SECTOR: AGRICULTURE ECONOMIC SUB-SECTOR: COMMERCE AND TRADE ECONOMIC SUB-SECTOR: INDUSTRY ECONOMIC SUB-SECTOR: CULTURE, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM 1.8. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR 64 1.8.1. 1.8.2. 1.8.3. 1.8.4. 64 69 74 76 INFRASTRUCTURE SUB-SECTOR: TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE SUB-SECTOR: POWER INFRASTRUCTURE SUB-SECTOR: W ATER INFRASTRUCTURE SUB-SECTOR: INFORMATION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CHAPTER 2. 78 GENERAL LAND USE STUDIES 2.1. GENERAL LAND USES 2.2. LAND USE PATTERN AND TRENDS 2.3. LAND USE ISSUES AND CONCERNS 78 81 84 2.3.1. 2.3.2. 2.3.3. 2.3.4. 84 85 85 85 UNMANAGED URBAN EXPANSION SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE OF UNPRODUCTIVE IDLE AND VACANT LANDS INADEQUATE EQUITABLE HOUSING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CLIMATE-RELATED AND HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS 2.3.5. PRESSURE ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 2.3.6. NON-INTEGRATION OF URBAN GREENING DESIGNS AND PRACTICES 2.3.7. ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AFFECTING NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS 2.3.8. LIMITED ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THAT WOULD SUSTAIN EMPLOYMENT OF LOCALS 2.3.9. POTENTIAL THREAT TO FOOD SECURITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY 2.3.10. INADEQUATE PROMOTION, PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF HERITAGE AND CULTURE 2.3.11. LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT THRUSTS AND NEEDS 2.3.12. BOUNDARY DISPUTES 86 86 87 88 88 88 89 89 2.4. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS AND OPPORTUNITIES 90 2.4.1. 2.4.2. GATEWAY TO METRO MANILA AND OTHER MAJOR URBAN CENTERS SUSTAINED DEMAND IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING 90 PRODUCTS 2.4.3. DEMAND FOR EQUITABLE HOUSING DUE TO POPULATION INCREASE 2.4.4. LABOR FORCE SURPLUS 2.4.5. INCREASED DEMAND FOR COMMERCIAL AND ICT SERVICES, FINANCE, AND TRADE ACTIVITIES 2.4.6. CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR HISTO-CULTURAL TOURISM 2.4.7. AVAILABILITY OF URBAN FARMING TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES 2.4.8. AVAILABILITY OF LANDS FOR FUTURE URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2.4.9. GOOD FISCAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL HEALTH STATUS 91 91 91 92 92 92 93 93 2.5. FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF THE CITY 94 2.5.1. 2.5.2. 94 95 ROLE IN CAVITE PROVINCE ROLE IN SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION CHAPTER 3. 97 THE COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN 3.1. VISION AND MISSION 3.2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 3.3. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 97 98 103 3.3.1. 3.3.2. 104 REVITALIZATION OF IMUSEÑOS CULTURE AND HERITAGE EXPANSION AND GENERATION OF A WIDE RANGE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES 3.3.3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY AS MAGNET FOR TOURISTS AND CITY-GOERS 3.3.4. MAKE THE IMUSEÑOS PEOPLE THE FOUNDATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROVINCE 3.3.5. DEVELOPMENT OF LIVELIER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES 3.3.6. INCORPORATION OF GREEN STRATEGIES IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT 3.3.7. IMPROVEMENT AND PROVISION OF VITAL INFRASTRUCTURES 3.3.8. ESTABLISHMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL AND CIVIC CENTERS 3.3.9. CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER RESILIENCY 104 105 106 106 107 107 108 109 3.4. PLANNING CONCEPTS AND SPATIAL STRATEGIES 110 3.4.1. 3.4.2. 3.4.3. 3.4.4. 3.4.5. 3.4.6. 3.4.7. 110 110 111 111 112 112 113 MULTI-NODAL DEVELOPMENT URBAN CORRIDORS COMPACT, GREEN, AND WALKABLE TOWN CONCEPT COMPLETE NEIGHBORHOODS CONCEPT RECTILINEAR DEVELOPMENT INTEGRATED MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY 3.5. LAND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS 3.6. STRUCTURE PLAN 113 120 3.6.1. DISTRICTS (GROWTH NODES) 3.6.1.1. SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (VERMOSA DISTRICT) 3.6.1.2. CULTURE AND HERITAGE DISTRICTS 3.6.1.3. NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER 3.6.1.4. AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS 3.6.1.5. INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT 3.6.1.6. SOCIALIZED HOUSING DISTRICT 3.6.2. URBAN CORRIDOR 3.6.3. CIRCULATION SYSTEM 3.6.3.1. MAJOR ARTERIAL ROADS 122 124 128 135 137 143 146 146 147 150 3.6.3.2. BIKE LANES AND W ALKWAYS 3.6.3.3. TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT FACILITIES 3.6.4. SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURES AND UTILITIES 3.6.4.1. MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITIES 3.6.4.2. RETARDING BASINS 3.6.5. PROTECTION AREAS 150 151 153 153 153 153 3.7. PROPOSED LAND USE 155 3.7.1. RESIDENTIAL LAND USES 3.7.2. AGRICULTURAL LAND USES 3.7.3. COMMERCIAL LAND USES 3.7.4. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USES 3.7.5. INDUSTRIAL LAND USES 3.7.6. SPECIAL AREA DEVELOPMENT 3.7.7. PARKS AND RECREATION 3.7.8. MEMORIAL PARKS AND CEMETERIES 3.7.9. INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES 3.7.10. ROADS 3.7.11. RIVERS AND W ATERWAYS 157 157 158 158 158 159 159 159 160 160 160 3.8. PROPOSED OVERLAY USES 160 3.8.1. 3.8.2. 3.8.3. 3.8.4. 3.8.5. 3.8.6. 161 161 161 162 162 162 CULTURE AND HERITAGE OVERLAY MODERN AGRI-INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ORGANIC URBAN FARMING OVERLAY INSTITUTIONAL HUB OVERLAY CULTURAL URBAN CORRIDOR OVERLAY HAZARD OVERLAYS 3.9. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 166 3.9.1. ZONING ORDINANCE 3.9.2. OTHER REGULATORY MEASURES 3.9.2.1. IMPOSITION OF GRADUATED OR SELECTIVE IDLE LAND TAX 3.9.2.2. SPECIAL BENEFIT LEVY 3.9.2.3. SOCIALIZED HOUSING TAX 3.9.2.4. EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS 3.9.3. PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS 3.9.4. LEGISLATION AND ORDINANCES 3.9.5. CO-MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS 3.9.6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 166 167 167 167 168 168 168 173 173 174 List of Tables TABLE 1. AREA PER BARANGAY ...........................................................................................................................................11 TABLE 2. SOIL CLASSIFICATION ............................................................................................................................................16 TABLE 3. PROTECTED AGRICULTURAL LANDS ..........................................................................................................................22 TABLE 4. LAND COVER.......................................................................................................................................................22 TABLE 5. SEASONAL TEMPERATURE INCREASES (IN °C) IN 2020 AND 2050 UNDER MEDIUM-RANGE EMISSION SCENARIO IN PROVINCES IN CAVITE .........30 TABLE 6. SEASONAL RAINFALL CHANGE (IN %) IN 2020 AND 2050 UNDER MEDIUM-RANGE EMISSION SCENARIO IN PROVINCES IN CAVITE ...................31 TABLE 7. RESULTS OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS ...............................................................................................................41 TABLE 8. POPULATION PER BARANGAY AND AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE, 2015 ...........................................................................43 TABLE 9. HOUSING SITUATION FOR THE PAST CENSAL YEARS ....................................................................................................51 TABLE 10. LAND AREA OCCUPIED BY SUBDIVISIONS, 2013 AND 2014 .......................................................................................51 TABLE 11. INFORMAL SETTLEMENT AREAS ............................................................................................................................52 TABLE 12. PROJECTED HOUSING NEEDS................................................................................................................................52 TABLE 13. FIRE INCIDENCE, 2012-2017 ..............................................................................................................................54 TABLE 14. CRIME INCIDENCE, 2011-2014 ...........................................................................................................................55 TABLE 15. CURRENT AND PROJECTED REQUIREMENT FOR POLICE ..............................................................................................55 TABLE 16. CURRENT AND PROJECTED REQUIREMENT FOR FIRE FORCE ........................................................................................55 TABLE 17. CURRENT AND PROJECTED REQUIREMENT FOR JAIL PERSONNEL ..................................................................................56 TABLE 18. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN IMUS ........................................................................................................................56 TABLE 19. AGRICULTURAL LAND AREA OF CITY OF IMUS, 2017 ................................................................................................57 TABLE 20. AGRARIAN RELATED CONCERNS, 2017 ..................................................................................................................58 TABLE 21. AGRICULTURE RELATED PROJECTS, APPROVED/ FUNDED FOR IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................59 TABLE 22. NUMBER OF BUSINESS PERMITS GRANTED, 2013-2017 ..........................................................................................60 TABLE 23. NUMBER OF BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, 2016-2017 .............................................................................................60 TABLE 24. INVENTORY OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT, 2017..................................................................................................61 TABLE 25. INDUSTRIAL LAND INTENSITY STANDARDS (LIGHT INTENSITY)......................................................................................62 TABLE 26. CULTURAL AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES/ FESTIVALS .....................................................................................................63 TABLE 27. INVENTORY OF ROADS BY SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION AND TYPE OF PAVEMENT, 2016 .......................................................66 TABLE 28. INVENTORY OF BRIDGES BY LOCATION AND TYPE, 2017 ............................................................................................66 TABLE 29. PROJECTED URBAN ROAD REQUIREMENT BASED ON POPULATION TRENDS ...................................................................67 TABLE 30. INVENTORY OF LAND TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES BY TYPE, 2017 ...............................................................................68 TABLE 31. SERVICE ROUTES OF BUSES AND JEEPNEYS REGISTERED WITHIN THE CITY OF IMUS, 2017 ................................................68 TABLE 32. HOUSEHOLDS SERVED WITH ELECTRICITY FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS .......................................................................70 TABLE 33. NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS BY TYPE OF USERS AND AVERAGE CONSUMPTION (KWH/MO.) FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS .....71 TABLE 34. PROJECTED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS BY TYPE OF USERS AND AVERAGE CONSUMPTION ...............................................72 TABLE 35. PROPOSED POWER RELATED PROJECTS, IDENTIFIED POWER, AND PROJECTED POWER DEMAND FOR THE CITY OF IMUS ........73 TABLE 36. LEVEL III LOCAL WATERWORKS SYSTEM BY TYPE AND NUMBER OF CONSUMERS AND AVERAGE WATER CONSUMPTION, 2015 ..................74 TABLE 37. PROJECTED WATER REQUIREMENT BY TYPE OF USER AND AVE. MONTHLY CONSUMPTION, 2015 ....................................75 TABLE 38. TELEPHONE, MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS, 2017 ................................................................................76 TABLE 39. EXISTING LAND USE OF IMUS, 2017 .....................................................................................................................79 TABLE 40. EXISTING LAND USE COMPARATIVE MATRIX ...........................................................................................................81 TABLE 41. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF IMUS ....................................................................................99 TABLE 42. EXISTING AND PROPOSED LAND USES MATRIX (2018-2027) OF THE CITY OF IMUS .....................................................155 List of Figures FIGURE 1. LOCATION MAP OF IMUS .......................................................................................................................................7 FIGURE 2. BARANGAY BOUNDARY MAP ..................................................................................................................................9 FIGURE 3. IMUS CLUSTER MAP ...........................................................................................................................................10 FIGURE 4. SLOPE CLASSIFICATION MAP.................................................................................................................................13 FIGURE 5. GEOLOGY MAP ..................................................................................................................................................15 FIGURE 6. GENERAL SOIL CLASSIFICATION MAP......................................................................................................................17 FIGURE 7. ACTIVE FAULT MAP ............................................................................................................................................19 FIGURE 8. STRATEGIC AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ZONE MAP ...........................................................................21 FIGURE 9. LAND COVER MAP .............................................................................................................................................23 FIGURE 10. NATURAL WATERWAYS MAP..............................................................................................................................25 FIGURE 11. GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY MAP .....................................................................................................................27 FIGURE 12. PHILIPPINES CLIMATE MAP ................................................................................................................................29 FIGURE 13.FLOOD HAZARD MAP ........................................................................................................................................32 FIGURE 14. LANDSLIDE HAZARD MAP ..................................................................................................................................34 FIGURE 15. GROUND SHAKING HAZARD MAP ........................................................................................................................35 FIGURE 16. LIQUEFACTION HAZARD MAP .............................................................................................................................36 FIGURE 17. ROAD NETWORK MAP ......................................................................................................................................65 FIGURE 18. EXISTING MERALCO POWER FACILITIES FOR IMUS CITY .........................................................................................73 FIGURE 19. GENERAL LAND USE MAP, 2017 ........................................................................................................................81 FIGURE 20. ZONING MAP OF IMUS, 2007-2017 ...................................................................................................................83 FIGURE 21. LAND SUITABILITY MAP – POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS ..................................................................................115 FIGURE 22. POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS MAP..............................................................................................................116 FIGURE 23. LAND SUITABILITY MAP – POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT AREAS ...............................................................................117 FIGURE 24. POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT AREAS MAP ..........................................................................................................119 FIGURE 25. STRUCTURE PLAN MAP, CITY GOVERNMENT OF IMUS ...........................................................................................121 FIGURE 26. DISTRICT STRUCTURE PLAN MAP.......................................................................................................................123 FIGURE 27. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT SITE – VERMOSA .............................................................124 FIGURE 28. PROPOSED SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT LAND USE MAP .................................................................................125 FIGURE 29. VERMOSA PLANNED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT .......................................................................................................126 FIGURE 30. DE LASALLE SANTIAGO ZOBEL - VERMOSA CAMPUS .............................................................................................126 FIGURE 31. VERMOSA SPORTS AND LIFESTYLE COMPLEX .......................................................................................................127 FIGURE 32. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE POBLACION CULTURE AND HERITAGE DISTRICT SITE ............................................................129 FIGURE 33. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE ALAPAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE DISTRICT SITE ................................................................129 FIGURE 34. PROPOSED POBLACION CULTURE AND HERITAGE LAND USE MAP............................................................................130 FIGURE 35. PROPOSED ALAPAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE LAND USE MAP ................................................................................131 FIGURE 36. POBLACION CULTURE AND HERITAGE DISTRICT CONCEPT .......................................................................................132 FIGURE 37. URBAN HERITAGE STRIP DESIGN CONCEPT ..........................................................................................................133 FIGURE 38. MAP OF PROPOSED NETWORK OF PARK, OPEN SPACES AND TOURISM SITES .............................................................134 FIGURE 39. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER SITE ...................................................................................135 FIGURE 40. PROPOSED GOVERNMENT DISTRICT LAND USE MAP .............................................................................................136 FIGURE 41. CONCEPT DESIGN OF THE NEW IMUS CITY HALL ...................................................................................................137 FIGURE 42. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE MODERN AGRI-INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT SITE .............................138 FIGURE 43. PROPOSED MODERN AGRI-INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT LAND USE MAP .................................139 FIGURE 44. MODERN URBAN AGRI-INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY CONCEPT ..............................................140 FIGURE 45. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE NORTH-CENTRAL ORGANIC URBAN FARMING DISTRICT SITE ................................................141 FIGURE 46. SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE TOCLONG-MEDICION ORGANIC URBAN FARMING DISTRICT SITE ...........................................141 FIGURE 47. PROPOSED NORTH-CENTRAL ORGANIC URBAN FARMING DISTRICT LAND USE MAP ...................................................142 FIGURE 48. PROPOSED TOCLONG-MEDICION ORGANIC URBAN FARMING DISTRICT LAND USE MAP ..............................................143 FIGURE 49. SATELLITE IMAGE OF IMUS INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT SITE............................................................................................144 FIGURE 50. PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT LAND USE MAP .................................................................................................145 FIGURE 51. CITY OF IMUS ECO-INDUSTRIAL PARK CONCEPT DESIGN ........................................................................................146 FIGURE 52. HERITAGE URBAN CORRIDOR CONCEPT, EMILIO AGUINALDO HIGHWAY, IMUS ..........................................................147 FIGURE 53. PROPOSED CIRCULATION NETWORK MAP ...........................................................................................................149 FIGURE 54. LINEAR PARKS DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT, ISABEL BRIDGE .......................................................................................151 FIGURE 55. INTEGRATED MULTI-MODAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINAL CONCEPT DESIGN ..........................................................152 FIGURE 56. OPEN ELEVATED PARKING SPACES CONCEPT DESIGN ............................................................................................152 FIGURE 57. GENERAL LAND USE PLAN (2018-2027), CITY OF IMUS .......................................................................................156 FIGURE 58. PROPOSED OVERLAY USES MAP........................................................................................................................164 FIGURE 59. GENERAL LAND USE PLAN 2018-2027 WITH OVERLAY ZONES MAP .......................................................................165 Chapter 1. BRIEF PROFILE OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF IMUS 1.1. History The Province of Cavite is considered as one of the Cradles of Philippine Independence. Like other towns in the historical province, the City of Imus has a colorful past. From the late sixteenth century, the colonial resettlement program designed to integrate Filipinos with the religious and political institutions of the Spaniards was implemented across wide areas of what came to be known in 1614 as the Province of Cavite. The towns of Silang, Cavite Viejo (present-day Kawit), Cavite Puerto and San Roque, as well as the settlements of Indang and Bacoor were established between 1595 and 1671. The second phase of town development occurred more than 50 years later between 1727 to 1779 wherein the communities of Maragondon, Francisco de Malabon, Sta. Cruz de Malabon (Tanza), Imus, and Naic were officially recognized. Incidentally, Imus was established during the latter part of this period, in 1775. (MacAndrew, 1994). These towns became centers of religious and economic activities in the first centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Imus was initially a “visita” of Cavite Viejo, one of the oldest administrative units of Cavite. The latter was initially under the administration of the Jesuits until 1686 when the Recollects took over. Efforts were then directed in seeking emancipation from the ecclesiastical and civil administration of Cavite Viejo, until Imus was completely autonomous and became an independent town. 1 The ecclesiastical land that tied Imus to Cavite Viejo since the early part of the 17th century was covered by the Royal Order of October 30, 1776. This Royal Decree was considered as the first step in the creation of the Municipality of Imus. It ordered the rebuilding of the Recollect Church and a convent in Imus. The Recollects, not content with the religious emancipation of Imus from Cavite Viejo, sought for its political separation which was attained when the former became an independent municipality in 1795. By the end of the Spanish era, Cavite’s lowlands were occupied by five (5) friar estates: the haciendas of Imus (Recollects), San Francisco de Malabon (Augustinians), San Nicolas (Recollects), Sta. Cruz de Malabon (Dominicans) and Naic (Dominicans). These friar estates were greatly resisted by the indigenous population as these were perceived as a form of denial of their rights to access and control their land resources. This disenchantment with these friar lands and the onerous arrangements that the Cavitenos had to endure became a source of agrarian unrest. This discontent eventually spilled over into open rebellion during the Revolution of 1896, wherein the people of Imus played an active role and the settlement itself became the site of several important events. 2 The historical heritage of Imus is best exemplified by the first battle of the Philippine Revolution that led to the defeat of the Spanish forces. The town also stood witness to the rise of Emilio Aguinaldo from a mere flag lieutenant to a general and an acknowledged leader of the Katipunan. The first flag of the Revolution was, in fact, unfurled and blessed in a mass held in Imus. It was also on a site that is now Barangay Alapan I, on May 28, 1898, wherein the first likeness of the current Philippine Flag, the one sewn in Hongkong, was raised to commemorate a victory over the Spaniards in what is called the Battle of Alapan. The said confrontation is considered to have stemmed the tide and snatched what was then a faltering revolution from total collapse as it perked up the morale of the Katipuneros throughout the towns of Cavite and the whole of Luzon. 3 While the 1900s ushered in the American era, the Second World War from 1941 to 1945 resulted in tremendous economic and social hardship and loss, which continued until the Japanese occupation. From the ruins of the Japanese Occupation, the need to rebuild, organize and bring back order to Imus was successfully undertaken. This marked the gradual rise of the municipality and its metamorphosis from a sleepy town to a very dynamic settlement. Before the late 1970s, capital investment in Imus and in the whole Cavite Province was negligible. This all changed beginning in the 1980s when huge capital outlays were channeled into the municipality that led to the rapid transformation of its countryside into industrial estates, agribusiness farms and residential subdivisions. By 1986, the Municipality of Imus had developed to the point wherein it was classified as a First-Class Municipality. The further development and urbanization of Imus in the succeeding decades became the basis for a plebiscite on 30 June 2012 for its citizens to decide if they wished their town to become a component city. On June 30,2012, a plebiscite was conducted to determine if a majority of the town’s voters were in favor changing Imus’s status to that of a city, and an overwhelming 20,438 out of 22, 742 Imuseños voted in the affirmative. The current decade has seen the further economic and demographic expansion of Imus. Managed by a team of youthful politicians and technocrats, the City Government has put in place programs and projects designed to uplift the living standards of a population nearing the million mark. In spite of their City’s transition into an industrial and urbanized society, the Imuseños remain true to the values of their forefathers. This explains its residents’ passionate devotion to the Philippine Flag waving valiantly as a symbol of courage and triumph come Wagayway Festival and the City’s title as “FLAG CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES”. 5 1.2. Geo-physical Environment 1.2.1. Geographical Location The City of Imus is a landlocked settlement located in the northeastern portion of the Province of Cavite located between between 14°21’16.236” to 14°26’47.976” North latitude and 120°53’31.308” to 120°58’54.588” East latitude. It is bounded on the northeast by the City of Bacoor, on the northwest by Kawit, on the south by the City of Dasmariñas, on the southwest by the City of General Trias and on the east by the City of Muntinlupa. It is very near Metro Manila as it is only 18 kilometers from the City of Manila itself and even closer to the cities of Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, and Paranaque (See Figure 1). 6 Figure 1. Location Map of Imus 7 1.2.2. Political Boundaries Imus is a first-class component city under the 3rd Congressional District (lone district) of the Province of Cavite. It is composed of 97 barangays covering a total land area of 5,314.60 hectares based on their cadastral map. These settlements were grouped into nine (9) clusters to facilitate rapid flow of communications and interactions (See Figures 2 and 3 and Table 2.). Historically, Imus was part of a vast agglomeration of lands that made up the Imus Estate. Its 9,701 hectares included present-day Imus as well as portions of land spread over the local government units Bacoor, Dasmariñas, and Carmona in Cavite Province up to Las Piñas City of the National Capital Region. Currently, the City still claims some of these areas. If these disputed lands would be considered, the City should have a total land area of 6,470 hectares. 8 Figure 2. Barangay Boundary Map 9 Figure 3. Imus Cluster Map 10 Table 1. Area per Barangay 1.2.3. Topography 11 Imus is mainly composed of lowland and alluvial plains due to its low elevation and slope values. Its highest elevation of 70 meters above sea level is located at the southeast portion of the City. In terms of slope, the northern and central portions of Imus are generally flat at less than 3% (level to nearly level) and its southern part is gently sloping to undulating with slopes of 3% to 5% (See Figure 4). Figure 4. Slope Classification Map 13 1.3. Geology Northwestern Imus is covered by alluvial deposits of sand, silt and clay, or loose and eroded materials, usually from rivers, that have been set down or cemented into a lithological unit. Such materials are usually located at the lower part of a river’s course, forming floodplains and deltas. The central and southern parts of Imus are covered with agglomerates of sandy tuff and cinder beds which consists of volcanic ash, glass shards and angular pebbles, scoria, cobbles of pumice (See Figure 5). 14 Figure 5. Geology Map 15 1.3.1. Soils Imus has soil that belongs to what is called the Guadalupe Soil Series (GSS) (See Figure 6). GSS is usually situated in lowlands with slopes that are level to nearly level. This type of soil is utilized mostly for lowland rice, corn, and root crops. The Guadalupe series is further categorized into four soil classifications based on the dominating size of the particles and texture of the soil. The soil descriptions and area coverage’s of these soil types are indicated in Table 2 below. Table 2. Soil Classification Soil Classification Area (ha.) 1. Guadalupe Clay 2,852.96 2. Guadalupe Clay Adobe 1,293.89 3. Guadalupe Clay Loam 739.96 4. Guadalupe Silt Loam 159.97 Description Guadalupe clay soil covers the northern and central portion of Imus. Clay soils have the smallest particles and are usually plate-shaped instead of spherical, allowing for an increase specific surface area. Because of these, clay soils can hold a high amount of water and can drain slowly causing longer durations in warming up and drying out. Guadalupe clay adobe is a mix between clay and adobe soils. It is located in the south-eastern portion of the city. Adobe soils are described as soils with high clay content and proportions of sand that when mixed into mud then dried out it forms a brick or wall. This soils also swell and shrink dramatically and bare ground commonly has cracks in it. This soil classification is a mix between clay and loam soils and is located in the south-western location of the city. Clay loam is a mixture of sand, silt and predominantly clay that are combined to avoid the negative effects of each type. These soils are fertile, easy to work with and provide good drainage and best for planting crops. Silt loam is located in a small portion in the north-eastern part of the city. This classification is a mixture of the three major soil types which is sand, silt and clay with silt having the dominant proportion. Silt soil are light and moisture retentive soil with a high fertility rating. These soils comprise of medium sized particles that are well drained but can be easily compacted and prone to washing away with rain. Source: BSWM 16 Figure 6. General Soil Classification Map 17 1.3.2. Active Faults Fortunately, Imus is not transected by any known active faults that could cause earthquakes generated by the movement of tectonic plates. However, it is just 12 kilometers away from the nearest fault which is the West Valley Fault System in Muntinlupa City (See Figure 7). 18 Figure 7. Active Fault Map 19 1.4. Land Resources Based on the 1990 survey and official map of Imus, the City has a total land area of 6,470 hectares, of which 1,155 hectares is being disputed with other local governments. This leaves 5,314.60 hectares within the city’s jurisdiction that is currently allotted to various uses and land cover, majority of which is urban in nature. 1.4.1. Land Classification All lands within the City are classified as alienable and disposable (A & D) and are intended for urban, economic and demographic developments. These are further divided into built-up and production areas such as agricultural lands. Of these lands, only 1,701.63 hectares or 20.16% of the total land area is devoted to agriculture and other production purposes. It should be noted, however, that majority of the agricultural lands had been reclassified into urban uses in its previous land use plan. 1.4.2. Protected Agricultural Lands Based on the Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ) Map indicated in the previous CLUP, three (3) development zones were delineated to ensure efficient and sustainable utilization of land for food/non-food production and agro-industrialization: the a) SAFDZ, b) the remaining Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-industrial Development (NPAAAD) areas, and c) the watershed/forestry zone. The total land area of these zones exceeds that of the existing agricultural lands. SAFDZs are lands within the NPAAAD areas that serve as centers for agricultural development and that are to be utilized in an environmentally and socio-culturally sound manner. These includes those areas that: a) have a competitive advantage in the cultivation, culture, production of particular crops; b) are strategic locations of area for infrastructure and industrial complex; c) strategic locations for market development and networking; and d) have a dominant presence of agrarian reform communities (ARCs). The City’s 2,181 hectare SAFDZ is in the western portion of Imus, transecting barangays Alapan II-A, Alapan II-B, Malagasang I-G, Malagasang II-A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Currently, about a quarter of the SAFDZ has already been converted into residential and other urban uses, a situation that resulted from the designation of residential zones in portions of this area in the previous CLUP. 20 Figure 8. Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone Map 21 Table 3. Protected Agricultural Lands Classification 1. SAFDZ 2. Remaining NPAAAD area 3. Watershed/forestry zone Source: BSWM Area (in hectares) 2181 1884 138 % 22.17% 19.42% 1.42% The remaining NPAAAD areas are agricultural areas that have been identified by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, and these include irrigated and irrigable lands, alluvial plains highly suitable for agriculture, and other agricultural lands that are ecological fragile but were not designated as SAFDZ. Protection of these areas would help ensure the efficient utilization of land for agriculture and promote sustainable growth. The NPAAAD area is in the eastern portion of the city and covers about 1,884 hectares. Currently, only a small portion have been converted into residential and other urban uses. In fact, majority of the NPAAD areas are idle lands that have been reclassified into industrial and commercial zones in the previous CLUP. The Watershed/Forestry Zone is the area along the Alang-Ylang River in the western portion of the city. It has a total land area of 138 hectares. This zone was identified to ensure protection of existing and potential sources of water and recharge areas of major aquifers for irrigation of agricultural lands. 1.4.3. Land Cover The City of Imus has four (4) land cover classifications, namely, a) built-up areas, b) cultivated lands for both annual and perennial crops, c) fishponds, and d) natural grasslands (See Map 1.9). Built-up areas make up 52.53 % of the City’s territory (2,651.11 ha.), followed by cultivated lands which covers an additional 2,177.45 ha. or 43.21 % of the total land area. The area coverage of the other classifications is indicated in Table 4 Table 4. Land Cover Land Cover 1. Built-up area 2. Cultivated land – annual crop 3. Cultivated land – perennial crop 4. Natural grassland 5. Fishpond Source: NAMRIA Area (in hectares) 2,651.11 2,174.70 2.75 211.46 3.28 22 % 52.53% 43.16% .054% 4.19% 0.06% Figure 9. Land Cover Map 23 1.4.4. Hydrology and Freshwater Resources Imus has an abundant supply of surface and groundwater resources. The City is transected by various rivers and creeks emanating from the upland areas of Cavite towards Manila Bay. Being an alluvium plain area, Imus is a groundwater basin that has several aquifers and aquicludes. The City’s three rivers – Imus, AIang-Ylang and Julian -also have their own mini-watershed that directs the movement of water from south to north. The aforementioned rivers have recently been designated as Water Quality Management Areas (WQMA) in order to maintain and manage the quality of these tributaries. These waterways are currently classified as Class C Rivers whose waters can be used for fishery, class II recreational activities (i.e., boating), and industry (Class I -manufacturing process after treatment). At present, these channels are used for domestic and agricultural uses. Imus River, the City’s main tributary, stretches 106.29 kilometers. From the upland areas of the municipality of Silang, the river passes through the barangays of Anabu I and II, Tanzang Luma, Palico and Toclong II. Its widest area is 50 meters while its deepest portions extend to 3-4 meters deep. Julian River traverses barangays Malagasang I and II, Bucandala, Bayan Luma, Carsadang Bago, Medicion I and Toclong II before connecting with Imus River. Alang-Ylang River, on the other hand, transects the cities of Dasmariñas, General Trias, Imus, Noveleta and Kawit, and originates from the municipality of Amadeo and Silang. It has a total length of 68.40 km. and an average width of 14 m. It passes through the Barangays of Malagasang II, Alapan II, Pag-asa and the Municipality of Noveleta along the western edge of the City. 24 Figure 10. Natural Waterways Map 25 Due to the loss of natural drainages and creeks caused by rapid urban development, the City have partnered with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to develop retarding basins or artificial ponds that would temporarily store the surface and river flood discharge coming from the Imus, Julian and Bacoor Rivers. The City of Imus has geological make up of water-bearing rocks, gravel, and sand has bequeathed the area with high-yielding water aquifers that could serve as major water sources once these are accessed via deep and shallow wells (See Figure 11). Unfortunately, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) also noted that Imus’s northern portion already suffers from saltwater intrusion and ground subsidence as groundwater resources in the said area are being extracted unsustainably. It is imperative for the local government to properly regulate and manage the extraction of groundwater in Imus. Moreover, such efforts should be complemented by the development and maintenance of green areas that would aid in absorbing rain and river water to replenish overdrawn aquifers as well as introduce policies that would incentivize households, businesses, and institutions to reduce and recycle the water that these places consume. 26 Figure 11. Groundwater Availability Map 27 Currently, Maynilad, one of the main water providers of the city, operates six (6) deep well pumping stations that serves 28 barangays of the City. These wells produce 26,845,921 liters per day. In addition to these deep wells, almost 100 shallow wells are scattered across the city that provide the people with water. 1.4.5. Biodiversity In general, city’s flora and fauna are limited to those commonly found in agricultural and urban ecosystems as there are no known rare and endangered species within its territory. In areabased management sites along its river systems, there have been various species of trees, agricultural plants, grasses, palms, and ornamental plants that could be utilized for timber production, furniture-making, construction, charcoal-making, food production, and aesthetics. Only common birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are found in the City’s environs. Moreover, due to pollution, only fish such as hito, tilapia, gurami, papis, and janitor fish could survive in its waterways. 1.4.6. Climate and Climate Change Projections The City of Imus has a Type 1 climate classification which is predominant in areas along the western side of Luzon (See Figure 12.) where there is a pronounced dry (November to April) and wet (May to October) seasons. On the average, the City has a temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius, a humidity rating of 77.5%, and an annual precipitation of 1,932 mm. It is rarely hit by powerful typhoons, which, combined with its other climatological characteristics, make the area conducive for agricultural activities. 28 Figure 12. Philippines Climate Map 29 Like all other settlements in the world, the City of Imus is projected to experience rising temperatures brought about by Climate Change in the coming decades, especially during the summer months (See Table 5). This general warming of average temperatures could lead to reduced rainfall which, in turn, could compromise the City’s ability to replenish and manage its groundwater resources. Table 5. Seasonal temperature increases (in °C) in 2020 and 2050 under medium-range emission scenario in Provinces in Cavite CAVITE Projected Observed Baseline (1971-2000) DJF MAM JJA SON 25.7 28.2 27.3 26.9 Change in 2020 Change in 2050 (2006-2035) (2036-2065) DJF MAM JJA SON DJF MAM JJA SON 1.0 1.2 0.9 1.0 2.0 2.2 1.8 1.9 26.7 29.4 28.2 27.9 27.7 30.4 29.1 28.8 Source: PAGASA, 2011 Climate Change in the coming years could also have other repercussions on the City of Imus and its residents. These include the occurrence of dry spells that could lead to droughts, the reduction of agricultural yield due to intense heat and reduced water supply, and an increase in the incidence of bushfires. The increase in temperatures, along with the development of even more built-up areas in Imus could further lead to an “urban heat island effect” that would increase people’s water and power consumption and result in more incidents of fire and heatrelated diseases (i.e., heat stroke) which can cause death to vulnerable residents. The onset of Climate Change is also expected to lead to less rainfall during the dry months and even greater precipitation during the wet season (See Table 6). The possibility of drought-like conditions from November to April could lead to the over-extraction of groundwater to compensate for the lack of water available for domestic and agricultural use. This situation, in turn, could result in saltwater intrusion and ground subsidence. Conversely, the rainy months could expose the City to an inordinate amount of rainfall and floods that might result in the impairment of basic and vital services delivery, reduce people’s productivity, and expose life and property to damage and even death. This projected excess in rainfall, however, could be an opportunity for the City to replenish their groundwater reserves, provided that they employ the proper water harvesting mechanisms such as water basins and water-impounding structures. 30 Table 6. Seasonal rainfall change (in %) in 2020 and 2050 under medium-range emission scenario in provinces in Cavite CAVITE Projected Observed Baseline (in mm) (1971-2000) DJF MAM JJA SON 124.9 242.8 985.7 579.0 DJF -26.1 92.30 Change in 2020 (2006-2035) MAM JJA -28.2 13.1 174.33 1114.83 SON 0.4 581.32 DJF -19.1 101.04 Change in 2050 (2036-2065) MAM JJA -30.5 24.2 168.75 1224.24 SON 5.9 613.16 Source: PAGASA, 2011 In the coming decades, the City of Imus will likely become vulnerable to the occurrence of dry spells, droughts, as well as floods, all of which could cause losses in terms of lives and property. Such unattractive scenarios mean that Imus should change the way it urbanizes in order to adapt to these probable unfortunate situations. One alternative is to apply the principles of “Green Urbanism” in developing the Imus City’s built and unbuilt environments. Care should be taken in further developing concrete and asphalt-heavy built-up areas and further encroachment of open spaces and lands near river systems should be avoided. Efforts should be made to plant trees, palms and bamboo in available spaces in built-up areas, while a landscaping program should be implemented in open spaces, parks, and idle lands in order to reduce ambient temperatures while improving air quality and availability. The development of a network of green spaces both large and small has been proven to reduce temperatures, provide shade that enhances a settlement’s walkability, induces social interaction, and encourages the development of a more compact city. 1.4.7. Susceptibility of the City of Imus to Particular Hazards by Geographic Area The City of Imus is exposed to several geologic and climatic hazards such as floods, rain-induced landslides, ground-shaking, and liquefaction. Based on the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Hazard Map, the northern half of the City is susceptible to low, moderate, high, and very high levels of flooding. Areas with low hills, gentle slopes, and sparse to moderate drainage density could experience floods reaching less than 0.5 meter and/or a flood duration that would last less than a day. On the other hand, places with a very high flood rating are those that are immediately flooded as these are near active or abandoned river channels, and those around river banks. Such areas are expected to experience flood levels that reach two (2) meters that could last for more than three (3) days. 31 Figure 13.Flood Hazard Map 32 The City of Imus is near flat topography makes it highly unlikely that it would suffer from raininduced landslides .Only the southern portion of the City has a low risk of experiencing minor landslides, but plans and programs should still be formulated and implemented to further minimize the occurrence of these isolated events . Given its proximity to various fault systems and trenches, the City of Imus is susceptible to Intensity Level VIII ground shaking in the event that an earthquake occurs as a result of movement along either the Manila Trench or West Valley Fault. Such a rating means that Imus could experience considerable damage and destruction to even its well-built structures such as buildings, dikes, bridge foundations if such an incident occurs. It could also lead to the toppling of utility posts, bending and breaking of sewer pipes, and cases of ground liquefaction, among others. To mitigate the impacts of ground shaking, the local government should impose strict compliance with the provisions of the National Building Code (NBC), while building an inventory of all government and private structures to identify those that require either retrofitting or outright relocation. Finally, based on the Liquefaction Potential Hazard Map of the PHIVOLCS, the northern half of Imus have structures that may tilt or subside during an earthquake. It should be noted, however, that, there has yet to be a recorded incident of ground liquefaction in the City. The PHIVOLCS map also does not restrict the construction of any building or structure in areas identified as probable liquefaction zones provided that engineering practices are complied with. Nonetheless, it would be prudent to conduct soil-boring tests for medium and high-rise buildings to assess their susceptibility to this hazard as well as ensure strict compliance with the NBC. 33 Figure 14. Landslide Hazard Map 34 Figure 15. Ground Shaking Hazard Map 35 Figure 16. Liquefaction Hazard Map 36 1.4.8. Disaster Risk Assessment Results 1.4.8.1. Risks to Flood All Imus barangays are exposed to the different levels and probability of occurrence of flood hazards, except for Anabu II-A and Malagasang II-F. The different exposed units are further assessed to determine areas that are considered as high risk to flooding. These identified places are major priority decision zones for risk reduction approaches. The following section discusses the flood risks per exposure element: a. Population Based on the population risk assessment, 255,849 persons or 63% of the population who are residing in 95 barangays are exposed to varying levels of flooding. Most of the exposed population are located in the northern half of the city and along major river channels. Almost all were assessed as having low to moderate flooding risks, except for portions of barangays Bayan Luma IX, Medicion I-A and C, Medicion II-A, B, C, D, E and F, Pagasa III, Poblacion II-A, Poblacion III-B, Poblcaion IV-A, Tanzang Luma I, Toclong I-A and C, and Toclong II-A and B which have been labeled as high risk areas. The risk level of these places can be attributed to the high exposure percentage of the population living in high to very high susceptible flood areas. These areas are frequently affected by flooding events and majority are located in the northernmost tip of the city near the convergence point of various rivers and creeks. b. Urban Use Urban uses include residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses, as well as other special uses such as cemetery and informal settlements. Out of the 95 exposed barangays, majority of the areas of Barangays Bayan Luma III and IX, Carsadang Bago I, Medicion I-A, B, C and D, Medicion 2-A, B, C, D, E and F, Pagasa III, Palico III, Poblacion II-A and B, Poblacion III-A and B, Poblacion IV-A and B, Toclong I-A, B and C, and Toclong II-A and B are considered as high risk as a high percentage of exposed urban uses in these places (at least 70%) are moderately to highly susceptible to flood. Based on the assessment, exposure of urban uses to moderate to very high susceptibility flooding sums up to 490.51 hectares for residential uses, 12.83 hectares for commercial uses, 15.37 hectares for institutional uses, 12.51 hectares for industrial, 1.71 hectares for informal settlements and 14.23 hectares for cemeteries across all barangays. c. Natural Resource-based Production Areas 37 The production areas of Alapan I and II, Anabu I and II, Bayan Luma, Bucandala, Buhay na Tubig, Carsadang Bago, Malagasang I and II, Medicion II, Pagasa, Pasong Buaya and Tanzang Luma are deemed exposed to varying levels of flood susceptibility based on the MGB hazard map and assessment. A total of 901.46 hectares are affected by flood events and about 381 families who are dependent on farming are affected. Out of the exposed units, majority are moderately too highly at risk to inundations. This can be attributed to the lack of knowledge on climate and hazard information, the non-use of sustainable production techniques and a very low percentage coverage for irrigation and other agricultural support infrastructures. These indicators need to be improved to enable the farmers and the farmlands to adapt to the impacts of climate change and flood hazards. d. Lifeline Utilities Out of the 95 exposed barangays, only an average exposure percentage of 42.54% for roads and bridges was determined for the different types of flood categories. Majority of the exposed barangays were assessed as moderate risks due mainly to its existing conditions. Travel ways that were assessed as high risk include: barangay roads in Anabu II-F, Bayan Luma I, III, V, VI and IX, Medicion II-A, B, C, D and F, Pagasa III, Palico III and Toclong II-A; provincial roads in Bucandala I, Medicion II-A and C, Pagasa III, Palico I, II, III and IV; and national roads in Medicion II-F, Pagasa III and Palico III. Furthermore, several bridges were also identified as high risk as these traverse rivers which are susceptible to flooding. The high-risk areas are recommended to be further assessed into order to determine the appropriate intervention measures that shall ensure the continuous movement of goods and people, even during such occurrences. e. Critical Facilities Risk assessment indicates that a total of 392 facilities are exposed to different categories of flood susceptibility, majority of which are in the low to moderate susceptibility categories. Of the exposed facilities, 16 were assessed as high risk to flooding. These include the covered court in Bayan Luma III, Legian South School in Bucandala I, Multi-purpose Halls in Malagasang I-F and Tanzang Luma VI, day care centers in Malagasang I-G, Malagasang II-B, Medicion II-A and Toclong II-A, Barangay Halls in Medicion II-B and D, Palico II and III, Pinagbuklod, Tanzang Luma I and Toclong II-A, and Medicion II-D Health Center. Majority of the high-risk facilities are located in places highly to very highly susceptible to flooding and a number of them are structurally in poor condition as they were built in the 1990’s and do not have hazard resistant designs. The rest of the 376 facilities were assessed as having low to moderate risks despite being exposed to hazards due to their good to excellent conditions. 1.4.8.2. Risks to Landslides Almost half of the city is exposed to rain-induced landslides. Out of the nine barangay clusters, Clusters 3, 4, 6, and 9 are almost completely exposed to landslides. Portions of two additional clusters are also exposed to these hazards. In total, 35 of 97 barangays are susceptible to landslides. But since the landslide susceptibility is considered as low, almost all the exposed elements are considered as low risks with some elements assessed as moderate risks. The following provides for the general descriptions of the landslide risks of the different exposed elements: a. Population Based on the population risk assessment, 50.36% of the population are marginally exposed to landslides. Only portions of barangays Anabu II-E, Malagasang II-F and Malagasang II-G were considered moderately prone to landslides due to the presence of informal settlements in these places. b. Urban Use The different urban uses that are exposed to landslide include commercial uses with an exposure percentage of 36.4%, industrial uses (64.5% exposure), residential uses (44.8% exposure), institutional (34.1%) exposure and informal settlements (64.6%). These exposed land uses were marginally at risk to landslide events as majority of the structures in these urban uses are built over concrete and stabilized slopes. c. Nature-based Production Areas Around 1,118.76 ha agricultural lands, comprised of either productive agricultural lands or idle lands that have potential for agricultural production, are exposed to low susceptibility landslides. Based on the risk assessment, majority of the exposed production areas are considered as high risk due to more than half of the exposed agricultural lands are not employed with sustainable production practices and more than half of the farmers have no access to hazard information. In addition, almost all agricultural lands have no irrigation coverage. d. Lifeline Utilities Approximately 84% of the roads within 35 barangays are exposed to landslides. All the national roads and provincial roads were considered as low risks because most are made of concrete. However, some barangay roads have greater susceptibility to landslides, particularly dirt roads and roads with unpaved portions. e. Critical Facilities A total of 208 facilities are exposed to landslides, including schools, government offices, protective services, churches, power utilities, cellular sites, health centers, supermarkets, day care centers, multipurpose halls, and gas stations. These structures were considered low risk given their good to excellent physical condition, except for the Malagasang I-D Barangay Hall which was assessed as being moderately at risk. 1.4.8.3. Risks to other Earthquake-induced Hazards Despite the possible aggravation of the hazards presented by climate change, only flood and rain-induced landslides were fully assessed for its risks. Assessments for other earthquakerelated hazards -ground shaking, ground rupture, tsunami and liquefaction - were not fully detailed given that the City will unlikely be affected by these. It can be inferred that structures non-compliant with the National Building Code (NBC), including old and dilapidated structures, are highly at risk to earthquake hazards. Strict compliance to the NBC is recommended for future construction to lessen the impacts of hazards. A building inventory audit for both government structures and private facilities, should be undertaken to determine building conditions and recommend necessary actions such as retrofitting or relocation. Soil boring tests should be required for all proposed structures reaching three (3) stories and above. Green open space development should be integrated into the city’s future land development as these spaces serve as evacuation areas during earthquakes. 1.4.9. Environmental Quality Rapid urbanization in Imus is expected to further degrade the city’s air and water quality if no interventions are implemented. Anthropogenic factors, such as improper waste disposal, would further aggravate environmental conditions. Studies demonstrate that current air pollution levels along the Aguinaldo Highway are now 2-3 times above acceptable standards as a result of emissions from factories and the inordinate number of vehicles that pass through the said thoroughfare. The local government should ensure that point sources of pollution (i.e.; factories) along the highway are employing proper anti-air pollution safeguards. Decisionmakers should also explore the possibility of establishing and maintaining greenery along major thoroughfare such as Aguinaldo Highway as part of road-based infrastructure. An example of a good plant to utilize is bamboo which has proven to be effective in filtering the quality of air and water in its surroundings, even in space constrained built up areas. 40 Field tests conducted by the DENR Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) of Region IV-A have shown that the waters of Imus and Alang-Ylang Rivers already exceed the DENR standards for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chloride, heavy metals such as Cadmium content. These waters also show a high concentration of fecal and total coliform (See Table 7). This situation has been caused by domestic and industrial wastes that have flowed into these waters due to City’s absence of a centralized sewerage system and in many of the industries it hosts. Compounded the problem is the pollution in the uplands where these river systems originate. Table 7. Results of Physico-Chemical Analysis Name of River Imus River Alang-Ylang River Year 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010 BOD 11.94 11.30 11.86 14.27 13.12 111.47 DO 4.61 4.67 5.13 5.79 5.38 5.13 Color 34.81 25.13 57.67 95.17 28.64 71.63 Parameters pH TSS 7.19 16.00 7.17 63.03 7.68 13.21 7.13 96.53 7.15 44.00 7.06 926.20 DENR Criteria for 6.57(10) 5 c <30 Class C 8.5 Water Source: Imus, Alang-ylang and Rio Grande Rivers WQMA Action Plan NH3 0.35 0.33 0.58 0.24 0.10 0.24 PO4 2.58 1.54 2.06 1.56 0.79 0.77 Cl 692.75 761.80 1839.45 234.23 882.80 1604.13 - - 350 Aside from constructing a centralized sewerage system or ensuring that all residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial areas have functioning sewerage infrastructures, lands along the banks of the City’s rivers and creeks should have a network of reeds, bamboo, trees that would act as a bio-filtration system. This would capture some of the waste and contaminants that enter the waterways of Imus. The City government should also spearhead the relocation of informal settlement families along the river as well as clean up-and dredge its rivers and creeks. Moreover, to ensure the sustainability of clean ups and remediation efforts, a program should be formulated and implemented with the aim of changing the Imus population’s relationship with these waterways. In effect, it should be impressed upon the people that having a clean waterway system that becomes a site of their everyday lives would redound to the cultural, economic, and recreational benefit of their communities 1.4.10. Solid Waste Management The City of Imus in 2015 generated an estimated 177,100 metric tons of garbage, and this would likely increase by 278% or 492,448 metric tons by 2024 due to its projected population growth. Nearly half of the City’s generated wastes are of the residual type (47.43%), while 27% is biodegradable, 25.22% is recyclable, and 0.18% of these is classified as special wastes. More than half of these wastes are recyclable or biodegradable, and, potentially, should no longer reach a dump or landfill. City government has approved a 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (2015-2024) in order to better manage current and future waste concerns. The City government also implements various solid waste programs including waste minimization campaigns, the City Ecology Center (MRF) at Buhay na Tubig, a centralized composting facility at Malagasang I-A and the production of ecological bricks from residual wastes. Imus also has existing facilities for solid waste management such as a controlled dumpsite in Pasong Buaya I and MRFs in 88 out of the 97 barangays. At present, hauling and safe disposal of solid wastes is undertaken by the private company “Coldwell Environmental Care Corporation” that collects garbage by clusters depending on the day of the week. A total of 22 dump trucks (2-big, 19-small, 1-elf truck) and 93 personnel are employed to collect the said wastes. 1.5. Demographic Profile Based on the most recent Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) Census in 2015, the City of Imus has a population of 403,785, making it the third most populous local government unit in Cavite and fifth in the CALABARZON Region. The City is home to an estimated 94,484 households distributed over 97 barangays which, on the average, has 4.1 members each. The most populous of these barangays are Buhay Na Tubig (32,513), Pasong Buaya-II (27,006), and Malagasang II-B (18,028), while the smallest is Poblacion I-B with only 316 inhabitants. Among the City of Imus’ nine clusters of barangays, Cluster 9 (83,734) has the largest population share with roughly 1 out of every 5 persons in the City residing within the said cluster. 42 Table 8. Population per Barangay and Average Household Size, 2015 Barangay Cluster 1 Alapan I-A Alapan I-B Alapan I-C Alapan II-A Alapan II-B Bucandala I Bucandala II Bucandala III Bucandala IV Bucandala V Cluster 2 Carsadang Bago I Carsadang Bago II Pag-asa I Pag-asa II Pag-asa III Medicion I-A Medicion I-B Medicion I-C Medicion I-D Medicion II-A Medicion II-B Medicion II-C Medicion II-D Medicion II-E Medicion II-F Cluster 3 Anabu I-A Anabu I-B Anabu I-C Anabu I-D Anabu I-E Anabu I-F Anabu I-G Cluster 4 Anabu II-A Anabu II-B Anabu II-C Anabu II-D Anabu II-E Anabu II-F Cluster 5 Bayan Luma I Number of Household* 16,110 3,327 1,793 2,054 2,148 747 1,366 534 2,062 822 1,257 11,357 817 4,106 578 1,084 505 377 633 576 294 348 530 380 386 336 407 7,121 1,758 570 1,479 835 644 593 1,242 8,588 730 1,623 1,315 1,083 1,128 2,710 7,044 910 Population 66,053 13,639 7,352 8,422 8,805 3,061 5,602 2,191 8,456 3,372 5,153 46,562 3,350 16,835 2,369 4,445 2,070 1,546 2,596 2,361 1,207 1,425 2,172 1,558 1,583 1,378 1,667 29,196 7,206 2,338 6,062 3,425 2,641 2,432 5,092 35,212 2,991 6,656 5,390 4,440 4,623 11,112 28,882 3,731 43 Average Household Size 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 Barangay Bayan Luma II Bayan Luma III Bayan Luma IV Bayan Luma V Bayan Luma VI Bayan Luma VII Bayan Luma VIII Bayan Luma IX Cluster 6 Bagong Silang Magdalo Maharlika M. Espeleta I M. Espeleta II M. Espeleta III Pinagbuklod Pasong Buaya I Pasong Buaya II Cluster 7 Buhay na Tubig Palico I Palico II Palico III Palico IV Tanzang Luma I Tanzang Luma II Tanzang Luma III Tanzang Luma IV Tanzang Luma V Tanzang Luma VI Cluster 8 Poblacion I-A Poblacion I-B Poblacion I-C Poblacion II-A Poblacion II-B Poblacion III-A Poblacion III-B Poblacion IV-A Poblacion IV-B Poblacion IV-C Poblacion IV-D Toclong I-A Toclong I-B Toclong I-C Toclong II-A Toclong II-B Population 1,770 4,726 2,976 4,884 2,738 3,580 2,500 1,977 45,235 960 4,195 3,941 1,613 1,364 2,206 2,371 1,579 27,006 51,104 32,513 2,174 1,572 599 2,772 1,103 1,653 1,859 2,303 2,287 2,269 17,807 2,141 316 350 767 495 1,014 721 1,279 591 990 1,040 1,240 1,575 1,763 1,049 2,476 Number of Household* 432 1,153 726 1,191 668 873 610 482 11,033 234 1,023 961 393 333 538 578 385 6,587 12,464 7,930 530 383 146 676 269 403 453 562 558 553 4,343 522 77 85 187 121 247 176 312 144 241 254 302 384 430 256 604 Average Household Size 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 Barangay Population Number of Household* 20,423 754 1,216 561 519 550 2,069 3,080 3,361 4,397 1,150 920 418 378 1,049 98,484 Cluster 9 83,734 Malagasang I-A 3,091 Malagasang I-B 4,986 Malagasang I-C 2,299 Malagasang I-D 2,129 Malagasang I-E 2,255 Malagasang I-F 8,483 Malagasang I-G 12,629 Malagasang II-A 13,780 Malagasang II-B 18,028 Malagasang II-C 4,716 Malagasang II-D 3,771 Malagasang II-E 1,715 Malagasang II-F 1,551 Malagasang II-G 4,301 TOTAL 403,785 Source: PSA 2015 Census *Number of households computed based on average household size Average Household Size 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 In terms of age distribution, Imus’s population is quite young and, possibly, a major productive resource and economic driver of the City. In 2015, individuals aged 20-24 years old (9.33%), 1519 (9.27), and 30-34 (9.06%) comprised the largest age groups in the City. Forty-five percent of Imus residents are between the ages of 15-39, a period in an individual’s life cycle wherein one is most active and productive. The potential of this group could be best maximized if they would be provided with the requisite human capital investments (i.e.: education, healthcare) and an environment conducive for commerce and investment (i.e.: access to credit, ease in doing business). The City of Imus has a potential labor force 297,614 (73.71% of total population). These are individuals with ages 15 and above who could either be employed or unemployed. When categorized into working age (15-64) and dependent (0-14 and 65 and above) groups, there are, on the average, 2.2 individuals in Imus who could provide for one dependent. This favorable dependency ratio, combined with requisite human capital investment and a conducive business climate, is a demographic dividend for the City that could potentially lead to high productivity and resources freed for other economic activities. The Human Development Indicators of the City of Imus’ population are also rather favorable. From 2011-2014, the City’s infant mortality (number of deaths under one year of age per 1,000 live births) and maternal mortality rates (number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) have been steadily decreasing. In 2015, almost all Imus residents 10 years and older were literate (99.7%). More than one-fourth (25.53%) of the City’s inhabitants has a high school diploma. Thirty-eight percent of the population have been able to enlist in college and roughly one out of every 5 (22.57%) of Imus residents have a college degree. Compared to the Province of Cavite, the percentage of Imus residents who have finished either high school or college is much higher. Given the relative proximity of City of Imus to Metropolitan Manila, its high level of urbanization as reflected in its relatively high population and built-up densities, and the level educational attainment of its inhabitants, it is not surprising that the City’s workforce is mainly involved in the secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) sectors of the economy. Nearly seven out of every 10 working individuals are associated with occupational groups such as service and sales workers (17.04%), clerical support workers (14.42%), plant and machine operators and assemblers (14.38%), technicians and associate professionals (13.72%), and professions (11.31%). While Imus City’s human resources have much potential, its population growth trends are a cause for some concern. From 2000-2015, the City’s population grew by an average of 4.95%. This is more twice the rate of the national average for the same period, and it clearly demonstrates that Imus has and continues to experience high rates of in-migration. If this current growth rate continues, by 2027, the City’s population is projected to reach 721,007. This fast-growing population could adversely affect the present and future capacity of the city government to properly allocate resources for social services and development. 46 1.6. Social Sector 1.6.1. Social Sub-Sector: Education The City of Imus has a well-distributed network of 151 private and 33 public schools that offer K-12, technical-vocational, and tertiary level educational services to its residents. This includes the Imus Vocational and Technical School (IVTS) under the Office of the City Mayor. While these institutions are physically accessible, the City’s public schools have current and projected deficiencies in teaching personnel and structures. At present, an additional 225 K-6, 11, and SPED teachers are needed to comply with the Department of Education (DepEd) standard ratios of 1 teacher: 35 students in the primary and 1:40 in the secondary levels. Imus National HS Main (25), Imus National HS Greengate Annex (58), and Gen. Licerio Topacio HS (74) have the greatest need with regards to K-6 faculty, while Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo HS-Main needs the most number of SPED teachers (5). With the projected increase in the City’s school enrollment rates pegged at 2.91% and 2.56%, respectively, the City’s public-school system needs to hire an additional 760 teachers – 497 grade school and 263 high school – in order to ensure the provision of quality education to its constituents. The hiring of additional teachers, in turn, should be complemented by more school buildings. At present the City’s public-school system needs 288 more classrooms at the kindergarten and 255 at the grade 1 to grade 12 (33) levels. In particular, the Alapan I (7), Bucandala (10), and Malagasang I are the elementary schools that have the greatest need for new classrooms, while, at the secondary level, General Emilio Aguinaldo National High School-Main (30), Malagasang II Elementary School (37), and Imus National High School-Main (45) have the highest deficiencies in buildings. The need to build and find locations for school buildings, whether on current sites or new areas, is exacerbated by the poor location or compromised structural integrity of some educational facilities that make them at risk to flooding and earthquakes. Based on the CDRA results, Legion South School in Barangay Bucandala is highly at risk to flooding, while schools in Barangays Alapan II-A, Bayan Luma VI, Malagasang I-G, and Medicion II-A are moderately in danger of being affected by flood events. Schools at low risk to landslide are those located in Anabu, Bagong Silang, Buhay Na Tubig, Magdalo, Maharlika, Malagasang, Mariano Espeleta, Pasong Buaya and Pinagbuklod. There are likewise buildings in D.M Camerino, Imus Pilot, Malagasang III, and Toclong Elementary Schools, as well as Imus National High School that need major repairs, are for condemnation, or are for demolition. Failure to relocate affected schools or 47 retrofit and replace particular buildings may adversely compromise the delivery of quality educational services as well as the safety of students and educational personnel. In addition to addressing deficiencies in teaching personnel and educational structures, it would be advisable to review educational streams offered in the City of Imus’ public-school system and its IVTS. This is to help ensure that the City’s graduates would have skills attuned to current as well as potential job-generating sectors that Imus should be able to take advantage of. One skill set that holds much promise and should be emphasized in the school curricula is know-how pertaining to organic and natural farming practices and agricultural processing technologies. Despite rapid urbanization that has led to widespread land conversion, there are still significant portions agricultural areas in the City. Properly utilizing these lands to produce vegetables and short-term fruits could become a source of employment for the City’s younger and unemployed population, as agriculture still requires the least amount of investments to produce jobs. Not only would a specific set of organic farming courses provide jobs since such activities are more labor-intensive than conventional farming. Producing food in this manner would result in much less damage to the natural environment and its products would be of higher value, a lot safer to consume, and contribute to the City’s food self-sufficiency. Moreover, students who would acquire knowledge and use equipment for the processing of agricultural produce would possibly lead to higher value-added products for the market and generate even more employment. In addition to its agricultural lands, the City of Imus has Spanish colonial heritage, the historical role the then “pueblo” played in the Philippine Revolution, and its being the home of many writers and literary men during the period of Filipino culturalism in the American colonial era, has been largely untapped. The conservation and management of Old Spanish-era houses, the rediscovery and marketing of food products that originated from Imus, the rehabilitation of Philippine Revolution battle sites and monuments, homes of famous Imus sons and daughters, and the construction of a City Museum that could house artifacts of the City’s rich past could serve as building blocks of a tourism system composed of sites and allied services. These activities could serve as sources of employment for skilled people that the City’s public high school and IVTS could endeavour to produce. Moreover, the value of the City of Imus’ rivers and waterways, if properly rehabilitated, could potentially also serve as sites for historical and recreational tourism. 1.6.2. Social Sub-Sector: Health and Sanitation 48 At present, Imus has three (3) main health offices (ongoing construction of 2 more), one (1) HIV Hub, and one (1) Rehabilitation Center. These facilities are manned by four (4) doctors, nine (9) nurses, 30 midwives, three (3) sanitary inspectors, six (6) dentists, three (3) dental aides, two (2) nutritionist, one (1) pharmacist, three (3) medical technologists, and three (3) ambulance drivers who all serve in the public medical facilities. There are also 36 barangay health stations (BHS) that each serves two (2) barangays. In 2016, the Department of Education released a Memorandum No. 27 to support the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the implementation of its Health Facility Enhancement Program. The Departments forged a partnership to establish a PhilHealth TSeKap (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) accredited BHS within public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS. The DOH initial list of schools (for DOH validation) to be built with health center includes: Alapan I ES, Anabu II ES Bayan Luma I ES, Bucandala ES, Buhay Na Tubig ES, Gov. D. M. Camerino ES, Imus Pilot ES, Maharlika ES, Malagasang III ES, Palico ES, Pasong Buaya I ES, Pasong Santol ES, Tanzang Luma ES, Tinabunan ES, Toclong ES, Anabu 1st. ES, and Dr. Alfredo Pio de Roda ES. There are also four (4) hospitals, 10 medical clinics, and 19 lying-in clinics operated privately which supplement the existing facilities of the city. To further enhance the capabilities of this network of health facilities, an Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Clinic is being constructed by the City government. The present complement of health facilities is not sufficient to properly serve the needs of the City’s residents, some of whom might be compelled to access healthcare from more expensive private institutions. The City’s rapidly expanding population justifies and makes it necessary to identify a 1.5-hectare area within Imus to construct a government hospital and provide funds for it. Regarding existing health facilities, interventions identified structures should either be retrofitted or relocated to areas that are not highly susceptible to floods and earthquakes to ensure the safety of people, the smooth delivery of health services, and prevent probable illeffects on lives and property. Aside from requiring more public health facilities, it may be necessary to hire additional medical personnel to augment the current complement. Based on the health personnel standards of 1:20,000 for doctors, nurses, and sanitary inspectors, the City currently had a backlog of 18 doctors, 13 nurses, and 19 sanitary inspectors. An additional 59 midwives and 3 more dentists are currently needed to meet the standards of 1:5,000 and 1:50,000, respectively. By 2027, it is highly recommended to hire more doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to meet the service demand of a growing population. 49 Overall, the health indicators of the City’s residents have generally improved over the years, implying some progress in the general well-being of Imus residents. From 2015 to 2017, there has been a significant decrease in incidents of more frequently reported morbidity cases such as acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs) and acute tonsillitis. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases of boils/cutaneous abscess and HPN over the same period. Regarding mortality cases, the five (5) most common causes of death in Imus, namely, a) acute myocardial infarction, b) bacterial pneumonia, c) intracerebral hemorrhage, d) other general signs and symptoms, and e) cardiac arrest, have declined significantly over the same period. Moreover, the Operation Timbang conducted by the City government from 2013-2017 shows a steady decrease in the number of underweight and severely underweight children. However, steps should be taken to improve the data collection system of the health sector to ensure that the information gathered have a higher level of accuracy and reliability. There are two (2) public and four (4) private cemeteries in Imus occupying about 194,250.55 sq.m. or 19.43 hectares of land, occupying only 0.37% of the total area of the city. Based on the data collected from the Local Civil Registrar, more than half of the individuals who were permits issued (1,712) were buried within the city (959). One concern that affects the ability of the City government to properly plan for the expansion of burial facilities is the need for a better system of collecting data on births and deaths within Imus. Regarding human waste management, 97.95% of the City’s 75, 548 households have their own sanitary toilet facilities. While they account for only 2.05% of the households in the City, there are still 1,545 households whose members have to make do with unsanitary toilets (224), are compelled to access public toilet facilities from their neighbor or relative (955), or those available to the public (364). Sadly, there are two (2) households that resort to open defecation. Proper facilities for these sanitary toilet-deficient households should be provided for as part of the implementation of a solid waste and sewerage management plan for the City’s existing and future communities. 1.6.1. Social Sub-Sector: Housing Since 2000, there has been a significant increase in the number of housing units, which reflects the residential subdivision boom that continues to transpire in the CALABARZON region. Despite this trend, the household to occupied housing unit (HU) ratio is at a relatively high 4.27:1, way below the national standard of one household for every housing unit (1:1). One possible reason behind this is the dearth of available affordable housing projects in the City. As of 2014, only 36 or 8.73% of the 488 subdivision developments in Imus are classified as 50 socialized housing, as opposed to the 284 open market subdivision projects in the area. An even more glaring sign of a housing deficiency in Imus are the 12 informal settlements that occupy nearly 11 hectares of land area. Table 9. Housing Situation for the Past Censal Years 1980 11,029 59,103 11,025 1990 % Inc/ No. Dec 18,648 69.08 92,125 55.87 18,391 66.81 2000 % Inc/ No. Dec 42,232 126.47 195,482 112.19 10,365 (43.64) 5.36 5.01 18.86 4.27 % Number of Distribution Subdivision 2014 Land Area (Has.) % Distribution No. Households (HH) Household Population Occupied HU Ratio of HH Population to Occupied HU Source: NSO/PSA 2010 % Inc/ No. Dec 72,182 70.92 301,228 54.10 70,586 581.00 Table 10. Land Area Occupied by Subdivisions, 2013 and 2014 SUBDIVISION Number of Subdivision 2013 Land Area (Has.) 36 137.89629 9.07% 36 137.89629 8.73% 133 424.18226 27.90% 140 471.59418 29.87% 281 957.23038 62.96% 284 968.06288 61.32% RESIDENTIAL BP 220 Low Cost/Socialized (Max. Selling Price: P150T) including Bliss Homes BP 220 Economic (Max. Selling Price: P375T) PD 957 Residential Subd. (Open Market) Classified Old Subdivisions (No data available) COMMERCIAL Commercial Subdivision TOTAL Source: CPDO 23 23 4 1.05790 0.07% 5 1.20390 0.08% 477 1,520.36683 100.00 488 1,578.75726 100.00 51 Table 11. Informal Settlement Areas Brgy. No. of Households Alapan I-A Anabu II-E Magdalo Malagasang I-E Malagasang II-F Malagasang II-G Pagasa II Palico II Palico III Palico IV Tanzang Luma VI Toclong I-A Source: DSWD 42 47 6 1 6 72 66 66 36 305 132 35 Based on the GIS-computed 2,120.2 hectares of residential area and the number of existing subdivisions, Imus has an estimated 169,156 housing units. By sheer numbers these should have more than addressed the housing needs of 97,397 households in the City. Using even conservative estimates on projected housing needs pegged at one unit per household, the land area required for housing by 2027 is 1,770.47 hectares, which is already within the residential areas that already exist as of 2017. This disconnect between the number of units available and the number of Imus-based households sharing housing with others or are living in informal settlements imply that some residential developments may both have a surplus of unoccupied units and idle lots. Therefore, it would be prudent to identify actual occupancy rates, lot area/size, as well as the condition of current housing units through an assessment of available Community-based Monitoring System data. Table 12. Projected Housing Needs Housing Needs Projected HH Open market (single detached) (120 sqm or 0.012 ha) Economic Housing (72 sqm or 0.0072) Socialized Housing (64 sqm 2015 2016 2017 Projected Housing Needs 2018 2019 2020 2025 2027 97,397 103,359 108,475 113,845 119,480 125,395 159,658 175,855 Housing needs * % share 1,169 1,240 1,302 1,366 1,434 1,505 1,916 2,110 1294.01 701 744 781 820 860 903 1,150 1,266 378.201 623 661 694 729 765 803 1,022 1,125 98.2537 52 or 0.0064) Total 1,770.47 These housing problems are compounded by the susceptibility of some housing developments to varying levels of flooding. Based on the results of the CDRA, 1,140.33 hectares of residential land, about 54% of the City’s residential area, are prone to flooding. Of particular concern are the 161.87 hectares and 71.36 hectares at risk of experiencing high (1-2m) to very high flooding (near river systems), respectively. As such, around 233.23 hectares of residential lands (10.5% of total) are in danger zones. Residents of these residential areas may either need to be relocated or have their communities employ mitigation measures for floods to subside within a day. Measures should also be taken to provide safe and decent housing to the City’s informal settler families (ISFs). Relocation of ISFs is an option, provided that the City government earmark areas that are ideal for residential use. To both save on costs and maintain the sense of community among its residents, on-site housing development should be encouraged for informal settlers who inhabit areas that have a low risk of being affected by floods and landslides. 1.6.2. Social Sub-Sector: Social Welfare Services The City’s Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) implements welfare and assistance programs for target beneficiaries such as children, youth, women, elderly individuals, differently abled persons, indigents, and people in emergency situations. Aside from its main office at the Municipal Building in Poblacion IV, it is in charge of a halfway home, a Bahay Kalinga, a feeding center, a senior citizen’s center as well as 78 day care centers distributed throughout Imus that are handled by almost 150 staff members. A cursory review of data reveals that majority of the CSWDO’s building and staff complemented are focused on providing day care services. The 5,517 served by the office in SY 2017-2018 represents a 6.5% increase from the previous number of 0-5-year olds served by the City’s day care centers. This implies a need to allot plans, funds, and identify priority sites for future day care centers. Regarding the susceptibility of facilities to the onset of extreme natural events, 11 day care centers are moderately prone to experience flooding, seven (7) are highly vulnerable, while the susceptibility of two (2) day care centers in Malagasang 1-B and Malagasang 2-G to flooding is very high. On the other hand, the Senior Citizens and Violence Against Women Offices in Barangay Alapan I-C as well as the Senior Citizens Office in Paga-Asa II are moderately prone to flooding. There are other institutional facilities that are moderately to very highly susceptible to flooding, including the Imus Sports Complex and Imus Sports Office in Poblacion III-A, the Barangay Disaster and Risk Management Office in Alapan I-C, the HA Office in Buhay na Tubig, and the Istana Multipurpose Hall in Malagasang I-F (See Tables 4.35-4.38.). This 53 means that the ability of some of the City’s social welfare facilities to provide vital social services may be intermittently hampered by flooding events. 1.6.3. Social Sub-Sector: Protective Services The City of Imus has police force headquarters beside the Imus Cathedral in Poblacion III is supported by a network of seven (7) outposts distributed throughout the City. To address, fire incidents in a more timely fashion, Imus has stations located at the City’s public market in Nueno Avenue and Barangay Mariano Espeleta. The police force has 150 officers that are complemented by trained civilian volunteers of the Imus Junior Police Force, the Police Assistance Group, and Bantay Bayan Volunteers. There is also “Patrolya ng Bayan” in all the City’s nine (9) clusters. These groups support the police in fulfilling their functions with respect to traffic management and enforcement, emergency situations, and peace and order. The Imus fire fighting force, on the other hand, has a complement of 20 personnel. There has been a decline in the incidence of fires from 2012-2017, with minor bush fires being the most common incident handled by fire fighting personnel. From 2011-2014, however, there has been an increase in index crimes such crimes against persons, rape, crimes against property, robbery, and theft. The City’s police, fire fighting and even penal services need additional personnel for these institutions to properly protect the lives and property of Imus residents. For Imus to meet the standard of 1 police officer for every 1000 people, 295 additional officers need to be hired. Given the projected growth the City’s population, ideally, 1,292 people would have to be hired in addition to the current number of 150 officers by 2027. The current backlog for fire-fighters and jail guards are much worse as the current 1:22,237 firefighter-to-population ratio and the 1:37 jail guard-to-inmate ratio are both way below the government standard of 1:2,000 and 1:7, respectively. Table 13. Fire Incidence, 2012-2017 Origin / Cause Structural Fires (Residential/Business/Mercantile/Industrial) Grass/Rubbish Fires Post Fires Vehicular Fires TOTAL Source: BFP 54 2012 Frequency of Occurrence 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 16 28 33 27 20 25 41 4 3 64 46 11 2 87 90 3 3 129 94 14 7 142 71 2 0 93 52 2 1 80 Table 14. Crime Incidence, 2011-2014 Type of Crime Crime Volume Index Crimes Crimes Against Person Murder Homicide Rape Physical Injuries Crimes Against Property Carnapping Robbery Theft Non-index Crimes Source: PNP 2011 Cases Total Solved 437 27 343 119 13 13 9 84 224 28 106 90 94 2012 Cases Total Solved 460 56 317 98 9 5 7 77 219 20 94 105 143 2013 Cases Total Solved 492 339 275 123 35 4 15 69 152 2 49 101 217 2014 Cases Total Solved 804 381 366 138 27 0 25 86 228 10 49 169 438 Table 15. Current and Projected Requirement for Police Police Force (Ideal- 1:500) Year and Projected Pop. 2017 - 444,749 2018 - 466,764 2019 - 489,869 2020 - 514,118 2025 - 654,598 2027 - 721,007 Required 889 934 980 1,028 1,309 1,442 Needed (less existing police force of 150) 739 784 830 878 1,159 1,292 Police Force (Min. Standard 1:1,000) Needed (less Required existing police force of 150) 445 295 467 317 490 340 514 364 655 505 721 571 Table 16. Current and Projected Requirement for Fire Force Year and Projected Pop. 2017 - 444,749 2018 - 466,764 2019 - 489,869 2020 - 514,118 2025 - 654,598 2027 - 721,007 Fire Force (Ideal- 1:2,000) Needed (less Required existing fire force of 20) 222 202 233 213 245 225 257 237 327 307 361 341 55 Fire Truck (1:28,000) Needed (less Required existing fire force of 20) 16 14 17 15 17 15 18 16 23 21 26 24 Table 17. Current and Projected Requirement for Jail Personnel Number of inmates 971 Jail Guard (Ideal- 1:5 inmates) Required 194 Needed 168 Jail Guard (Min. Standard - 1:7 inmates) Required Needed 139 113 Moreover, based on the CDRA, there are protective services facilities that are at risk to flooding. Malagasang 2-C Barangay Outpost and Pag-asa III Barangay Outpost are moderately at risk, while eight (8) facilities are at low risk to landslide. 1.6.4. Social Sub-Sector: Sports and Recreation There are 471 recreational facilities in Imus, mainly covered and open-air basketball courts that are privately-owned (See Tables 18). The City also has several public libraries and the Imus Sports Complex, a venue for many activities. Moreover, the city park and playground, although small (2,005 square meters) for a city park, is a favored site for pageants, concerts, and tournaments. It has been determined that some of these recreational facilities, particularly basketball courts and parks/open spaces, are prone to flooding. This includes the open spaces provided by Tishabet and Patio Luisa in Barangay Toclong 2-A which are highly at risk. Table 18. Recreational Facilities in Imus Type of Recreational Facilities Basketball Court (Covered/Open Court) Playground Volleyball Court Multipurpose Hall Mini Park Clubhouse Others (Swimming Pool, Resort, Gym, Tennis Court, etc.) Total Source: CPDO Number 204 51 52 47 43 33 41 471 For a city the size of Imus, it only has less than a hectare (0.57 ha) of parks and playgrounds, majority of which are not open to the public. Open spaces are integral to improving the liveability, resilience, and sense of community in human settlements as these filters the air, promotes social contact and a sense of place among its users, and even serves as evacuation sites. A network of parks likewise makes communities more walkable. There is a need to identify and develop at least 20.19 ha of land in Imus that can be developed into recreational areas to meet current needs, and this would have to be increased by 36.05 ha 56 by 2027. It is also imperative that future development of recreational spaces account for the needs and interests of other members of Imus society (i.e., women, senior citizens), while also serving as green infrastructure that could help improve air quality. In addition to identifying areas for recreation, existing basketball courts that are ideal as evacuation points should be identified, profiled, and mapped. Moreover, there should be a program for the protection of existing open spaces and recreational facilities in Imus to ensure that these will be enjoyed by current and future residents. 1.7. Economic Sector Imus has diverse activities that contribute to its economy. The City’s main economic drivers are agriculture, commerce and trade, industry, and tourism. Based on existing records, Imus has a potential labor force of 297,614 or 73.71% of its population. However, there is limited data to track activities of these sectors within the city. This makes it difficult for the city government to identify its comparative advantage which, in turn, could become the focus of their development programs and projects (i.e., construction of support facilities and human capital development initiatives). Thus, the city needs to have a focused economic development thrust to strategically allocate government resources and optimize its economic potential. 1.7.1. Economic Sub-Sector: Agriculture The rapid urbanization of Cavite as an extension of Metro Manila is the primary cause of the decline of agriculture in the City of Imus. Since 1990, the agricultural lands of Imus have continuously declined (See Table 19). So much that the area allotted to agriculture in the city has decreased by 37% during the last 10 years. Table 19. Agricultural Land Area of City of Imus, 2017 Year 1990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total Agricultural Lands (in ha) 2,536.0 1,950.0 1,790.0 1,770.0 1,741.0 1,741.0 1,741.0 1,701.0 1,701.0 57 Percentage to Total Land Area (%) 26% 20% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% Total Agricultural Lands (in ha) 2007 1,701.0 2007 1,701.0 2008 1,701.0 2009 1,701.0 2010 1,701.0 2011* 1,684.0 2012* 1,684.0 2013* 1,684.0 2014* 1,684.0 2015* 1,071.63 2016* 1,071.63 2017* 1,071.63 Source: CAO, *Total land area used: 5,314.60 hectares Year Percentage to Total Land Area (%) 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 32% 32% 32% 32% 20% 20% 20% The major crops of Imus are rice, mango and vegetables. In 2017, the city produced 5,395.8 metric tons of rice from 680 hectares planted during the wet season and 522.7 hectares planted during the dry season. Vegetables that were from 47 hectares of land amounted to 520.5 metric tons, while mango production recorded 1,260 metric tons from 105 hectares of orchards. Rice remains the main agricultural product of the city. Its 773 hectares of Riceland produce an average annual yield of 3-5 metric ton per hectare. Majority of Imus farmers reside in Pasong Buaya and Malagasang I -- the city’s rice granary. Through the years, however, land dedicated to rice production have decreased by 10.26%. This translated to a 28.84% reduction in the volume of rice produced. In addition, rice farming is also at risk to natural hazards such as flooding and landslides. As of 2017, 20% of the city’s agricultural land area has varying levels of risks to flooding and landslide based on the CDRA results. There are 19 Imus barangays that have Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC). There are 121 farmers in these ARCs who cultivate a total of 1,106 hectares, but the city government is still in the process of mapping these areas. Currently, the city government is supporting the agricultural sector by implementing projects such as the Organic Agriculture Program, High Value Crops Production, Rice Production, and Techno-Demo on Rice Production. Table 20. Agrarian Related Concerns, 2017 Concerns Location 58 Area (in hectares) No. of Farmer- Beneficiaries A. CARPable Lands 1. Land Distribution (LAD) 2. Non-Land Distribution Leasehold Operation B. Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) Alapan I-A, Alapan I-B, Alapan IC, Alapan II-A, Alapan II-B, Malagasang I-A, Malagasang IB, Malagasang I-C, Malagasang I-D, Malagasang I-E, Malagasang I-F, Malagasang IG, Malagasang II-A, Malagasang II-B, Malagasang IIC, Malagasang II-D, Malagasang II-E, Malagasang IIF, Malagasang II-G Total Source: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), 2017 66.72 11 707.56 234 1,106.0 121 (89 male, 32 female) 1,880.28 366 Table 21. Agriculture Related Projects, Approved/ Funded for Implementation Name/ Type of Project Location 1. Organic Agriculture Program Malagsang I 27 Public Schools of Imus Malagsang I Anabu I Bucandala Alapan II Malagsang I Anabu I Bucandala Alapan II 2. High Value Crops Production 3. Rice Production 4. Techno - Demo on Rice Production Source: CAO Malagasang I -E Type Proponent (Government, Private, Other) BuB Government BuB Government BuB Government Hybrid Rice Government 1.7.2. Economic Sub-Sector: Commerce and Trade Commercial development in Imus is heavily concentrated in a linear pattern along the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. This development reinforces a dependence on automobiles to access establishments along this strip, thus contributing to loss of highway capacity, insufficient parking spaces, and diminished environmental quality. Moreover, the planned unit development zone along the Aguinaldo Highway has not been fully materialized. Instead, there 59 have been sporadic developments consisting of residential estates, commercial establishments and some industrial establishments extending towards south of the city. The City of Imus has attracted a significant amount of investments partly because of the relatively cheaper cost of doing business in the city compared to other local governments in Cavite. Among the cities in Cavite, Imus offers the 2nd cheapest cost of electricity for commercial users and industrial firms. In 2017, there were 9,936 business permits granted of which 1,797 were new businesses. Based on records, 66% of the business permits that were issued were involved in wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair, motorcycles, as well as personal and household goods. Of these new permits, almost 25% (446) are service businesses, 21.7% (390) are into retail, 11.24% (202) are sari-sari stores, 9.91% (178) are lessors, 4.67% (84) are new restaurants, and 3.95% (71) are new businesses in public markets. Other business applications, among others, include contractors (retail and services), importers, lenders, money/pawnshop, and wholesalers/distributors. Table 22. Number of Business Permits Granted, 2013-2017 Business Permits Wholesale and Retail trade/repair of motor vehicles motorcycles personal and household goods Hotels/Restaurants Transport, Storage and Communication Financial Intermediation Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities Education Health & Social Work Other Community, Social and Personal Service activities TOTAL Source: BPLO 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 4,343 4,955 5,277 6,154 6,550 200 149 258 1,046 130 87 229 200 283 1,247 168 109 325 254 293 1,619 173 120 441 155 447 1,768 173 111 491 186 502 1,900 174 130 4 4 3 8,065 9,253 9,936 6,213 7,191 Table 23. Number of Business Establishments, 2016-2017 Year 2016 2017 Source: BPLO Total Number of Business 8,147 9,021 Number of Provisional Permit 42 37 Number of Water Distributor 9 9 Commercial activity in Imus has grown steadily as manifested by a 62.53% increase in business permits issued in the last five (5) years. The number of business establishments increased by 9.69% in 2017, while the issuance of provisional permits has decreased by 13.51%. The latter is 60 issued to business establishments whose locations do not comply with the City’s zoning and building ordinances. On the other hand, the number of business establishments that have been issued letters of delinquency have fluctuated from 2013 to 2017. Currently, commercial uses cover 2.06% of the city’s total land area. The proportion of the commercial areas to built-up areas is 3.67%, which is larger than the standard allocation for commercial areas prescribed by the HLURB. In terms of climate and disaster risk management, results of the CDRA showed that around 37.73 ha. allocated for commercial uses across 57 barangays are at risk to flooding, while 39.42 ha. within 28 barangays are at risk to landslide. Some commercial establishments are found to be at risk to natural hazards. Savemore, Abad Supermarket, Puregold, and Imus Public Markets 1 and 2 are at risk to flooding while the commercial establishments such as the Kostal Market, S & R Membership, and Puregold are at risk to landslide. 1.7.3. Economic Sub-Sector: Industry Imus has four (4) economic zones/industrial estates, namely: EMI Special Economic Zone (Anabu II), Cavite BPO Project (Anabu II-D), FRC Supermall (Palico), and Suntech Ipark (Lancaster). The city has 24 industries, which include those owned by big corporations such as Liwayway Marketing and San Miguel-Yamamura that specialize in different products. Table 24. Inventory of Industrial Establishment, 2017 Products No. of Employment Capitalization Chan C. Bros., Inc. Plastic Products Lightning Fixtures, Light Diffusers, Nova Plastic Glass Sheets, PSShower Enclosure 49 120,000,000 Rainbow 21, Apparel, Inc. Ladies Apparel 409 2,000,000 Name of Company Don Robert 'S Winery Eds Mfg., Inc. Hayag Motorworks & Machine Shop Liwayway Marketing Monti Textile Manufacturing Pac Mac Inc. Riverdale Confectionary Green and Yellow Mango Wine, Brewed Coffee Wine Automotive Wiring Harness 11 5,000,000 8,200 230,000,000 Assembled Jeepneys 61 5,000,000 Snackfoods and Starch Repacker 2,787 50,000,000 Knitted Fabrics 100 NDA Industrial Adhesives/Cement Marshmallows 17 128 40,000,000 40,000,000 61 Name of Company Industry Inc. San Miguel – Yamamura Asia Corporation Annie's Candy Mfg. Astra Paper Werztivar Mktg. Corp. Coca-Cola Femsa Eastman Industrial Supply Greenstone Pharmaceutical H. K. Inc. Hari Garments Koldstore Centre Phils. Inc. Optimized Customer Solutions, Inc. (Ocsi) Optimized Customer Solutions Plus, Inc. (Ocsiplus) Pacific Features, Inc. Powerry Purican Food Corp. Scanasia Source: BPLO No. of Employment Capitalization 299 1,020,000,000 150 1,000,000 24 214 4,000,000 NDA 156,851,828.25 5 NDA Katinko Ointment 50 10,000,000 Garments & Underwear Cold Storage, Facilities Blast Freezing 178 5,000,000 68 NDA Nestle Products 45 NDA Champion (Detergent Bar & Powder) 25 NDA 13 NDA Products Glass Containers for Beer, Beverages, and Food Candies: Honey Chocolate, Purple Yam Candy, Jack Fruit Candy Paper Dry Goods (Stock Room) Juice Concentrates Warehouse (Water pumps & motor) Warehouse/Distributor - all occassion cards and wrappers Warehouse (Woodtiles,water pumps & motor) Canned Goods Distributor of Imported Cheese NDA 25 32 NDA NDA The existing allocation of the city for industrial land uses comprises 87.10 hectares or 1.66% of its total land area. Imus has sufficient areas for industries until 2021 where they could opt to increase intensity to medium or heavy for further development. Table 25. Industrial Land Intensity Standards (Light Intensity) Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Population 444,749 466,764 489,869 514,118 539,566 Area requirement 35.57992 37.34112 39.18952 41.12944 43.16528 62 In 2017, the City of Imus issued City Ordinance No. 03-87 or the Revised 2017 Investment Incentives Code. Article 5 of the ordinance identified the priority areas for investment incentives. For light manufacturing, priorities include (but not limited to) light metals, toy manufacturing, ceramics, jewelry making, herbal medicines, precision assembly, semiconductors, farm implements, furniture/furnishing, garments, food processing, gift and holiday decors. For electronic and computer products, priority activities are (but not limited to), automation/wiring harness, microchips, computer and cellphone manufacture, and household appliances. CDRA results show that around 18.03 ha (57.48%) of industrial areas are exposed to flooding, while 59.79 ha (76%) are susceptible to landslide. 1.7.4. Economic Sub-Sector: Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Imus has a rich historical background that could be used to promote heritage tourism. The city is known as the Flag Capital of the Philippines as it is the place where the first Philippine flag was raised during the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1989. Other heritage/historical/tourism sites within Imus include the Imus Historical Marker, Imus Cathedral, City Plaza, Bridge of Isabel II, Camp General Pantaleon Garcia, Arsenal of Imus, Battle of Julian Bridge Marker, and House of Tirona, among others. These aforementioned sites were visited by 4,852 local tourists and 262 foreign tourists in 2016. Currently, the city government is proposing to have a walking tour package which includes sites such as the City plaza and Imus Historical Museum, and to develop the site of the Battle of Alapan. In addition, several cultural and tourism activities/festivals take place in the city such as the Wagayway Festival, Battle of Alapan (National Flag Day), Declaration of Philippine Independence, Cityhood Anniversary, Battle of Imus, Imus Octoverload, Araw ng Imus, Feast of Nuestra Senora Del Pilar, and Paskuhan sa Imus. Table 26. Cultural and Tourism Activities/ Festivals Activity Frequency of Activity Wagayway Festival Annual Battle of Alapan (National Flag Day) Annual Declaration of Philippine Annual Independence Cityhood Anniversary Annual Battle of Imus Annual Imus Octoverload Annual Araw ng Imus Annual 63 Duration of Activity May 24 to May 28 May 28 June 12 June 30 September 3 October 1 to October 28 October 7 Feast Day of Nuestra Senora Del Pilar Paskuhan sa Imus Source: Tourism Office Annual Annual October 12 December 1 to December 31 Despite its rich history and cultural heritage, the city government still needs to improve on areas such as branding and/or marketing, infrastructure support in heritage sites/areas, and tourist monitoring and management mechanisms, in order to enhance its tourism potential and stimulate economic development in this sector. 1.8. Infrastructure Sector 1.8.1. Infrastructure Sub-Sector: Transportation Due to its location and presence of primary road networks, the City of Imus serves as a major gateway between Cavite Province and Metro Manila. The city is accessible by land travel on the northeast via Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway and on the east via Molino Road, which provide linkages to the cities of Bacoor and Metro Manila. On the south, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway connects the city to the towns of Dasmariñas, Silang, Tagaytay City, and other upland municipalities. The western and northwestern section of Imus is accessible via Cavite Coastal Road and/or Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) linking the northwest towns of Cavite such as Kawit, Noveleta and Cavite City. The on-going construction of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) which transects the city is expected to provide further accessibility between the provinces of Cavite and Laguna. The upswing in economic activities and investor confidence in the 1990’s paved way for the development of major industrial and residential estates as well as commercial, recreational and institutional facilities to support the needs of a growing urbanized population. However, with this fast-paced development, the transport system (which includes infrastructure and other transport elements) has lagged behind, and this has resulted in a decline in its level of service. 64 Figure 17. Road Network Map 65 As of 2016, the city only has a total road and bridge length of approximately 380.31 kilometers. This is way below the 1,120.23 kilometers of road that it needs based on 2.4 km/1000 population standard of the DPWH. By year 2027, the City of Imus would be needing around 1,730.42 kilometers of road to facilitate its growth and development. Table 27. Inventory of Roads by System Classification and Type of Pavement, 2016 Concrete Asphalt Earth Total Road Classification Length L L L % C % C % C (Km) (Km) (Km) (Km) National/Expressways 16.31 16.31 100.00 Fair Provincial 60.07 37.26 62.03 Fair 13.17 21.92 Fair 9.65 16.06 Poor City/Barangay 303.53 154.62 50.94 Fair 112.31 37.00 Fair 36.58 12.05 Poor Bridges 0.40 TOTAL 380.31 Source: City Engineering Office, 2016; CPDO, 2016 (based on GIS calculation estimates) Table 28. Inventory of Bridges by Location and Type, 2017 Bridge Name Unknown Malagasang Bridge II Unknown Unknown Daang Hari Bridge Malagasang Bridge II Malagasang Bridge III Unknown Pag Asa Bridge Kanluran Bridge Miguel Santo Bridge Road Name Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Daang Hari Road Antero Soriano HiWay Antero Soriano HiWay Miguel Santo Road - New Road Bridge Length (in m) 25.00 39.00 25.00 25.00 10.00 39.00 8.00 25.00 Type Concret e Concret e Concret e Concret e Concret e Concret e Concret e Concret e Year Built Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Load Unknow n Unknow n Unknow n Unknow n Unknow n Unknow n Unknow n Unknow n Super Structur e RC Girder RC Girder RC Girder RC Girder No. Girder s RC Slab 0 RC Girder 4 RC Slab 0 RC Girder 4 4 4 4 4 7.40 Concret e Unknown Unknow n RC Girder 8 9.00 Concret e Unknown Unknow n RC Girder 8 6.00 Concret e Unknown Unknow n RC Slab 0 66 Bridge Name Road Name Malagasang Bridge Name Palanas Road Palanas Road Gen. Satorre Street Col. M. Topacio Street Juan Munti Villanueva Street D.C Ilano Boulevard Unknown Patio Tirona Palanas Bridge Palanas Bridge Satorre Bridge Hanging Bridge Medicion Bridge Bridge Length (in m) 33.00 63.00 Type Concret e Concret e Year Built Unknown Unknown Load Super Structur e Unknow n Unknow n RC Girder RC Girder No. Girder s 4 4 12.00 Concret e Unknown Unknow n RC Girder 4 14.00 Timber Unknown Unknow n Timber 0 18.00 Concret e Unknown Unknow n RC Girder 4 Unknow n Unknow n RC Girder RC Girder 24.00 20.00 Concret e Concret e Unknown Unknown 4 4 Source: City Engineering Office, 2017 Table 29. Projected Urban Road Requirement based on Population Trends Urban Road Urban Road Requirement Requirement* (in km) Deficit** (in km) 2016 423,772 1,017.05 636.74 2017 444,749 1,067.40 687.09 2018 466,764 1,120.23 739.92 2019 489,869 1,175.69 795.38 2020 514,118 1,233.88 853.57 2021 539,566 1,294.96 914.65 2022 566,275 1,359.06 978.75 2023 594,305 1,426.33 1,046.02 2024 623,724 1,496.94 1,116.63 2025 654,598 1,571.03 1,190.72 2026 687,001 1,648.80 1,268.49 2027 721,007 1,730.42 1,350.11 *based on 2.4km/1000 population standard **deficit is calculated by subtracting existing road length (380.31 km, as of 2016) with projected urban road requirement Year Population Aside from its urban road requirements, segments of the city’s roads and bridges are found to be at risk to flooding and landslides. Evacuation routes need to be identified and incorporated in the local government’s disaster contingency plan. Furthermore, alternative evacuation routes need to be determined and/or constructed for redundancy purposes. Roads and bridges 67 identified to be at risk needs to be retrofitted with hazard-resistant designs. Future developments may need to refer to the results of the CDRA to ensure safe locations and account for engineering design considerations. Land-based motor vehicles are the main mode of transportation in the city which are estimated at around 81,058 vehicles. Private vehicles (51.24%), motorcycles/tricycles (45.89%), and jeepneys (1.20%) are the most common vehicles in the city. Since 2014, there has been an increase of 8.12% in private vehicles, 11.7% in tricycles, and 11.49% in jeepneys. The increase in vehicles plying the city has clearly contributed to the high traffic volume currently experienced in Imus. Table 30. Inventory of Land Transportation Vehicles by Type, 2017 Type of Vehicle Cars Utility Vehicle Sports Utility Vehicle Trucks Buses Motorcycles/Tricycles Trailers Jeepneys Passenger Vans Taxis Total Source: CITMO, BPLO, LTO, 2017 Number of Vehicles Registered by Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 12,510 12,837 13,175 13,570 22,455 22,556 22,657 23,336 3,450 3,957 4,538 4,628 913 782 815 831 19 14 17 18 33,301 34,849 36,468 37,198 74 78 85 88 870 910 950 970 280 300 321 327 80 84 88 92 73,452 76,367 78,934 81,058 Table 31. Service Routes of Buses and Jeepneys registered within the City of Imus, 2017 Type of Vehicle No. of Vehicles Registered Service Route/s Buses 18 Imus to Southern Tagalog via Alabang Imus to Baclaran Imus to Trece Martires Imus to Alfonso via Tagaytay Imus to Binakayan Jeepneys 970 Imus to Dasmariñas via Bucandala/Malagasang Imus to SM-Molino Imus to SM-Bacoor Source: CITMO, 2017 This high volume of traffic, compounded by limited road capacities, has had adverse effects on the reliability, convenience, comfort, affordability, safety, and security of travel within Imus. 68 This situation is clearly manifested in the traffic congestion that occurs especially during peak hours. Based on its trip generation analysis, the city generates an average of almost two (2) million trips catered by different modes of such as walking, public utility vehicles (i.e. buses, jeepneys, tricycles, passenger vans), and private cars. There are clusters within Imus that have very limited road capacity yet generate huge volumes of trips due to the different socio-economic activities concentrated in these areas. These conditions result into traffic congestion as can be observed in locations such as the By-Pass Intersection, Toll Bridge/Nueno Blvd. Intersection, Patindig Araw Intersection, District Intersection, Bucandala Intersection, Coastal-Malagasang Intersection, Open Canal Intersection and Carsadang Bago Intersection. Several programs and projects are listed in the Executive and Legislative Agenda for the period 2016-2019. These include the construction and installation of modern streetlights within the city; identification and installation of street name signages; and the beautification of Nueno Avenue. Some local laws were also enacted to support transport-related programs, projects, and activities in the city. City Ordinance No.03-88 Series of 2017, or an ordinance to institutionalize an alternative route system along public and private roads in the City of Imus, intends to help decongest traffic along main thoroughfares within the city. SP Resolution No. 03-2017-243, or a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter and sign into a memorandum of agreement with the Road Board, was introduced to establish a roads locational referencing system and conduct a local road inventory. However, the local government needs to make significant investments to increase road capacity and enhance traffic management. Furthermore, transport support facilities such as walkways, public transport terminals, parking spaces, and designated stops must also be considered in order to improve transport conditions in the city. 1.8.2. Infrastructure Sub-Sector: Power The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) serves the electric needs of the entire city. As of 2015, there are 76, 443 households served with electricity while around 1,158 are either unserved with electricity or unaccounted for by MERALCO (illegal connections). 69 Table 32. Households Served with Electricity for the Past Twenty Years Served Total No. of Households No. 1996 38,567 32,198 1997 40,288 36,703 1998 44,024 42,009 1999 45,315 43,750 2000 46,544 45,201 2001 47,718 46,535 2002 48,840 47,779 2003 49,916 48,951 2004 50,948 50,061 2005 51,941 51,119 2006 52,898 52,129 2007 56,054 55,018 2008 59,398 58,066 2009 62,942 61,284 2010 66,697 64,680 2011 70,677 68,264 2012 72,076 70,408 2013 73,503 72,049 2014 74,959 73,668 2015 76,443 75,285 Source: Utility Economics, MERALCO 2016 Year Unserved % 83.49 91.10 95.42 96.55 97.11 97.52 97.83 98.07 98.26 98.42 98.55 98.15 97.76 97.37 96.98 96.59 97.69 98.02 98.28 98.49 No. 6,369 3,585 2,015 1,565 1,343 1,183 1,061 965 887 822 769 1,036 1,332 1,658 2,017 2,413 1,668 1,454 1,291 1,158 % 16.51 8.90 4.58 3.45 2.89 2.48 2.17 1.93 1.74 1.58 1.45 1.85 2.24 2.63 3.02 3.41 2.31 1.98 1.72 1.51 In 2015, there were 112,667 connections in the city with an average monthly consumption of 34,851,364 KWH. Almost half (49.6%) of the monthly consumption are for residential use while commercial, and industrial uses account for 27.5% and 22.5% of the city’s total electric consumption, respectively. Street lighting, on the other hand, consumes around 117,366 KWH monthly. Based on the data, there has been an increase in number of connections (9,939 connections) and average monthly consumption (5,025,358 KWH) since 2013. By 2027, the city is projected to consume around 137,980, 475.58 KWH, the equivalent of an additional 71,687,694.66 KWH from its current power demand. 70 % Average Monthly Consumpti on per Connection No. of Connectio ns Average Consumpti on per Month (kwh) Residential 95,887 15,106,815 50.6 157.55 100,407 Commercial No. of Connectio ns Average Consumpti on per Month (kwh) 2014 5,469 1,363,448 4.6 249.30 Industrial 2013 799 13,239,009 44.4 Street Lights Type of Consumers Table 33. Number of Connections by Type of Users and Average Consumption (KWH/Mo.) for the Past Three Years 98 116,735 TOTA L 102,253 29,826,006 2015 % Average Monthly Consumpti on per Connection No. of Connectio ns Average Consumpti on per Month (kwh) % Average Monthly Consumpti on per Connection 15,655,102 49.0 155.92 105,826 17,282,265 49.6 163.31 6,393 8,494,856 26.6 1,328.77 6,702 9,595,132 27.5 1,431.68 16,569.47 41 7,708,174 24.1 188,004.24 44 7,856,601 22.5 178,559.11 0.4 1,191.17 95 113,711 0.4 1,196.96 95 117,366 0.3 1,235.43 100. 0 18,167.50 106,936 31,971,843 100. 0 190,685.89 112,667 34,851,364 100. 0 181,389.54 Source: Utility Economics, Rates and Pricing MERALCO, 2016 71 Table 34. Projected Number of Connections by Type of Users and Average Consumption No. of Connections Ave. Consumption/ Connection (KW) Projected Monthly Consumption (KW) No. of Connections Ave. Consumption/ Connection (KW) Projected Monthly Consumption (KW) No. of Connections Ave. Consumption/ Connection (KW) Projected Monthly Consumption (KW) Street Lights Projected Monthly Consumption (KW) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Industrial Ave. Consumption/ Connection (KW) Year Commercial No. of Connections Residential 105,826 111,541 117,564 123,912 130,604 137,656 145,090 152,924 161,182 169,886 179,060 188,729 198,921 163.31 171.05 179.16 187.65 196.54 205.86 215.62 225.84 236.54 247.75 259.50 271.80 284.68 17,282,265.00 19,078,922.36 21,062,359.49 23,251,993.96 25,669,261.95 28,337,828.16 31,283,817.44 34,536,070.58 38,126,426.67 42,090,034.73 46,465,697.91 51,296,253.28 56,628,991.25 6,702 7,026 7,365 7,721 8,094 8,485 8,894 9,324 9,774 10,246 10,741 11,260 11,804 1,431.68 1,542.49 1,661.88 1,790.51 1,929.10 2,078.41 2,239.28 2,412.60 2,599.34 2,800.52 3,017.28 3,250.82 3,502,.44 9,595,132.00 10,837,110.73 12,239,849.22 13,824,155.96 15,613,532.86 17,634,523.89 19,917,108.80 22,495,147.89 25,406,884.29 28,695,511.25 32,409,812.89 36,604,887.86 41,342,966.71 41 44 204 219 235 252 271 290 312 334 359 385 413 178,559.11 169,595.45 161,081.75 152,995.45 145,315.08 138,020.26 131,091.64 124,510.84 118,260.40 112,323.73 106,685.08 101,329.49 96,242.75 7,320,923.66 7,462,199.63 32,860,677.97 33,495,722.40 34,143,039.29 34,802,865.82 35,475,443.73 36,161,019.45 36,859,844.17 37,572,173.93 38,298,269.71 39,038,397.56 39,792,828.65 95 97 99 101 103 105 107 109 111 113 115 117 119 1,235.43 1,275.09 1,316.02 1,358.26 1,401.86 1,446.86 1,493.31 1,541.24 1,590.72 1,641.78 1,694.48 1,748.87 1,805.01 117,366.00 123,471.32 129,894.24 136,651.28 143,759.82 151,238.14 159,105.47 167,382.06 176,089.20 185,249.28 194,885.86 205,023.73 215,688.97 72 Total Monthly Consumption Demand 34,315,686.66 37,501,704.04 66,292,780.92 70,708,523.60 75,569,593.93 80,926,456.00 86,835,475.44 93,359,619.99 100,569,244.33 108,542,969.19 117,368,666.37 127,144,562.43 137,980,475.58 Projected Increase 4,415,742.68 9,276,813.01 14,633,675.08 20,542,694.52 27,066,839.07 34,276,463.41 42,250,188.27 51,075,885.45 60,851,781.51 71,687,694.66 As of 2017, MERALCO is supplying the City with an existing load of approximately 80 MVA distributed through five (5) substations and 17 distribution line facilities located within and in nearby areas. To address the potential increase in power demand, MERALCO intends to allocate 110 MVA for the City of Imus by 2027. However, several power infrastructures as indicated in the MERALCO planned to be established, (i.e., additional power substations to increase capacity), upgraded and maintained (i.e., existing power infrastructure) within the city. Figure 18. Existing MERALCO Power Facilities for Imus City Source: MERALCO, 2017 Table 35. Proposed Power Related Projects, Identified Power, and Projected Power Demand for the City of Imus Project Southwoods Substation Lancaster Substation Abubot Substation Gahak Substation Vermosa Substation Source: MERALCO, 2017 Development Capacity Year (MVA) 2018 2019 2019 2022 2024 83 83 83 83 83 73 Identified Power Requirement 35 MVA 53 MVA 22 MVA Projected Power Demand (KW) 70,708,523.60 75,569,593.93 75,569,593.93 93,359,619.99 108,542,969.19 Projected Additional Power Demand from 2017 (KW) 4,415,742.68 9,276,813.01 9,276,813.01 27,066,839.07 42,250,188.27 1.8.3. Infrastructure Sub-Sector: Water Domestic water supply is provided by three (3) main entities, namely, Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad), BP Waterworks Inc. (BPWI), and Goodhands Water Specialists Inc (GWSI). Maynilad serves as the main provider of the city as its services covers 86 barangays. BPWI serves majority of the barangays in Cluster 6 (9 barangays in total), while GWSI has its operations in the Malagasang and Buhay na Tubig areas. At present, the city consumes around 1,579,362.21 cubic meters per month. Around 29.68% of this water are sourced from deep wells via ground water extraction. The rest are supplied by water distribution lines using surface water sources. As of 2015, 28,786 households (29.56%) are served by Level II water supply, 48,225 (49.51%) by Level III infrastructure, while around 20.93% are either served by Level I water supply and/or from unaccounted water connections (illegal connections). Table 36. Level III Local Waterworks System by Type and Number of Consumers and Average Water Consumption, 2015 No. of Connections Ave. Monthly Water Consumption (in cu. m) No. of Connections Ave. Monthly Water Consumption (in cu. m) No. of Connections Ave. Monthly Water Consumption (in cu. m) 86 out of 36,240 97 Source: Maynilad, 2016 Industrial Ave. Monthly Water Consumption (in cu. m) Barangays Served No. of Connections Domestic Type of Consumer Semi-Business Commercial 643,974 353 12,081 421 53,049 3 43 Currently, the monthly water requirement of the city is at 1,736.108.06 m 3. However, with the projected increase in residential, commercial and industrial establishments, it is estimated that the water requirement could more than double to 4,068,477.01 m3 by 2027.The city would need to ensure that these projected water requirements are met by managing the supply of the different water resources of the city, collaborating with the main water providers to lay down the needed infrastructure, and establishing policies (i.e. incentives for businesses/establishments) that would promote water conservation practices. 74 Table 37. Projected Water Requirement by Type of User and Ave. Monthly Consumption, 2015 No. of Household s 403,785 97,397 423,772 103,359 444,749 108,475 466,764 113,845 489,869 119,480 514,118 125,395 539,566 131,602 566,275 138,116 594,305 144,953 623,724 152,128 654,598 159,658 687,001 167,561 721,007 175,855 1,294,406.1 3 1,362,104.0 0 1,497,287.7 8 1,645,888.0 5 1,809,236.3 5 1,988,796.3 6 2,186,177.0 4 2,403,147.0 2 2,641,650.4 7 2,903,824.5 1 3,192,018.3 5 3,508,814.3 6 3,857,051.2 0 353 12,081.00 416 Industrial Projected Water Requireme nt (in cu. m) No. of Connection s 201 5 201 6 201 7 201 8 201 9 202 0 202 1 202 2 202 3 202 4 202 5 202 6 202 7 Populatio n Projected Water Requireme nt (in cu. m) Commercial No. of Connection s Yea r Projected Water Requireme nt (in cu. m) Semi-Business No. of Connection s Residential Projected Water Requireme nt (in cu. m) 421 53,049.00 3 1,784.25 13,477.36 517 59,196.92 3 1,989.99 483 14,814.94 626 65,072.00 4 2,187.49 560 16,285.26 759 71,530.16 4 2,404.59 650 17,901.52 918 78,629.26 4 2,643.24 755 19,678.17 86,432.92 5 2,905.57 876 21,631.16 95,011.07 5 3,193.94 104,440.57 6 3,510.93 114,805.91 6 3,859.37 126,199.97 7 4,242.40 138,724.85 8 4,663.44 152,492.78 9 5,126.27 167,627.12 9 5,635.04 1,01 7 1,18 0 1,36 9 1,58 9 1,84 5 2,14 1 23,777.97 26,137.85 28,731.93 31,583.47 34,718.02 38,163.65 111 2 134 6 163 0 197 4 239 0 289 3 350 3 424 1 Total Monthly Water Supply Requireme nt (in cu.m) 1,361,320.3 8 1,436,768.2 7 1,579,362.2 1 1,736,108.0 6 1,908,410.3 6 2,097,813.0 3 2,306,013.2 1 2,534,876.4 9 2,786,453.6 0 3,062,998.8 1 3,366,990.1 1 3,701,151.4 2 4,068,477.0 1 In terms of flood control and management, the city is naturally susceptible to flooding, especially its northern portion which acts as a natural catch basin and is located along channels where water flows from the highland areas of the province of Cavite towards Manila Bay. Aside from the natural water that flows towards waterways and rainwater, several factors also contribute to water runoff. These include the: (i) perviousness or capacity of the ground to be penetrated by, absorb and retain water; (ii) urban water outflow or water consumed by different urban activities; and (iii) the different flood control and drainage facilities that manage the flow and amount of water that would be released towards the natural waterways. With rapid land development and activities, the land area of pervious areas within the city is slowly declining. At present, around 2,061 hectares or 40.91% of the total land area are considered pervious areas, but with the projected increase in land development, this number could further decrease. Furthermore, activities in these pervious areas contribute to the urban water outflow that will further stress the carrying capacity of natural waterways and channels. Several projects are pipelined to address some of the water-related issues of the City. These projects include the construction of a retarding basin; and quarterly scheduled dredging of 75 canals. Based on the Executive and Legislative Agenda for 2016-2019, a significant amount is allocated for flood mitigation projects. There is also an allocation for the acquisition of surveying instruments that could be utilized for inventory and data collection purposes. However, policies to monitor and regulate land development, such as setting pervious area requirements for developers; monitoring compliance to open space requirements; collecting storm water utility user fees; and ensuring that natural waterways and channels are not obstructed and/or not buried by land development, need to be established and strictly implemented and monitored. 1.8.4. Infrastructure Sub-Sector: Information, and Communication Technology Most of the residents and establishments in the city have access to internet, telephone and mobile services. Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company (PLDT), Globe Telecommunication, Inc. (GLOBE) and Digital Telecommunications Phils. Inc. (DIGITEL) are the major providers of telecommunication services. PLDT, SMART Telecommunications, Inc. (SMART), GLOBE and Sun Cellular (SUN), cater the internet and mobile service needs of the City. These digital and telecommunication services are delivered by utilizing communication infrastructure such as telecommunication and/or cell sites/towers. Table 38. Telephone, Mobile and Internet Service Providers, 2017 Telephone, Mobile and Internet Service Providers Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company DIGITEL (Digital Telecommunications Phils. Inc.) SMART Telecommunications, Inc. Globe Telecommunication, Inc. Sun Cellular Source: CPDO, 2017 The quality and reliability of telecommunications and mobile services are expected to greatly improve by having more facilities of these types added to the existing network. However, identification and securing locations for these towers is a major hurdle that service providers must overcome since social acceptance for this type of infrastructure is limited due to its assumed health and security risks. Moreover, several existing communication facilities are found to be at risk to flooding and landslide based on the CDRA. For the city to realize its vision of a technology-driven economy, and to encourage investments from industries such as Business Processes Outsourcing (BPO), education, and tourism among others, the city government must enhance the existing capacity, quality, and reliability of ICT 76 services and infrastructure by collaborating with ICT providers, and providing an environment suitable for upgrade and expansion. 77 Chapter 2. EXISTING LAND USE STUDIES 2.1. Existing Land Uses The land uses within the City of Imus can be categorized into two (2) types: built up, and agricultural. These land uses are a natural outcome of its geophysical characteristics and proximity to Metro Manila. Currently, built-up areas amount to about 55% of the total land area or 2,931.67 hectares which include residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional areas, cemeteries, parks, roads, and infrastructure land uses. The remaining 45% or 2,382.92 hectares are composed of agricultural lands, rivers and waterways, and vacant lands. Regarding built-up areas, residential land use occupies the largest portion of land in the city as it makes up 2,120.20 hectares or about 40% of its total land area. Included in this category are at least 137.90 has. utilized for socialized housing. Furthermore, an additional 11.00 ha. (0.21%) of residential areas are informal settlements. However, socialized housing and informal settlements data were based on the latest data records available and may actually change based on the on-going inventory activities the City Government. Next to residential land use, infrastructure and utilities get the second most prevalent land use for built- up areas which make up 520.83 hectares or 9.8% of the total land area. Infrastructure and utilities, on the other hand, include roads and bridges (460.76 ha or 8.67%), other support infrastructure and utilities such as retention basins, irrigation facilities, power and water facilities, telecommunication towers and waste management facilities (58.70 ha or 1.10%), and a dumpsite (1.37 ha or 0.03%). However, the latter is now non-operational. Industrial land uses, despite being a key element in the previous land use plan, only cover 88.09 hectares or 1.66% of the city’s territory. This includes a lot area known as the Imus Informal Industrial Estate that is located along the stretch of the Aguinaldo Highway between Imus and Dasmariñas. Existing industries within the area include various garment, textile industries, as well as food and beverage factories, steel works, and other manufacturing plants. In addition, other micro industries are distributed around the city such as small-scale food manufacturing enterprises, glass works, candle making shops, and woodcrafts. Other land uses in built-up areas include commercial (109.24 ha. or 2.06%), institutional (62.31 ha. or 1.17%), cemeteries (19.43 ha. or 0.37%), and parks and playgrounds (0.57 ha. or 0.01%). For non-built up areas, the 1,071.63 ha. agricultural land account for the second largest land use type in the city (20.16% of the total land area). Majority of these are irrigated rice lands 78 covering (773 ha) followed by areas planted to fruits and vegetables (298.16 ha.). The remaining lands in this category are vacant and idle lands temporarily grown to agricultural crops, but most of these vacant areas have already been reclassified in the previous version of the plan. Given the area allotted to it, rice is clearly the major agricultural product of the city. This is followed by vegetables such as ampalaya, eggplant, tomato, upo and other legumes. Imus also produces mango fruits, but orchards dedicated to its propagation occupy only a small portion of land. Also present in the city are post-harvest agricultural facilities and backyard livestock and poultry farms. Currently, there is still a large portion of the city which is considered idle or vacant. Around 1,247.01 ha or 23.46% fall under this land use category. Most of these are agricultural lands already reclassified for other urban purposes but are currently unutilized. These lands, however, are still viable for agriculture and are sometimes temporarily grown with agricultural crops. Other idle and vacant lands also include lands that are no longer viable for agriculture. Rivers and waterways cover the remaining 64.28 hectares or 1.21% of the land area. These includes the various creeks and drainages distributed within the city, as well as the three major rivers, namely: Imus, Alang-Ylang, and Julian Rivers. Table 39. Existing Land Use of Imus, 2017 Land Use Category Area (hectares)* Residential 2,120.20 Agricultural 1,071.63 Commercial 109.24 Industrial 88.09 Institutional 62.31 Rivers and waterways 64.28 Cemetery 19.43 Informal Settlement 11.00 Infrastructure and Utilities 58.70 Roads 460.76 Dumpsite 1.37 Idle/vacant lands 1,247.01 Parks and Playgrounds 0.57 TOTAL 5,314.60 *GIS computation 79 % 39.89% 20.16% 2.06% 1.66% 1.17% 1.21% 0.37% 0.21% 1.10% 8.67% 0.03% 23.46% 0.01% 100.00% 80 Figure 19. General Land Use Map, 2017 2.2. Land Use Pattern and Trends The land use pattern of Imus is trending towards continuous urbanization and the development of higher-level intensity urban uses that would serve as sites for commercial and industrial activities. Majority of these developments are concentrated along the E. Aguinaldo Highway and other major roads within the city. Furthermore, agricultural and vacant lands will likely make way for more residential and other urban developments. Table 40 shows a temporal comparison of the existing land use allocation of Imus in 2008 and 2017. From the values presented, the largest change in land area allocation is for residential land uses with an observed increase of 633.57 ha. or 11.92%. This development, however, is at the expense of agricultural land use which decreased by 629.37 ha. or 11.85% of the city’s land area. Conversely, urban land uses that experienced a significant increase in land area include commercial (37.5 ha.), industrial (35.4 ha.) and institutional uses (11.92 ha.). Table 40. Existing Land Use Comparative Matrix Land Use Category Residential Agricultural Commercial Industrial Institutional Rivers and waterways Cemetery Informal Settlement Infrastructure and Utilities Roads Dumpsite Idle/vacant lands Parks and Playgrounds TOTAL Existing Land Use (2008) Area % (hectares)* 1,486.63 1,701.00 71.78 52.72 50.39 64.28 19.43 27.97% 32.01% 1.35% 0.99% 0.95% 1.21% 0.37% 116.99 1.37 1,749.44 2.20% 0.03% 32.92% 0.57 5,314.60 0.01% 100.00% 81 Existing Land Use (2017) Area % (hectares)* 2,120.20 39.89% 1,071.63 20.16% 109.24 2.06% 88.09 1.66% 62.31 1.17% 64.28 1.21% 19.43 0.37% 11.00 0.21% 58.70 1.10% 460.76 1.37 1,247.01 8.67% 0.03% 23.46% 0.57 0.01% 5,314.60 100.00% % Change 11.92% -11.85% 0.71% 0.67% 0.22% 0.00% 0.00% 0.21% 1.10% 6.47% 0.00% -9.46% 0.00% Another land use category that increased in area are roads which now account for total of 343.77 ha. of the city’s territory, an increase of 6.47%. However, majority of these thoroughfares are within residential subdivisions and are minimally connected to each other. It is evident in ground surveys and observations that this lack connectivity has led to traffic congestion and reduced mobility within the city. Currently, there are only few arterial roads that facilitate movement between barangays, while a large number of vehicle owners still rely on the National Highway as a main artery for movement. Comparing the Zoning Map 2007-2017 (Figure 20. Zoning Map of Imus, 2007-2017 being utilized by the LGU and its 2017 General Land Use Map, it could be observed that most of the designated zones have not materialize and did not develop into their intended uses. Rather than attracting investors and locators to develop their industries and commercial establishments in Imus, the city became a magnet for open market and socialized residential developments. An outcome of this situation was the development of residential estates in areas that were supposedly for industrial and commercial uses. This is evident in the planned industrial strip along Aguinaldo Highway and portions of barangay Buhay na Tubig. Another large tract designated as an industrial zone that never materialized is the southern portion of the city in barangay Pasong Buaya I. Majority of these lands are currently idle and vacant, if not, temporarily used for agriculture. However, the bottom portion of the barangay along Daang Hari Road is becoming a mixed commercial-residential use development. This area is expected to develop into a growth node that would alter the city’s current zoning allocation. A designated general commercial zone in the northern portion of Pasong Buaya I and parts of Anabu I-G also did not also materialize. As of the moment, these lands are idle and vacant, but the northern tip of the commercial zone is slowly becoming a residential area. Other notable developments that have slightly deviated from the previous city plan include the development of small commercial centers in various barangays, and the small industrial portions within residential zones. Commercial developments are primarily observed along major roads particularly in parts of Malagasang II, Anabu II, Bucandala, Alapan II, Pag-asa, Poblacion, Medicion, Buhay na Tubig and Mariano Espeleta. On the other hand, isolated industrial developments in portions of Alapan II, Alapan I-A and Medicion II. 82 Figure 20. Zoning Map of Imus, 2007-2017 83 2.3. Land Use Issues and Concerns Land is a finite resource whose proper use is vital in addressing the different competing development needs of the city. As such, land needs to be utilized and accounted for projected population increase and the urban expansion that this will require. Furthermore, possible impacts of climate change and hazards need to be considered in land use management to ensure the security and optimization of investments and for envisioned development outcomes to be economically and ecologically sustainable. Considering the existing environment, the city government faces different land- and land userelated issues that need to be taken into account in the formulation of a sustainable comprehensive land use plan. These issues are identified and discussed in the sections below. 2.3.1. Unmanaged urban expansion As part of the Bacoor-Dasmariñas urban corridor, the development trend in Imus is expected to be mainly residential in nature since it serves as a catch basin for the population of Metro Manila. In the previous land use plan, other key land uses were allocated specifically for industrial and commercial land uses to balance out this trend as well as to provide economic opportunities and support the development needs of the population. However, there were gaps in the implementation of the plan as land use development continued to be predominantly residential. Furthermore, commercial establishments followed a linear development pattern along major thoroughfares such as the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway and Daang Hari. Residential areas near industrial estates also came about as some of the residential estates were allowed in lands allocated for industrial use. This increasing residential expansion and commercialization can be attributed to several societal concerns such as inmigration and natural growth of population, lack of in-city employment opportunities, traffic congestion, and pollution issues that the city is experiencing. Furthermore, commercial and industrial establishments have developed inside large residential estates due to the increased demand for services, goods, and opportunities that these establishments provide. This unmanaged urban expansion puts additional stress on the city government as it will require more financial and human resources to support the socio-economic, infrastructural, and environmental development needs of its present and future constituents. 84 2.3.2. Significant presence of unproductive idle and vacant lands At present, there are large tracts of lands that are vacant or idle. Most of these are agricultural areas that were reclassified for other land uses were envisioned to contribute to the development of the city. The unproductiveness of these lands does not only mean missed opportunities for the development of the city, but it also deprives the city of its agricultural potential which, if properly harnessed could help ensure food security and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, idle and vacant lands contribute less to the city’s local revenue generation, which could provide additional funds for development programs and projects. These lands should be used and developed within the next few years, or utilized for agricultural uses so that these could contribute to the city’s economy. These lands could also be used, on temporary or permanent basis, as recreational, and/or green spaces/parks to address the social and environmental needs of the city. 2.3.3. Inadequate equitable housing The current housing in Imus is dominated by residential subdivisions that provide low-rise single-dwelling units. Most of these developments cater to the housing needs of middle- to high-income class families who are commonly from Metro Manila. Considering the projected population increase and the income profile of its constituents, the city needs to provide more affordable housing units given the limited urban space currently available. Future residential development should concentrate on maximizing urban space through vertical expansion by promoting medium-rise residential estates. In addition, the city needs to consider the presence of informal settlers along major natural waterways and must have a comprehensive plan in order to reduce the risks and provide decent shelter for these marginal groups. Infrastructure and other enabling mechanisms such as ordinances must also be in place to manage, monitor and control people from occupying natural waterway easements. 2.3.4. Susceptibility to climate-related and hydro-meteorological hazards Flooding is a natural hazard that periodically affects the City of Imus. In 2012, 17,616 families in 33 barangays were affected by floodwater brought by Typhoon Gener (international name Saola). The following year, 20,320 families in 85 barangays were affected by a flash flood caused by Typhoon Maring (international name Trami). Low-lying barangays and areas near rivers and creeks were particularly affected, where floodwater reached as high as six (6) feet. About 5,000 families were displaced by the flooding that lasted for two (2) days. With the 85 changes in climate that the country is currently experiencing, severe flooding incidents will become more prevalent and severe in the future. Furthermore, projected increases in temperature and decreases in rainfall could potentially lead to droughts that might affect the agricultural productivity and water resources of the city. Land development and limited green spaces and carbon sinks could also aggravate the temperature conditions within the City and could lead to an urban island heat effect. 2.3.5. Pressure on the natural environment Land developments have always applied pressure on the natural environment, especially on environmentally constrained or ecologically sensitive areas such as prime agricultural lands and inland waterways. Several past developments in the city have paved the way for the conversion of prime agricultural lands and contributed to the obstruction/burying of portions of natural waterways. As such, the pressure on the natural environment needs to be managed through proper land use allocation with the appropriation of land resources for development based on site characteristics such as location, accessibility, topography, and carrying capacity. By these measures it would mitigate the long-term risks on the environment and ease the strain on the city’s financial resources. In addition, unmanaged higher intensities such as medium and heavy industries and increased density of uses might negatively impact the quality of the environment (i.e., air and water). These should be properly regulated by installing safeguards such as waste control measures, integration of urban greening designs and practices, and quality assurance policies. 2.3.6. Non-integration of urban greening designs and practices Over the past decades, major land developments were experienced by the city during periods of rapid urbanization. In most cases, these developments have led to environmental pressures. Vast tracts of prime agricultural lands were converted into residential and commercial estates, which reduced the amount of pervious areas that absorb rainwater run-off and ease the stress on the carrying capacity of natural waterways. At the same time, the amount of open spaces and trees have diminished to give way to land developments. Furthermore, as the city allowed increased land use densities, it failed to establish and implement safeguards to manage its location and design. Major manifestations of such unmanaged expansion are non-compact neighborhoods which compel people to move more and be dependent on automobiles. 86 These scenarios, together with other inter-related factors, contribute to higher carbon emissions, obstructed air circulation, increased urban heat, increased urban water outfall, among others, that could potentially affect the ecological integrity and balance of the city, and exacerbate impacts brought about by climate change and natural hazards. Though land development is inevitable, its negative implications could be balanced through proper management of its location and design. The city needs to incorporate urban greening designs and practices in and future developments by promoting compact neighborhoods where amenities are conveniently accessible to homes, designing street patterns that are optimal and walkable, encouraging “green” building, infrastructure and practices, and providing incentives through policies to support implementation. 2.3.7. Economic activities affecting natural ecosystems One of the ecosystems constrained by economic activities are the City’s inland waters. Some land developments either obstructed or buried portions of river channels which affected both their natural flow, and natural carrying capacity. In addition, as higher densities generate more water consumption, more urban water outflow is expected. Compounded by unplanned and inadequate drainage infrastructure and limited supporting flood facilities and management practices, these conditions have added more stress on the inland water ecosystem that contributed to the more frequent and severe floods experienced by the city. Water quality of the inland waters have also deteriorated over the year due to the lack of monitoring mechanisms to ensure strict compliance of economic establishments to water quality safeguards (i.e., installation of water treatment facilities, adequate drainage designs and specifications). As such, the city needs to manage the location and densities of existing and future development, while devising mechanisms and processes that will encourage, guarantee, and monitor compliance to requirements set by the city government. Industrial establishments also face issues regarding air quality and proximity to residential estates. Though most industrial estates established prior to these residential communities, the city government needs to establish mechanisms to monitor air quality, ensure compliance to emission limits, and safeguard communities from potential health risks. 87 2.3.8. Limited economic opportunities that would sustain employment of locals Generating employment for the present and future constituents of Imus to sustain its development is one of the constraints encountered by the local government. A majority of the residents are immigrants currently employed either in Metro Manila or in nearby areas. This means that a large percentage of the population conduct their daily activities and spend most of their income outside of the city. Money from wages and taxes moves away from the city’s economy, benefitting others instead of the city and its residents. Existing and future labor force needs to be fully optimized to make Imus economy sustainable. For this to be realized, the city must generate more economic opportunities by building an environment that would attract specific investments that complements the city’s comparative advantage and maximizes its existing potential. Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) must also be in place to cultivate an equitable and sustainable local economy. 2.3.9. Potential threat to food security and self-sufficiency Over the years, Imus has experienced a decline in the amount of productive agricultural lands that serve as sources of its food. With limited lands allocated for agriculture, food products and goods produced within the city continue to decline, and this has affected the food supply and prices of foodstuffs. With the projected increase in population in the coming years, the amount of produce from these agricultural lands might not be sufficient to address the needs of the city, posing a possible threat to food security while exacerbating the city’s dependence on other local and international sources. Such conditions affect the income and purchasing capacity of Imus constituents. The city government needs to consider this potential threat in the formulation of this plan and should explore measures to ensure food self-sufficiency such as optimization of productive agricultural lands, promotion of innovative agricultural methods and practices, and protection and proper management of prime agricultural lands, among others, in order for its planned development to be sustainable. 2.3.10. Inadequate promotion, protection and conservation of heritage and culture 88 Imus has a proud and rich history and culture as exhibited by the different historical landmarks and markers present across the city. In addition, the city still has old heritage houses belonging to families considered as the early settlers of Imus. These families may still have with them artifacts and historical records that could be of great historical significance. Despite the intensified initiatives of the present local government to reclaim its cultural identity and promote its heritage, it still needs to formulate a comprehensive plan to sustainably develop and manage its historical and cultural assets. Programs such as development and management of historical sites, cultural mapping, an inventory of heritage houses and important Imusenos, and historical and cultural artifacts must be considered. Furthermore, supporting enabling mechanisms such as zoning regulations on heritage houses and historical landmarks, as well as policies geared towards its conservation must be established and arranged. The city government must also explore the integration of heritage and culture in the development projects as part of its thrust to reclaim Imus’ cultural identity and brand. 2.3.11. Lack of Infrastructure facilities to support development thrusts and needs While there are already ongoing and planned infrastructure development, the city needs to prioritize investments that will not only address its existing and potential needs but also generate maximum impact in realizing its envisioned development thrust. Currently, development projects are focused on providing for the social needs of the city. However, there is still a large gap in infrastructure and facilities that support economic development and growth, as well as environment protection and management, among others. More investments must be allocated on transportation, agriculture and tourism infrastructure, and support facilities to further optimize economic potential, enable a conducive economic environment, and expand opportunities for a more equitable and sustainable development. On the other hand, environment protection and management infrastructure such as drainage and flood control projects, and waste management infrastructure and facilities must also be in place to preserve the natural environment, decrease vulnerabilities and risks, and secure the resources and investments of the local government and its constituents. 2.3.12. Boundary Disputes Boundary disputes between barangays and with other local government units need to be resolved immediately to enable the city government to properly and efficiently manage its land resources. Resolution of boundary disputes at the barangay level can facilitate easier 89 administration, management, and better optimization of land, human and financial resources. On the other hand, resolving disputes with other local government units could add more land resources. This could, in turn, contribute in providing more revenue and opportunities that the city needs to realize its development plans and programs. Not until these boundary disputes are settled, sustainable land development and management cannot be fully realized. This is due to the possible conflicts on actual and proposed land uses that may arise concerning these areas. Furthermore, potential development in these lands could possibly be hindered due to impending legal and administrative considerations that developers and local governments must first resolve. While addressing these issues is not part of this plan, zoning administration and management of disputed areas can be resolved by concerned entities through integrated planning and coordination and the establishment of mechanisms for co-management arrangements. 2.4. Development Potentials and Opportunities The city has advantages and opportunities that it can optimize to further develop and counter problems it is facing. The following are some of the potentials that Imus can maximize: 2.4.1. Gateway to Metro Manila and other major urban centers The geographic location of Imus serves as a gateway to Metro Manila and other major urban centers such as the San Pedro-Calamba international center in Laguna. Furthermore, as part of the envisioned international center in Cavite, it acts as a major passageway to Dasmariñas, which was identified as the metropolitan center and a major business and educational center in CALABARZON, and other major urban centers in the Nuevo Cavite growth triangle. As such, the city could capitalize on the potential economic opportunities that trickle down from the activities in these urban areas and present itself as an ideal location for investors looking for sites near these urban centers while offering a better environment that will maximize their profit margin. Additionally, the city could also optimize the benefits from existing and proposed development programs and projects that the national, regional, and provincial governments have planned to support economic activities in these areas. Since Imus plays a major role in the plans at all levels, the city could explore partnerships and co-management arrangements with these different government entities to further expand its institutional, financial and human resource capacity to implement its development agenda. 90 2.4.2. Sustained demand in the international market for industrial and manufacturing products The sustained demand in the global market for industrial and manufacturing products, specifically electronics, semiconductors and other ICT-related products, gives an opportunity for the industrial, and industrial-related sectors to improve their contribution in the economy and overall development of the country. CALABARZON has been identified in plans at all levels as the center of industrial activities in the country and is expected to receive continuous support from the government. As part of the industrial hub in the province of Cavite, Imus can capitalize on the different mechanisms afforded by the government to further improve its industrial development. However, these developments should take into account the ecological stability and sustainability of the city. 2.4.3. Demand for equitable housing due to population increase The current trend of increasing population in the city due to natural growth and in-migration will increase demand for housing. Imus, as part of the area in Cavite that serve as “bedroom communities”, will continue to enjoy its reputation as an ideal site and could seize the opportunity for more residential development. These developments could instantly boost local revenue generation and generate diverse socio-economic activities, but at the same, would require different services, infrastructure, and support facilities that the city government needs to consider. Furthermore, based on the income profile of the population, the city government should also establish mechanisms that would lead towards housing equity and sustainability. 2.4.4. Labor force surplus Currently, Imus enjoys a labor force surplus. The city could harness this resource to reap benefits from this demographic dividend which is the economic growth potential that could result from a population with an inordinately larger share of productive age population (15 to 64) over dependent age population (14 and younger, and 65 and over). However, the city must improve its human capital capacity to fully maximize its workforce potential. This could be attained by forging partnerships with education and knowledge hubs available within and outside Imus. These include educational centers in Metro Manila and Dasmariñas, CAVSU-Imus, IVTS, among others. Furthermore, the city could also capitalize on the on-going educational hub development happening in the Vermosa area to improve its access to quality and specialized education. 91 2.4.5. Increased demand for commercial and ICT services, finance, and trade activities With its proximity to the City of Dasmariñas -- the commercial center of CALABARZON and the province of Cavite, and the increasing trend in population, Imus expects an increased demand for commercial, retail, finance and trade activities and services. At the same time, there is also an increased local and international demand for ICT and ICT-related services (i.e. Business Processing Outsourcing). The city could tap this potential by putting emphasis on addressing the needs of these sectors in their commercial development agenda. Furthermore, the city government could concentrate the location of its commercial development near Dasmariñas to benefit from the developmental support planned by the provincial, regional, and national government and to take advantage of economies of scale. 2.4.6. Conducive environment for histo-cultural tourism The City of Imus has a conducive environment for historical and cultural tourism. Aside from having the most number of such sites in the Province, Imus serves as home to vast old heritage houses, and native Imus families and important people which could possess historical documents, artifacts, and photos that could be of local and/or national significance. It also helps that Imus is situated near the cities of Kawit and Cavite, the historical hubs of the province. There is great potential for tourism in the province as manifested by the continued increase of same day and overnight tourists and the increasing demand for leisure entertainment areas and open spaces. This conducive environment provides a reason for Imus to explore opportunities in historical and cultural tourism as part of its development agenda. However, despite initiatives through different festivities and programs, the city needs a comprehensive plan that includes programs for cultural assets mapping, site development and management, heritage conservation, and cultural identity branding, and marketing and promotion to fully maximize its potential. 2.4.7. Availability of urban farming techniques and technologies With the advancement in technology, it has become possible for the agricultural sector to increase productivity despite limited land. These innovative techniques and technologies are 92 best suited for urban areas faced with limited agricultural lands, higher environmental risks, and food insufficiency. Also, more urban areas are now exploring “urban farming” or growing specific farm products to be sold to local food establishments. Moreover, there are several cases wherein local governments have designated ‘agri-tourism sites’ to exhibit best practices in farming and utilized these as catalysts to boost tourism in their localities. Imus could look into these urban farming techniques and technologies to explore possible opportunities that they offer in terms of addressing the city’s issues on ensuring food selfsufficiency, reducing environmental risks, and providing additional drivers for the local economy. 2.4.8. Availability of lands for future urban development Imus has significant parcels of idle and vacant lands that can be utilized to accommodate future needs. These include the development of settlements, industries and commercial establishments, as well as roads, and other special uses such as materials recovery facilities (MRFs), retarding basins. With these lands still not utilized, the city government could manage the development in these areas by establishing different enabling and control mechanisms geared towards the realization of its agenda. Also, the city government could ensure that these lands are utilized, either permanently or temporarily, by exploring mechanisms afforded to them in the Local Government Code such as idle land tax, special levies, incentives, and co-management arrangements. These lands could temporarily be used to address the city’s need for urban farming lots and open parking spaces, among others. 2.4.9. Good fiscal management practices and financial health status One of the benefits of becoming a city is the increased availability of funds that can be utilized for development programs and projects. Latest fiscal records show that the Imus LGU’s revenue is more than 50% higher than the benchmark set by DOF for all 3 rd class component cities. The city’s good financial health is due to its sound fiscal management practices. As proof, the city government has been awarded multiple times by DILG with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), the latest was received in 2017. Also, the city government of Imus is one of the few LGUs that are not dependent on its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) since more than half of its revenue comes from local sources. The SGLG award, together with good fiscal management and financial health status, improves the financial credibility of the local government and its reputation in terms of its capacity to 93 pay. These advantages greatly contribute Imus’s potential in accessing additional external sources of funding from the different government agencies and financial institutions. The city government could explore these financing opportunities to fund priority programs and projects that are envisioned to immensely contribute to the development of the city. 2.5. Functional Role of the City Understanding the functional roles of Imus within Cavite Province and the Southern Tagalog Region is imperative in deciding the most appropriate strategy in the overall development of the City. These roles are determined based on the existing Provincial and Regional Development and Framework Plans, as well as based on the existing situation and trends occurring around the area. 2.5.1. Role in Cavite Province The development direction of the Province of Cavite is anchored on its latest plan – the Cavite Development and Physical Framework Plan 2011-2020. In this plan, Cavite aims to be a “firstand world-class province, renowned for its glorious history, empowered by God-centered and environment-friendly people, and governed by principled and dynamic leaders.” In order to achieve its vision, the province outlined development thrusts that will guide all of its plans and programs. The province of Cavite development thrusts are as follows: Good Governance is Good Politics Institute a new paradigm in Governance Undertake ISO Certification A Livable Community Housing Program – A Resilient Community “Go - Bizz” Cavite Investment, Entrepreneur, Cooperative and Livelihood Peace and Order Construction of alternate and arterial routes within the Province The province intends to take the ‘Urban-Rural Integrated Development’ approach. This emphasizes strengthening industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and tourism in order to stimulate establishments of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that will serve as engines of growth. MSMEs are expected to generate sufficient employment opportunities for 94 the influx of migrated labor force and population natural growth, and, in effect, help contribute in addressing food insufficiency and poverty. The plan determined the City of Imus to be part of “Cavite Nuevo Growth Triangle”, clustered with the cities and municipalities of Bacoor, General Trias, Tanza, Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, Naic, portion of Silang, Rosario, Kawit, Dasmariñas and Trece Martires. The Cavite Nuevo Growth Triangle will serve as the business, industrial, educational, and histo-cultural center of the province. Local governments in this growth center are to promote the development of the province by providing a conducive environment to support these industries and by generating more economic opportunities to optimize Cavite’s labor force, especially for people in nearby rural localities. Also, this growth triangle also serves as home to the bulk of Cavite’s population, and localities in this cluster are expected to absorb more migrants through the redevelopment of settlements (vertical expansion). 2.5.2. Role in Southern Tagalog Region There are two (2) existing plans that guide the development of the Southern Tagalog Region – the CALABARZON Regional Physical Framework Plan 2017-2046 (RPFP), which prescribes its spatial development strategies, and the Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 (RDP), which sets the priority development programs and projects of the region. In its vision, CALABARZON aspires to be “a region of vibrant economic diversity and vitality with progressive, well-planned town clusters inhabited by God-loving people enjoying globally competitive, balanced and resilient ecosystems.” The region aims to achieve its vision by setting the course of regional development towards the following: building a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor, creating the conditions for the growth of enterprises that generate high-quality jobs, and producing high-quality goods and services at competitive prices; promoting a long and healthy life through a range of programs starting with quality and affordable universal health care and social protection; becoming smarter and more innovative as people need to expand their skill set in order to adapt to rapidly changing technology and work requirements; and building a high-trust society with governments that are people-centered, effective, and accountable. Under the RDP 2012-2022, the development strategies to be employed will focus on: 95 empowering the Industry, Services (Tourism) and Agriculture sectors; adopting technology and innovation; maximizing demographic dividends; building resilient and secure communities; developing human capital; and developing infrastructure to improve the region’s connectivity, accessibility, mobility, environmental integrity and sustainability For the region’s spatial strategy, as indicated in the RPFP 2017-2046, the physical environment will be characterized by a balanced and strategic development of infrastructure while ensuring that there is ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment and building resiliency against natural and human induced disasters and shocks. In general, the spatial strategy focuses on concentration, connectivity, and vulnerability reduction. The RPFP identified Imus as part of the Bacoor-Dasmariñas International Urban Center. International Urban Centers, as defined in the plan, are areas which have the potential to cater to and compete with the international market demands. The Bacoor-Dasmariñas International Urban Center is envisioned to be the center of industries, business, and education in the western corridor of the region. Its functional role is to serve as the main economic driver of the region, provide employment and economic opportunities, and support the social needs of the region’s western cluster. However, localities are prescribed to implement compact development to counter issues such as urban sprawl, excessive agricultural land conversion, and proliferation of informal settlements. Aside from being part of the region’s international urban centers, the plan also identified development areas such as culture development and heritage conservation, tourism, environmental vulnerability and risk reduction, and food self-sufficiency as priority areas. Having vast historical-cultural assets, limitations in agricultural conversion, and challenges in food self-sufficiency, environmental risks, and employment generation, Imus has the opportunity to play a major role as a “pioneer” for urban areas in employing best practices and measures in the aspects of environmental protection, risk and vulnerability reduction, historical-cultural development, modern and technology-driven agriculture, and inclusive urban renewal and redevelopment. These could be achieved while performing its responsibilities in the region in sustaining industrial, commercial and retail services development, providing equitable housing, and supporting social infrastructural needs such as developing leisure entertainment areas, and allocating more open spaces. 96 Chapter 3. THE COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN The City of Imus Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2018-2027 is a document formulated by the Local Government Unit of Imus which will guide the spatial and physical development of the city for the next ten years. The CLUP also serves as a framework of the City’s future development agenda that is in line with both higher level plans (e.g. Cavite Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan, Regional Development Plan, Philippine Development Plan and National Urban Development and Housing Framework) as well as international agreements and standards (e.g. Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Paris Agreement). The CLUP is a required document for LGUs under the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) that aims for a rationalized and optimized use of their land and natural resources. In addition to updating the existing plan based on current needs and considerations, the new CLUP takes into consideration thematic areas and special areas studies, such as the Integrated Ecosystems Management Framework, Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction, Heritage Conservation, and Urban Design and Development, for a more comprehensive approach in land use planning as provided by the new guidelines of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. Through the development and implementation of this CLUP, the City of Imus can address its current issues and challenges, while capitalizing on its strengths and opportunities to transform itself into a more livable and productive urban settlement. Furthermore, this City of Imus CLUP allows for its citizens to genuinely participate in the development of their city through the formulation of a genuine peoples’ plan of Imus. Through the incorporation of participatory mechanisms in the planning and plan implementation processes, the people of Imus can contribute in determining and implementing the actions needed to attain the city’s collective vision. 3.1. Vision and Mission The Vision for the City is stated as follows: “A premier city of the region, pole bearer of a technology-driven economy, home of God-fearing and empowered citizenry, living in a safe, green, resilient, and sustainable environment, governed with utmost quality of public service.” The Vision statement identifies the end state scenario that the city wants to attain and provides direction for the various actions to be undertaken. This Vision shall be further detailed into 97 specific development goals and objectives that shall serve as criteria for evaluating strategies, approaches and policies that are incorporated in the CLUP, as well as determine standards to which success can be measured. In order to attain its Vision, the Local Government of Imus tasks itself with the following mission statement: To provide the utmost quality of public service and implement essential laws and ordinances through cooperation between the citizenry and the government in order to address the needs of the people. As stated in the LGU’s Mission, participation and the collective action of the Imuseños are vital components towards the city’s development. It is therefore necessary to involve the private sector and the community in the city’s planning and implementation processes. Future development strategies and agenda will also rely heavily on cooperation and collaboration with the private sector, especially in implementing various programs and projects. Furthermore, marginalized and vulnerable sectors shall be integrated as fully participating citizens towards city and nation building through involvement in community activities and inclusion as members of the productive labor force. 3.2. Goals and Objectives Aligned with the Vision, the formulated Goals and Objectives shall serve as the framework of the city’s land use development and management for the next ten years. This will not only guide the spatial directions and strategies of the city, but will also be the basis for identifying of programs and projects that will complement the land use plan. The identified success indicators shall provide the LGU a means for monitoring and evaluating the progress and outcomes of their plans. The identification of specific Goals and Objectives were heavily based on the existing situation of the city with a special focus on its needs, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as well as the city’s role in within its region and even the whole country. 98 Table 41. Goals and Objectives of the City Government of Imus Vision Elements and Descriptors Goals Develop the City of Imus as a model for Sustainable Urban Development Objectives Success Indicator Formulate an urban development program by 2024 which focuses on the urban site designs and its implementation Ensure compliance of all urban and land developments to the Zoning Ordinances and other related local codes and ordinances by 2022 Implemented urban design programs and projects (e.g. urban greening, walkability projects, etc.) by 2024 Establish Imus as a model city for climate change actions and disaster risk reduction by 2022 "Premier City of the Region" Establish the City as a showcase of the Filipino Culture and Heritage Become a center for Economic Dynamism "Pole bearer of a technologydriven economy" Improve efficiency of business transactions and ease of doing business in the City Improve and enhance existing heritage and cultural resources by 2024 Improve urban landscapes and aesthetics to emphasize the heritage and cultural brand of the city by 2024 Promote awareness amongst constituents and the general populace of the City's heritage brand thru IECs by 2024 Locate and develop areas for expansion and development of industries, commercial establishments and higher-level economic services by 2022 Establish strategic promotion and investment programs by 2022 to encourage locators to invest in the city Improve process in application, permitting and clearance system of the city by incorporating the use of applications information systems by 2022 99 Increased compliance percentage of developments from local ordinances by 2022 Increased number of activities and projects related to climate change adaptation/mitigation and disaster risk reduction by 2022 Increased visibility of heritage and cultural resources by 2024 Established and implemented urban beautification projects utilizing the heritage brand of the city by 2024 Increased number of activities and enterprises related culture and heritage tourism by 2024 Increase in number of tourists and revenue generated from tourism by 2024 Increased allocation of viable and prime lands for economic activities and investments by 2022 Increased number of locators by 2022 Shortened length of time in processing of permits and clearances (ease of doing business) by 2022 Increase number of applications for local permits by 2022 Harness the City's vast cultural resources for the development of culture- and heritagedriven economic activities Provide opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Employ the use of ICT for economic development Improve resilience and capacities of local industries and establishments in acting against climate change and hazards Develop economic enterprises that will support heritage and cultural tourism through provision of livelihood trainings, financial support and other assistance schemes by 2024 Establish support mechanisms such as trainings and financial support for MSMEs by 2020 Provide fast, reliable and accessible wireless internet to its constituents by 2020 Computerize government processes by 2023 Capacitate business owners on local disaster preparedness and prevention by 2020 Install hazard mitigation and climate adaptation measures for hazard prone areas by 2024 Improve access to basic social services (e.g. health, education, social welfare, protection, recreation) by 2022 Improve the general well-being of Imuseños by fostering physical, mental and emotional development "Home of Godfearing and empowered citizenry" Empower and capacitate communities to contribute to the City's development Provide quality social services based on the needs of the people by 2022 Increased economic activities related to heritage and cultural tourism by 2024 Increased number of establishments by 2020 Increased coverage of wireless internet access by 2020 Installed a comprehensive IT system to handle LGU processes by 2023 Conducted DRRM IEC to business by 2020 Provided IEC materials on local disasters and climate change by 2020 Established mitigation and adaptation infrastructures by 2024 Constructed evacuation facilities in hazard areas by 2024 Increased number of people provided with social services by 2020 Constructed additional social infrastructure in easily accessible areas by 2022 Met national standards in access quality in the different social services by 2022 Increased number of programs and projects in social welfare development by 2020 Improve capacities of local communities in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction by 2022 Conducted community-based CCA-DRR trainings and plan formulation by 2022 Establish civic centers to promote people interaction and participation in local decisionmaking and community building by 2022 Increased number of civic centers (e.g. multipurpose halls, recreation centers, etc.) constructed by 2022 Increased number of participants in community consultations and meetings by 2020 Encourage participation of NGOs and private sector in development projects through Conducted development projects together with NGOs and the private sector by 2022 100 partnerships by 2022 Establish skills and capacity enhancement programs based on existing job and labor demand of the Province Promote child-, elder-, gender- and PWDfriendly development Protection of vital natural resources (e.g. rivers, creeks and greenbelts) "Living in a safe, green, resilient and sustainable environment" Improve and manage environmental quality Incorporate green urbanism in urban development Erect state universities, colleges, and technical vocational schools that provides subjects and courses based on job and labor demands by 2024 Provide skills and capacity enhancement programs, trainings and short courses to the communities by 2021 Encourage participation of youth, senior citizens, women and PWD in the city's development programs and projects by 2020 Incorporate inclusivity in urban development and designs (e.g. walkability, pedestrian friendly, etc.) by 2024 Establish protection zones and buffer zones (e.g. water easements, river protection, etc.) from vital natural resources by 2022 Improve and enhance solid and liquid waste management programs by 2022 Construct additional waste management facilities by 2024 Require septage treatment facilities for high intensity developments by 2024 Install air and water monitoring systems near high intensity growth areas by 2022 Incentivize utilization of green technology and strategies in building constructions and land developments by 2022 Provide adequate and connected green open spaces and corridors by 2024 101 Presence of institutions providing subjects and courses based on job and labor demands by 2024 Established training programs and centers for skills and capacity enhancement by 2021 Increased participation of youth, senior citizens, women and PWD in community consultation and meetings by 2020 Institutionalized the participation of vulnerable sectors in planning and development process of the LGU by 2020 Incorporated inclusivity in all urban development and designs project by 2024 Absence of illegal developments and structures in protection and buffer zones by 2022 Presence of additional solid and liquid waste programs and projects by 2022 Increased number of waste management facilities such as MRFs, septage treatment facilities by 2024 Presence of treatment facilities in highly pollutive structures and developments by 2024 Produced information on air and water quality by 2022 Increased number of buildings and land development incorporating green strategies by 2022 Increased land area for green open spaces by 2024 Presence of linear parks and green walkways by 2024 Conduct urban greening and landscaping of governmentowned structures and lands including sidewalks, center islands and public open spaces by 2024 Install new public transport systems for movement within the city by 2022 Improve bikability and walkability of city streets through pedestrianization, bicycle lane development and sidewalk improvements by 2023 Establish a sustainable urban transport system Construct multi-modal transport terminals in key city centers by 2024 Improve existing road networks through construction of connecting roads and declogging of obstructions by 2022 Harness excess wastewater and rainwater as additional sources water for public use Install air and water monitoring systems, and water harvesting technologies near and within high intensity growth areas by 2022 Improve access of local neighborhoods to basic needs, services, and markets within walking distance by 2020 Promote compact and walkable development Establish a comprehensive drainage network for flood mitigation and rainwater harvesting Promote transit-oriented development by making city centers and growth nodes accessible through multi-modal transport systems by 2025 Formulate and develop a comprehensive drainage network by 2024 Require new high intensity and density developments to install 102 Increased presence of urban trees and plants by 2024 Formulated and implemented local public transport route plans by 2022 Increased number of people using walking, bicycles and other nonmotorized transport by 2023 Installed bicycle lanes by 2022 Constructed multi-modal terminals by 2024 Increased number of people using public transport by 2024 Increased number of rationalized routes, and transport organization using the terminals by 2024 Constructed additional major arterial roads by 2022 Established friendship routes for internal road networks by 2022 Installed parking areas and structures for road de-clogging by 2022 Produced information on air and water quality by 2022 Decreased average daily water consumption by 2022 Presence of social and commercial establishments near local neighborhoods and communities by 2020 Increased number of people using public transport and nonmotorized transport by 2025 Presence of connected transport system in city centers and growth nodes by 2024 Constructed and improved existing drainages by 2024 Presence of catch basins by 2024 rainwater catchment in their developments by 2024 Implement pervious area requirements and storm water utility user fees for all developments by 2024 Promote and advocate rainwater harvesting to households and business establishments through incentives by 2022 Improve coverage of protective services by 2020 Ensure safety and security of constituents Increase local awareness and public information related to government programs and projects "Governed with utmost quality of public service" Inform, capacitate and educate residents on local disaster evacuation procedures by 2020 Maximize use of institutional structures for information dissemination in the barangay by 2020 Enhance land use plan implementation and management schemes Enhance capacity and capability for implementing the CLUP and Zoning Ordinance by 2022 Establish vertical and horizontal linkages between different agencies and institutions to ensure environmental protection and management Collaborate with other agencies, across vertical and horizontal governance levels, in locally implemented programs and projects related to environmental protection and management (e.g. watershed protection) by 2022 Retrofit and mitigate existing government structures from natural hazards and effects of climate change by 2024 Locate new structures away from hazard susceptible areas by 2024 Ensure safety of government structures and assets from effects of hazards and climate change 3.3. General Development Strategies 103 Increase in percentage of pervious areas in the built-up environment by 2024 Presence of rainwater harvesting systems in households and establishments by 2022 Increase in number of establishments that availed for incentives by 2022 Increased presence of personnel and outposts by 2020 Formulated barangay and schoollevel contingency plans by 2020 Reproduced and disseminated information materials by 2020 Increased visibility of promotion and information materials by 2020 Increased number of employees trained on Zoning Administration and Enforcement by 2020 Installed GIS or other similar systems used for land use plan implementation, and zoning administration and management by 2022 Increased number of programs and projects involving other agencies by 2022 Establishment of inter-agency governance models that handle various trans boundary issues and concerns such as watershed management by 2022 All government structures are safe from possible hazards by 2024 The General Development Thrusts and Strategies (GDTS) are based on the goals and objectives identified to attain the Vision of the city, with special consideration to its implication to the spatial strategies and direction of its development. The GDTS shall define more descriptive approaches and strategies that will be implemented to achieve and ensure that the general welfare of the Imuseños is attained. Furthermore, these thrusts rationalize the various actions needed in attaining the goals and objectives of the city that were determined through a series of consultations with the local leaders, various sectoral representatives, community representatives and the private sector. 3.3.1. Revitalization of Imuseños culture and heritage The City of Imus has always played a significant role in the country’s independence. Dubbed as the “Flag Capital of the Philippines”, the city is home to a wide variety of historical and cultural resources. These include tangible assets such as the largest Philippine Flag and the heritage structures of its Poblacion district, as well as intangible ones such as the Wagayway Festival. The future development agenda of the city shall focus both on rediscovering and revitalizing its culture and heritage while establishing these as focal components of the city’s image and brand. It is therefore the strategy of the city to enhance its cultural resources, to reinvigorate the Imuseños’s sense of identity and pride of place, and develop these as drivers of economic development. These shall be attained through the establishment of heritage zones, the redevelopment and enhancement of histo-cultural sites, intensive research on the city’s important individuals and history, intensive marketing and branding campaigns, promotion of active participation of local communities, and creation of cultural tourism-related enterprises and products. 3.3.2. Expansion and generation of a wide range of economic activities and livelihood opportunities Even though the city has experienced rapid urban transformation during the past two decades with the development of its industrial estates, agribusiness farms and residential subdivisions, economic opportunities for local employment continues to be limited. This can be observed from the large portion of the population working in Metro Manila and the nearby areas, including the unproductiveness and lack of utilization of certain lands allocated for industrial and commercial purposes. In reality, the city mainly serves as a dormitory town that houses a portion of the working population of the CALABARZON and Metro Manila regions. 104 For the next ten years, the city aims to become one of the major economic centers of the region. This is to be attained through the intensification of its promotions and business support systems which shall encourage investors to locate their businesses and industries in the city. The city aims to provide a more business-friendly and attractive environment through the utilization of ICT systems for efficient processing of business permits, the development of skilled workers based on labor demand, and the provision of adequate infrastructures to support businesses within the city. Furthermore, the LGU shall support the establishment of locally developed micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to further generate income within the city. Majority of these MSMEs shall be geared towards the creation of a cultural tourism industry which includes food establishments, souvenir shops and tourism-related services. Through the land use plan, the city shall also identify lands and maximize the utilization of these for economic purposes. Commercial and industrial zones shall be located in strategic areas where growth can be stimulated. Agriculture, which is vital for the city’s food security shall be located in prime agricultural lands and equipped with modern technologies and facilities for better production and yield. The idle lands tax shall be strictly enforced to ensure that lands are productive. To avoid idle land penalties, landowners can have their properties used for temporary income generating activities such as urban gardens and temporary parking structures. 3.3.3. Establishment of the city as magnet for tourists and city-goers Being a gateway and a major corridor into Metro Manila, Imus has frequently been bypassed by people seeking work, recreation and entertainment. For example, the city has been bypassed by tourists for other nearby destinations such as Tagaytay. One of the thrusts that shall be incorporated in the current land use plan is to capture these potential markets through the development of Imus as a stopover and end-destination for tourists and city-goers. This thrust shall be implemented through the establishment of the cultural and heritage tourism sector of the city, and will be supported by the development of a vibrant commercial center that could provide a wide range of high-level goods and services. Among these are recreational activities which shall be a vital component of the city’s tourism industry with the Vermosa Sport Hub as the main attractor for such activities that would be complemented by the development of a network of linear parks and green open spaces across the city. 105 The planned organic and urban agricultural farms are also projected to attract tourists by showcasing world-class sustainable farming techniques. In addition, “farm/garden-to-table” food strips will be established to promote local Imus cuisines and advocate urban farming by using only organic products coming from the city’s farms. The establishment of these sectors shall be facilitated through the provision of adequate support infrastructures, establishment of research and innovation programs, enhancement of the urban environment, and intensive promotion of the planned services. 3.3.4. Make the Imuseños people the foundation of economic development in the province One of the potential strengths of Imus is the presence of a large labor force that can be further enhanced through the implementation of human capital-focused programs and projects in the areas of education, health and safety. Human capital development can be complemented by the advancement of educational establishments within the city which is in line with the city’s goal to have a skilled citizenry and become Cavite’s center of education along the province’s western corridor. In addition, the LGU can establish specialized training centers that offer vocational and other skills training courses that would suit the labor demands of the region. Health and safety of the citizens, on the other hand, shall be attained through the equitable distribution of the LGU’s resources and facilities in a manner that would make these accessible to all members of the population. In addition to strategies for human capital development, the city shall promote an atmosphere of citizen involvement through the utilization of participatory techniques in development planning processes and public-private partnerships for project implementation. Furthermore, neighborhoods shall be provided with civic centers and activity spaces, such as multi-purpose halls, open spaces, and community gardens that can stimulate social interaction and strengthen relationships among individuals. 3.3.5. Development of livelier and healthier communities People in livelier and healthier communities have better access to both ample spaces and basic services. In Imus, such a condition is possible by ensuring adequate green and open spaces for recreation and social interaction in existing neighborhoods and new subdivision developments. Such settlements should also have zones for commercial establishments that could provide the bare necessities of its households and families. The LGU shall also allot adequate support infrastructures, including sufficient road networks and drainage systems, to improve accessibility and safety within these settlements. Furthermore, residents of neighborhoods 106 shall be protected from negative externalities that they may experience as a by-product of economic development such as emissions and noise coming from industrial developments. Such protection would require the formulation and strict enforcement of reasonable environmental regulations and standards. 3.3.6. Incorporation of green strategies in urban development Green urbanism benefits both man and his environment. By applying the principles of this strategy, places, communities and lifestyles become more sustainable. In addition, the application of green urbanism concepts aid in climate change adaptation through the increase of carbon sinks and adaptation practices such as reducing and monitoring carbon emissions, increasing the absorption capacity of the soil from effects of rainfall increase, and providing shade from temperature changes. Basically, green urbanism focuses on the establishment and protection of vital green open spaces and natural water drainages in urban areas. Natural topography and landscapes are to be considered to limit the effects of development on nature. Fully covering the ground with concrete should be avoided and every development should retain portions of unpaved surface. Existing urban areas that adhere to the green urbanism concept should have a network of open spaces, corridors and sidewalks that have a significant number of well-maintained trees, reeds, and other plants. These green spaces serve as the lungs of cities and as a means to filter the air. In addition, green urbanism entails the incorporation of trees, plants, and vines on roofs gardens, and walls in the construction of structures in a built-up area. Such strategies can be implemented using tools and mechanisms including incentives for private land developments as well as projects such as tree planting and green urban street designs. 3.3.7. Improvement and provision of vital infrastructures The attainment of the city’s vision requires the government to provide adequate support infrastructures and private sector support. As observed from the surveys and analysis of the existing situation, Imus lacks the necessary infrastructures for it to become a premiere city in the country and which are vital in creating an environment conducive for various socioeconomic activities and in sustaining quality of life. In addition to basic social infrastructures and utilities, the city should provide its constituents with a more efficient transport system, comprehensive drainage networks and reliable ICT systems. 107 Transportation is one of the least developed sectors of the city. Currently, existing transport systems are heavily reliant on the major arterials roads, and there is also an observed inadequacy of internal roads connecting the various communities within Imus. It is therefore one of the strategies of the city to develop a web of connected street networks to improve pedestrian and vehicular mobility. Furthermore, the city shall adhere to the concepts of walkable, “bikable” and compact development in order to lessen the need for motorized travel. The design of these street networks shall also anticipate the effects of Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx) that will transect the city. Major growth centers shall also promote transit-oriented development and multi-modal transport to provide commuters and trip makers a wide variety of transport choices. These growth centers shall be further connected with the communities through new public transport routes and systems that employ cleaner and modernized technology. The city’s drainage network shall be upgraded within the next ten years to enable Imus to be safer and more resilient to flood events which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Retainment basins shall be constructed to collect and store excess rainwater and to possibly use these for domestic and agricultural purposes. Lastly, modern information and communication technology (ICT) systems and infrastructure shall drive Imus’ pursuit for a smarter and technology-oriented city. The use of ICT would provide a better environment for businesses, such as BPOs, and help the LGU better manage its processes. Through ICT, the LGU can provide its constituents with better services such as security surveillance, early warning systems and traffic management systems. 3.3.8. Establishment of institutional and civic centers To further strengthen its presence the LGU shall relocate its government center in the Bucandala and Malagasang area. A new city hall will be built to exemplify both the resurgence of Imus and its development towards becoming a “Premiere City”. On the other hand, the old city hall will be reestablished as a focal point of the city’s heritage and culture. Aside from department offices, the Emergency Operations Center, Modern Agriculture Research and Technology support facilities, and an impounding area are planned to be established in this government district. Schools in the City will be enhanced by incorporating green designs and technologies through the “Green Schools” program. 108 In addition, the LGU shall enhance and retrofit its government structures to make it more aesthetically pleasing and resilient to extreme events. Furthermore, a satellite government center shall also be set up in the Pasong Buaya area within the planned commercial district to serve as a site for the city’s convention center and other government offices. 3.3.9. Climate change and disaster resiliency In compliance to RA 9729 (Climate Change Act) and RA 10121 (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act), the city shall mainstream climate change actions and disaster risk reduction and management in its CLUP and Zoning Ordinance. The planning process shall employ the climate and disaster lens in determining the best options for the use of land in the city. The Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment served to assess current risks and vulnerabilities, to determine the interventions to be utilized, as well as identify the most suitable areas for urban development. The land use plan shall be envisioned as a guide for future CCA-DRR directions and strategies wherein development and specific sectoral plans will be culled out. 109 3.4. Planning Concepts and Spatial Strategies The integration and incorporation of the general development thrusts and strategies in the CLUP and Zoning Ordinance shall be accomplished through the formulation of spatial strategies and the structure plan. The identified spatial directions shall draw inspiration from various planning concepts and principles used by a number of successful cities around the world. The implementation of these strategies shall help Imus develop into a model for urban development and a “Premiere City”. The following are the major spatial strategies and planning concepts that the LGU will utilize in determining the structure plan and appropriate allocation of lands within its jurisdiction: 3.4.1. Multi-nodal Development A multi-nodal development encourages the creation of multiple new urban growth areas or nodes that will support the existing urban core. For Imus, its multi-nodal development would be characterized by the creation of various land development clusters with its own set of specialized activities and support facilities. This type of approach ensures that uses with similar characteristics are clustered together to lessen the possible effects of conflicting uses and improve complementation between similarly related uses. These nodes shall be linked by major thoroughfares and circulation networks. The nodes that shall be proposed for the city’s development include the government center, industrial cluster, cultural and heritage tourism center, agri-tourism and research centers, and commercial center. 3.4.2. Urban Corridors An urban corridor is defined as a linear “ribbon” system of urban form whose main feature is the linking of various cities through transportation and economic corridors or axes, often running between major cities. These corridors encourage business activities, change the nature and function of individual towns and cities, and promote regional economic growth. The City of Imus is transected near its center by E. Aguinaldo Highway -- an example of an urban corridor. This highway cuts across various towns and along its axis are several industrial and commercial establishments that induce economic growth in the area. Imus will continue to nurture this area as a center of the city’s urban development. In addition to be a growth pole, urban corridors can help provide the city its image and brand. The section of the city that is transected by the corridors provides a glimpse of what the city has and could offer to motorists and commuters passing through the axis. Therefore, one of the 110 strategies is to further develop this corridor through urban street designs and transport system improvements, which includes the establishment of defined bus and public transport stops and traffic alleviation via the creation of parallel bypass roads. Through these strategies, the city can become the Premiere City that it aims to be. 3.4.3. Compact, green, and walkable town concept One of the spatial strategies to integrate green urbanism in the land use plan is the utilization of the compact, green and walkable town’s strategy. This will be a guiding concept in the creation of the various nodes and major growth areas which will incorporate multi-nodal and transit-oriented development principles. Under this strategy, towns are made compact through the integration of a high-density mixed-use development and a spatial structuring of the area where various establishments have minimal distance from each other. Combining this type of development with urban greening and connected pathways shall make the area more conducive for walking. Walkable towns are settlements that are more connected, cohesive, dense and vibrant (vertical development, mixed uses), while having adequate space for walking and cycling and a mobility system that prioritizes public transport. In order to attain a walkable town, factors influencing walkability should be considered and improved. These include the presence or absence of quality footpaths, sidewalks or other pedestrian pathways, traffic and road conditions, land use patterns, building accessibility, public transportation access, safety, vegetation, and structure facades and designs, among others. This shall both be considered for planning for the design of the urban areas and incorporated in the land use plan of the city. 3.4.4. Complete neighborhoods concept In a complete neighborhood, one has safe and convenient access to the goods and services needed in daily life. This includes housing, grocery stores and other commercial services, public schools, public open spaces and recreational facilities. An important element of this concept is that the built environment should be walkable or “bikeable” in human scale and should meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities. This strategy shall be employed to ensure that all the neighborhoods and communities can access basic goods and services within walking distance. In the Philippines, the preferred walking distance is between 250 to 400 meters. It is therefore suggested that minor nodes that could provide basic commercial and social needs be designated and allocated in the proximity 111 of communities under the land use plan. This approach will be complemented by the walkable town’s concept. 3.4.5. Rectilinear development A rectilinear grid pattern is proposed as the main street or network pattern for urban development in growth nodes. This grid pattern will be parallel to major thoroughfares. This type of structure and form are usually found in small developing cities rather than larger ones. This grid pattern represents the classic grid street pattern used in many street systems. This pattern is the preferred form in flat lands and in the absence of natural topographic features affecting the form. Under this concept, a street system is employed wherein road hierarchy shall be present to ensure that certain roads will have priority in the movement, most especially the major roads. For Imus, this type of urban form emanates from its major thoroughfare which is the E. Aguinaldo Highway. From the main highway, new arterial roads that are parallel to it will be established, either through road construction and improvement or establishment of friendship routes. In addition to roads, pathways and bike lanes will also be developed along major rivers that are also parallel to the highway. These parallel transport routes will then also be connected by arterials roads that are perpendicular to the Aguinaldo Highway. The construction of these intersecting roads will then lead to a rectilinear or grid pattern of road network for the city. 3.4.6. Integrated multi-modal transport system and transit-oriented development To ensure connectivity and linkage between the different proposed nodes, an integrated multimodal transport system is proposed. This strategy entails the identification of key locations for multi-modal transport terminals that shall provide for different modes transport between major centers in the city. This system aims to lessen the need for having private transport vehicles that may increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, as well as increase congestion in urban centers. In Imus, various transport modes such as buses, jeepneys, tricycles and nonmotorized travel will greatly be considered in the establishment of this system. This multi-modal system shall go hand in hand with the concept on transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD is a type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, business and leisure space within walking distance of public transport terminals, or in this case, multi-modal terminals. This aims to increase public transport ridership by reducing the use of private cars and by promoting sustainable urban growth. Typically, TOD includes a 112 major transit stop or terminal surrounded by high-density mixed-use area and are designed to be walkable than other built-up areas through the reduction of land area dedicated to automobiles. In applying this strategy in Imus, multi-modal transport terminals shall be made an integral part of the major growth nodes of the city. These terminals shall be made accessible to various modes of transport, with special focus on non-motorized travel. Similar to walkable town’s concept, these terminals shall be made accessible through the provision of integrated path walks by all the establishments within 400 m. radius of the terminal. 3.4.7. Industrial ecology An ecologically balanced environment can be achieved through incorporation of various sustainability approaches in land use planning. One such approach to sustainability is the Industrial Ecology approach. Industrial Ecology refers to the study of industrial systems with the goal of finding ways to lessen environmental impacts which is usually applied through the imitation of natural systems by the man-made ones. The strategy shall be implemented in Imus through the development of synergies, in both spatial and business processes, between industries, commercial establishments and other economic enterprises. Example of its application in Imus is the development of an industrial park and commercial center seeking enhanced environmental and economic performance through collaboration in managing environmental and resource issues, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, close materials loop and waste management. This can be made possible through provision of ample spaces and zones for industries and commercial establishments to agglomerate and work together. 3.5. Land Suitability Analysis Land use suitability and sieve analysis were conducted to determine the proposed structure plan of the city. These analyses assessed the current capability of the land resources to allow various types of land uses, particularly urban-related uses. For Imus, the analyses focused on identifying specific areas that have potential for both development and redevelopment. Suitable locations for urban development were assessed primarily based on the availability of land resources and the absence of built-up structures – conditions that could allow potential development in these areas. Additional parameters using various thematic information were also incorporated in the analysis to determine the best and optimal uses for these available lands. Parameters used in the analysis include coverage to existing land protection laws (i.e. protected agricultural lands, water easements, etc.), natural environment conditions, hazard 113 susceptibility, proximity to identified regional and provincial centers, and access to complementary infrastructure and support facilities. These parameters were utilized not only to identify the optimal and best uses based on the existing environment but also to ensure that potential development is permissible by law, and risks for investments are significantly reduced. In addition to identifying the suitable locations of urban development, this analysis could also help determine possible linkages and arrangements between the existing and proposed land uses. Figure 22 presents the results of the sieve mapping activity conducted for the city. As shown in the map, Imus still has a large land resources that can be allocated for urban development. Majority of these are located in the southern half of the city. Land use developments are to be directed in these areas to lessen the chances and impacts of future disasters and impending threats of climate change. Potential areas for redevelopment are another major aspect that the suitability analysis investigated. Since the existing built environment of Imus are already developed, the analysis aimed to identify developed areas that have the potential to elevate the socio-economic conditions of the city while addressing existing issues and concerns. One of the major considerations in this analysis is the presence and proximity of natural and/or man-made resources near and within these built environments. In Imus, major resources were identified to have these potential namely agricultural goods and products, local cuisine, and histo-cultural assets. Aside from these conditions, the type of redevelopment will be determined based on other parameters such as ease of harnessing these resources to stimulate growth, proximity to complementary regional and provincial centers, and access to infrastructure and support facilities, among others. 114 Figure 21. Land Suitability Map – Potential Development Areas 115 Figure 22. Potential Development Areas Map 116 Figure 23. Land Suitability Map – Potential Redevelopment Areas 117 As shown in Figure 24, the analysis results show that Imus has major histo-cultural assets located at the north and northwestern portion of the city that can be optimized to drive tourism and other related socio-economic activities. Also, agricultural assets are concentrated on the western part while small parcels of idle lands that still have the potential for urban farming are available on the northwest. Future development in these identified areas shall be geared towards preserving these resources, maximizing its potential to generate growth, and establishing a conducive environment for growth to thrive. In addition to the sieve mapping assessment, results of the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment, particularly the risk maps and the priority decision areas, were used to determine the possible spatial directions and locations of development which are safe from hazards. Furthermore, this information could also provide possible areas where risk reduction and mitigation measures can be located to lessen the risks that the city may experience during disasters. Based on the CDRA results, portions of Imus, especially its northern portion, is at high risk to the impacts of flooding. Red-colored areas on the risk maps are priority sites for risk reduction measures, such as drainage improvement, structure retrofitting and risk insurances, whose installation could ensure the viable utilization of these areas. As such, these places are the least prioritized for densification and land use intensification. Luckily, the city does not have high risk areas for landslides. For identified growth nodes that are susceptible to particular hazards, measures such as hazard overlay zoning are to be implemented. These overlay zones will provide additional regulations and requirements, such as resilient building designs, before any uses identified in the base zoning map could be allowed. 118 Figure 24. Potential Redevelopment Areas Map 119 3.6. Structure Plan The development thrusts, spatial strategies and spatial limitations were the main determinants of the proposed Structure Plan of the city. The Structure Plan Map shows the general location and direction of land developments, as well as the positions of key production, protection, settlement and infrastructure areas. Circulation networks are also presented to highlight the link and connections of the various development areas. This conceptual plan will become the main basis for the Proposed Land Use Plan after the land use boundaries and land use demands are defined and determined, respectively. Key features of the Imus Structure Plan include the development of different land use growth nodes where certain land uses will be directed. In addition, locations of facilities, utilities, and the proposed connecting routes are also identified in the concept diagram. The areas surrounding these nodes and structures are predominantly residential land uses. 120 Figure 25. Structure Plan Map, City Government of Imus 121 3.6.1. Districts (Growth Nodes) The Districts identified in the city’s proposed land use plan are the growth nodes where the development of specific land uses and activities will occur. These were determined based on the needs and aspirations of the city, as well as the results of the land suitability analysis which considered its spatial limitations and land supply as parameters. The location of these nodes would also allow for the least amount of impact on both the environment and between the nodes themselves as well as the best synergy among related nodes and land uses. These areas are to be connected to each other via proposed circulation networks. 122 Figure 26. District Structure Plan Map 123 3.6.1.1. Special Development District (Vermosa District) Figure 27. Satellite Image of the Special Development District Site – Vermosa Source: Google Earth 124 Figure 28. Proposed Special Development District Land Use Map The Vermosa District is a private-led planned unit development (PUD) that is envisioned to be a major magnet for settlers, employment, commercial establishments, educational institutions, and recreational activities for the whole region. This master-planned development, which will occupy vast lands in the southeastern portion of Imus, will accommodate a mix of residential, 125 institutional, recreational and commercial uses. The Vermosa PUD is envisioned to have a bustling commercial housing, malls and large supermarkets, hotels, resorts, as well as offices and BPOs. In addition, the district will be providing for the education needs of Cavitenos through the private and exclusive schools and colleges (i.e. De Lasalle Santiago Zobel Vermosa Campus) that it will host. Figure 29. Vermosa Planned Commercial District Source: Vermosa, retrieved from https://vermosa.ph Figure 30. De Lasalle Santiago Zobel - Vermosa Campus Source: Vermosa, retrieved from https://vermosa.ph 126 Vermosa District is also projected to be one of the country’s premier health and recreational hubs through its Vermosa Sports and Lifestyle Complex. The sports hub is planned to provide access to world-class facilities such as the Triclub and Aquatic Center, an oval track and field, bike trails, sports science laboratory, motocross and ATV tracks, wall climbing facilities, an archery range, and fitness and sport shops. Once in operation, Vermosa is foreseen to promote social interactions between families and/or communities through its network of green open spaces where outdoor activities and events could be done. Figure 31. Vermosa Sports and Lifestyle Complex Source: Vermosa, retrieved from https://vermosa.ph 127 This PUD shall have its own facilities, utilities, management, and operations, but with guidance from the LGU. Since this development is private led, the LGU shall focus on establishing synergies between Vermosa and the rest of Imus. These includes linkages in terms of transportation and flow of goods and people going in and out of the district. Furthermore, Vermosa would have to comply with the strategies and thrusts of the LGU towards multimodal, walkable and transit-oriented development, as well as the incorporation of green growth and urbanism, and histo-cultural urban designs in land development. Aside from the PUD, a commercial area is also allocated west of the Vermosa to complement and accommodate the projected economic growth and activities that will trickle down from the latter. Moreover, support infrastructure and facilities are to be established to ensure that development in this district can be sustained. 3.6.1.2. Culture and Heritage Districts One of the main development thrusts of the city is to revitalize its heritage and cultural identity and utilize these as a platform to drive its tourism sector. The cultural and heritage districts are envisioned to complement the Vermosa District by fully optimizing the potential influx of tourists attracted by the said PUD. The Poblacion and Alapan areas will be designated as culture and heritage districts that best exemplify the identity and image of Imuseños, as well as to serve as a major attractor of tourists and economic activities. These areas shall prioritize heritage conservation and promote urban designs that complement with its existing cultural assets. 128 Figure 32. Satellite Image of the Poblacion Culture and Heritage District Site Figure 33. Satellite Image of the Alapan Culture and Heritage District Site 129 Figure 34. Proposed Poblacion Culture and Heritage Land Use Map 130 Figure 35. Proposed Alapan Culture and Heritage Land Use Map The main cultural district for Imus will be located in the Poblacion area where various heritage structures are present. These include the Imus Cathedral, the current City Hall, and the Gen. Licerio Topacio Park. This district is envisioned to be walkable and pedestrian-friendly wherein motorized vehicles could only have limited access. Since the City Hall will be transferred to a new location, the site of the old government center will be redeveloped into a cultural center which showcases cultural artifacts and where the role of Imus in the Philippine history can be relived. The surrounding areas of the main heritage structures are targeted to be redesigned to complement the cultural image of the city. This includes the redesigning of roads and sidewalks, the improvement of houses and building façade, and the introduction of design elements which can further enhance the area including trees, green walls, benches and lamp posts. A network of walkways and bike lanes will also be identified to establish seamless linkages between tourism sites and to serve as routes for walking and/or cycling tours. Furthermore, to stimulate the activities and interactions within the area, cultural tourism enterprises, such as food establishments and souvenir shops, are encouraged to be established in the district. These establishments can be integrated within the heritage design of the area. Support mechanisms, such as financing schemes, incentives and risk reduction measures, shall be provided by the LGU to ensure that these plans will be implemented. 131 Figure 36. Poblacion Culture and Heritage District Concept The other planned heritage district is in Alapan where one of the tallest Philippine flag poles is being erected. The said site is where the Battle of Alapan, the first of many encounters between the Katipuneros and Spanish that eventually culminated to the country’s independence. Currently, this historic site is a venue for festivals and events, such as the annual National Flags Day. This district will be further developed and enhanced through parks and plaza development with the intent of turning the area in the mold of Luneta Park. Other than the heritage districts, there are also other historical markers and tourist sites that are scattered around the city. These landmarks are to be protected and preserved while the development of its surrounding areas should not diminish the significance and value of the said landmarks. This can be implemented through the establishment of heritage buffers around these areas. 132 Figure 37. Urban Heritage Strip Design Concept 133 Figure 38. Map of Proposed Network of Park, Open Spaces and Tourism Sites 134 3.6.1.3. New Government Center Figure 39. Satellite Image of the New Government Center Site Within the planning period, a new Government Center will be constructed to exemplify the rise of Imus as a Premiere City. The center will be installed with “state of the art” facilities and technologies to enable better, efficient and effective government services to its people. In addition, this structure shall be designed to withstand various hazards and climate changes impacts, as well as enable efficient movement within both the facility and the rest of Imus by locating it at the heart of the city. 135 Figure 40. Proposed Government District Land Use Map 136 Figure 41. Concept Design of the New Imus City Hall In addition, a satellite government center will be established at the heart of the Vermosa district. Extension offices of economy-related departments are to be located in this area to facilitate ease of doing business, and generate potential industries, investments and additional revenue for the city. Government facilities and offices envisioned to be established in this area include a Trade Center, Business One-Stop Shop, extension offices for Tourism Development, Economic Enterprise and Management, Imus Cooperative Development, and Public Employment Service, among others. A literary and cultural arts museum is also proposed to be established within Vermosa to showcase the city’s literature and arts. Potential revenue from the museum’s gate receipts could be utilized solely for the City of Imus’ culture and heritage conservation programs and tourism development. 3.6.1.4. Agricultural Districts There are two agricultural districts proposed under the land use plan. These zones are envisioned to help promote food security and self-sufficiency for Imus through the popularization of sustainable agricultural practices. It is expected that the use of such methods in these districts would produce better agricultural yield, encourage the processing of 137 agricultural products, as well as showcase best practices for urban farming which can be replicated around the city. These areas were identified based on the capacity and suitability of the land for agriculture. The first agricultural district is the Modern Agri-industrial Research and Development District (MARDD) in Malagasang. This district seeks to establish a center for modernized farming techniques that efficiently produces better yields and processing of products. Included in these districts is the utilization of greenhouses and hydroponics technologies for crop production, as well as the generation and use of composting and organic farming practices. Agriculture-related enterprises and markets are also to be allowed within this district for direct income generation from the sale of the products. Furthermore, the MARDD is envisioned to become a demonstration area for modern urban agriculture that can attract students, agriculturists, tourists, and consumers to visit the area. Figure 42. Satellite Image of the Modern Agri-Industrial Research and Development District Site 138 Figure 43. Proposed Modern Agri-Industrial Research and Development District Land Use Map 139 Figure 44. Modern Urban Agri-Industrial Research and Development Facility Concept (Urban Farms Concept) The other agricultural district is the Organic Urban Farming Districts (OUFD) within the areas of Alapan, Carsadang Bago, Bucandala, Bayang Luma, Medicion, Tanzang Luma and Toclong. These areas are not envisioned to be specialized exclusive agricultural zones. Rather, they are aimed to integrate organic urban farming activities in local neighborhoods and communities for additional income and to maximize utilization of prime agricultural lands. Currently, the said district has tracts of lands that are idle and vacant. These lands are targeted for temporary urban farms that the communities can nurture before their development into urban uses, particularly for residential purposes. These planned agricultural districts are expected to complement major urban farming-related facilities that will be developed in the Vermosa District such as the “Farmers Market”and organic restaurants, among others. To ensure that organic urban farming is being practiced in both new and existing residential settlements, open spaces and idle lands are required to be turned into urban farms through the Zoning Ordinance. Capacity development and support infrastructures are also to be provided by the LGU to jumpstart the implementation of these farms. 140 Figure 45. Satellite Image of the North-Central Organic Urban Farming District Site Figure 46. Satellite Image of the Toclong-Medicion Organic Urban Farming District Site 141 Figure 47. Proposed North-Central Organic Urban Farming District Land Use Map 142 Figure 48. Proposed Toclong-Medicion Organic Urban Farming District Land Use Map 3.6.1.5. Industrial District Currently, there are already industrial locators present within the city. These industries are usually located along the Aguinaldo Highway which was designated as industrial zones in the previous version of the CLUP. However, the intended industrial development did not 143 materialize due to the presence of industrial parks scattered around the region. It was observed that the industrial zones were developed into commercial and residential instead. Because of this, the proposed industrial district will be in Malagasang, along the southernmost part of Imus and near the planned Cavite-Laguna Expressway since the area would be farther away from the city’s residential communities and commercial areas. The proposed development will also be located in strategic areas where flow of good inwards and outwards of the city will not be difficult. To ensure that the proposed industry sites does not affect the natural environment, the potential industries in the area should follow the environmental standards and regulations, such as buffers, to lessen its impact to the environment and adjacent structures. In addition, waste management practices (solid wastes and wastewater) will be required and strictly enforced to ensure that there will be no negative impacts to the watershed and the lowlanddownstream areas. Figure 49. Satellite Image of Imus Industrial District Site 144 Figure 50. Proposed Industrial District Land Use Map It is also proposed that the industrial hub be turned into an eco-industrial park wherein the industries will complement with each other and other activities in the city such as its commercial establishments, agricultural activities and waste management facilities. In addition, these industries are encouraged to install sustainable technologies (i.e., renewable energy and rainwater harvesting) for an earth-friendly growth. 145 Figure 51. City of Imus Eco-Industrial Park Concept Design 3.6.1.6. Socialized Housing District One of the more critical uses to consider in the CLUP is its deficiency in socialized housing as reflected in the presence of informal settlements in the city. The Socialized Housing Districts located in Alapan II, Anabu I and Anabu II will be the site of future socialized housing projects. These were determined based on the availability of lands and its proximity to establishments that would provide for the basic needs of its inhabitants. In addition, the projects are targeted for vertical development wherein mid-rise structures to replace the conventional house and lot design for housing. This type of development is envisioned to cater to more families from the marginalized sector. 3.6.2. Urban Corridor For the next ten years, the existing Urban Corridor which transects the center of Imus along the Aguinaldo Highway shall continue to be a major economic growth pole for the city and the rest of the province. Also, this corridor will continue to be a major route towards the different areas of Cavite. 146 To ensure that this corridor will sustain its role as a major urban growth driver, enhancements and improvements shall be implemented. These improvements shall focus on its aesthetics and road configuration to foster an environment more conducive to travel. Included in the road improvements are the defined bus stops and alighting areas, adequate sidewalks, and strategic foot bridges. In addition, the urban street design shall focus on presenting the image of a city determined to deliver to the general public, in this case, its heritage and cultural brand. Utilization of ornamental bamboo, palms and other small trees as the main natural ornamental design for the streets are to be considered due to space limitations. Figure 52. Heritage Urban Corridor Concept, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Imus Another change that the city wants to employ in the urban corridor is the shift of land use development priorities from industrial to commercial growth. Since majority of the developments along the corridor for the past years are commercial in nature, future developments shall be directed into development of more uses of this type along the axis. To lessen the possible congestion and additional traffic that might be generated by such commercial expansion, establishments are required to provide ample parking space for its customers, as well as spaces for loading and unloading. 3.6.3. Circulation System To enable sustainable urban growth for Imus, the LGU shall support its development thrusts and directions with adequate and efficient circulation networks. The city shall make substantial investments on improving and developing its networks to stimulate socio-economic growth within the city. With improved mobility, the people of Imus can now have access to a range of opportunities and services that were previously difficult to obtain. Furthermore, businesses 147 shall have adequate support facilities to efficiently transport their goods and services. The proposed circulation system shall also ensure connectivity with the proposed CALAx. Rather than focusing on a transport system for private vehicles and automobiles, the proposed circulation system is envisioned to incorporate multimodal transport for movement within the city. A mix of transport modes, such as non-motorized travel and public transport, are to be made accessible for the constituents of Imus. This type of circulation network will then be harmonized with the transit-oriented development and walkable town strategies the city intends to implement. Traffic Management practices and policies also need to be incorporated and implemented in major thoroughfares and congestion areas to manage traffic volume. Among the strategies considered are the assignment of separate lanes for private and public vehicles, monitored boarding and alighting time periods, rationalization of local public transport routes, and the allocation of public utility lay-by areas along Aguinaldo Highway and Daang Hari Road, among others. Such supporting practices and policies, along with required transport infrastructure and transport-support facilities indicated in this CLUP shall be further studied and incorporated in the formulation of the city’s Transport and Traffic Management Plan. 148 Figure 53. Proposed Circulation Network Map 149 3.6.3.1. Major Arterial Roads Major arterial roads are seen as the backbone of the city’s sustainable development. To lessen the burden on the Aguinaldo Highway as the main and primary transportation route, the city shall install a rectilinear, grid-type road circulation network that is parallel and perpendicular to the main urban corridor. This will be implemented through road construction and improvements, as well as the establishment of friendship routes between roads of communities and neighborhoods. Included in the city’s circulation program is the connectivity of the road networks with the proposed road system of the Vermosa District. These arterial roads will serve as the infrastructure for movement within the city. It will accommodate not only private vehicles but also become major routes for local public transport vehicles. The arterial roads shall also be enhanced for pedestrian and bicycle transport. 3.6.3.2. Bike Lanes and Walkways In addition to roads for vehicles, green bike lanes and walkways are to be developed for nonmotorized travel. These bike lanes and walkways shall be connected both with each other and with the main arterial roads. This means that the main roads should also be pedestrian-friendly, especially along Aguinaldo Highway and Daang Hari. Other bike lanes and walkways shall be located along major rivers and shall also serve as the buffer and water easements from the river boundaries. For the pathways to be green, these routes shall be provided with trees to serve as shades for pedestrians and shall be connected with the green open spaces. Other greening support facilities could also be incorporated in the design such as solar-powered lighting installations, and natural trash traps. 150 Figure 54. Linear Parks Development Concept, Isabel Bridge 3.6.3.3. Transportation Support Facilities Support facilities such as public transport terminals, open elevated parking spaces, and footbridges are also indicated in the Structure Plan of the city. These infrastructures ensure that the circulation networks and different transport modes are connected with each other. Also included as transport support facilities are impounding areas. With the projected strict enforcement of traffic regulation and management plans in the future, these areas shall serve as holding place of vehicles that have been towed due to traffic violations such as illegal parking. 151 Figure 55. Integrated Multi-Modal Public Transport Terminal Concept Design Figure 56. Open Elevated Parking Spaces Concept Design 152 3.6.4. Support Infrastructures and Utilities Support infrastructures and utilities are vital in ensuring that development is sustainable. These provide for much the needed support mechanisms required by day-to-day urban activities. For Imus, the two main facilities that need to be improved and developed are infrastructures for solid waste management and rainwater/floodwater catchment. 3.6.4.1. Materials Recovery Facilities To improve the city’s management of solid wastes, three additional Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are to be constructed at Malagasang, Buhay na Tubig and Medicion. The establishment of these facilities promotes recycling and reuse of materials and waste and ensures proper waste segregation before such material are delivered to sanitary landfills. 3.6.4.2. Retarding Basins In addition to the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive drainage master plan, retarding basins are to be constructed in strategic locations to ensure that the city will be floodfree. Retarding basins are excavated areas installed on, or adjacent to, tributaries of rivers and streams to protect an area against flooding by storing water for a limited period of time. The rainwater that will be captured by the basins can also be used for other domestic and agricultural purposes. Currently, there is already an operational retarding basin in Tanzang Luma. This will be complemented by an additional facility that will be constructed in Anabu under the management of the Vermosa PUD. 3.6.5. Protection Areas In its intent to maintain an ecologically balanced environment, the city identified key protection areas where natural environmental processes are not disrupted. These areas, which will be buffered and protected from human activities, were determined based on legal instruments and environmental laws, as well as and their role in the ecosystem and the larger watershed area. The areas that shall be under protection zones include prime agricultural lands, river and water easements, and parks and green open spaces. Human activities are to be limited in these sites and their conversion to other uses shall be strictly prohibited. However, in Imus subdivisions, open spaces can also be used for agricultural activities, provided they are utilized only for community and urban farming. Furthermore, these green open spaces shall be enhanced to improve urban aesthetics. 153 154 3.7. Proposed Land Use The Proposed Land Use Plan for the City of Imus was determined after a series of assessments and analyses on the city’s land use potentials and demand. The plan is based on the overall vision of the city, as well as the development thrusts and strategies needed to attain it. The 10year plan will also help guide the development of Imus into a Premiere City. Table 42. Existing and Proposed Land Uses Matrix (2018-2027) of the City of Imus Land Use Classification Existing Land Use 2017 % Residential Agricultural Commercial Institutional Industrial Industrial Buffer Roads Rivers and Waterways Parks and Recreational Linear Parks Idle lands Cemetery Infrastructure and Utilities Dumpsite Informal Settlement Socialized Housing MRF PUD 2,120.20 1,071.63 109.24 62.31 88.09 0 460.76 64.28 0.57 0 1,247.01 19.43 58.7 1.37 11 0 0 0 39.89% 20.16% 2.06% 1.17% 1.66% 0.00% 8.67% 1.21% 0.01% 0.00% 23.46% 0.37% 1.10% 0.03% 0.21% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Total 5,314.59 100.00% 155 Proposed Land Use 2018-2027 2,862.35 233.47 363.33 94.18 116.89 10.53 631.32 64.28 32.52 31.32 0.00 33.83 65.09 0.00 0.00 37.71 0.61 737.18 5,314.59 % % Change 53.86% 4.39% 6.84% 1.77% 2.20% 0.20% 11.88% 1.21% 0.61% 0.59% 0.00% 0.64% 1.22% 0.00% 0.00% 0.71% 0.01% 13.87% 13.97 -15.29 4.78 0.60 0.54 0.20 3.21 0.00 0.60 0.59 -23.46 0.26 0.12 -0.03 -0.21 0.71 0.01 13.87 100.00% 0.00 Figure 57. General Land Use Plan (2018-2027), City of Imus 156 3.7.1. Residential Land Uses The existing land allocation of 2,120.2 ha. for residential land uses is adequate in providing the housing needs for its constituents. Only 1,770.47 ha. is needed to meet the land demand for housing and settlements. However, based on existing situation studies, the city currently has a large housing backlog. This can be attributed to the lack of low-priced housing which has led to the existence of unoccupied housing units and idle lots, as well as the presence of informal settlements. As such, an additional 742.15 ha. of land or a 13.97% land increase will be allocated for residential uses that allow low priced housing developments, such as midrise housing. The aggressive projections on the increase of residential lands is connected with the growth of minor commercial uses allowed in residential zones, as proposed by the complete neighborhood strategy of the LGU. In addition, existing unoccupied units and idle lots shall be subjected to taxation to push owners and developers to utilize these, as well as to ensure that lands remain productive (through tax income generation) even when idle. In addition to the increase of residential land uses, an additional 37.71 ha., separated into three sites, shall be allotted for Socialized Housing Projects. These lands were identified in compliance to Republic Act (RA) 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act which mandates the provision of areas for socialized housing. This project also aims to eradicate the 11 ha. of informal settlements present in the city. 3.7.2. Agricultural Land Uses Due to the projected continued urbanization of the city, agricultural lands will further be reduced to pave way for other uses related to urban development such as roads, infrastructures, and utilities. Approximately 838.16 ha. of the agricultural lands will be converted to urban uses. To ensure that the city will be able to support the basic food requirements of its inhabitants, further intensification and modernization of agricultural practices is proposed. Since productive agricultural lands are continually becoming scare, the general strategy is to increase yields per hectare, increase the income and purchasing power of the agricultural sector by focusing on high-value products, and establish processes that add value to these goods. Also, portions of this land use shall also be allocated for tourism purposes, especially those farmlands that showcase best practices in sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, idle lands and open spaces shall be converted into temporary community urban farms to supplement food production and optimize land productivity. The remaining agricultural lands, majority of which are prime and irrigated, shall strictly be protected from land conversion. 157 3.7.3. Commercial Land Uses If current economic trends in the province are to continue, commercial land uses shall see a considerable increase in land allocation for the next ten years. Most of these are situated along the main provincial economic corridor (Aguinaldo Highway), and near the City of Dasmariñas – one of CALABARZON’s commercial hubs. From an existing land area of 109.24 ha., commercial land uses are to increase to 363.33 ha. under the proposed plan. The 4.78% increase was proposed to accommodate the potential of the city to become a magnet for trade and commerce due to the city’s drive to intensify urban activities. These establishments shall also aid in marketing products of the city’s industries. The main commercial centers will be centered along the Aguinaldo Highway and the commercial districts inside the Special Development District. In addition, minor commercial districts shall be proposed to ensure that neighborhoods and communities can easily access their basic needs. A proposed commercial district shall be proposed adjacent to the Planned Unit Development of Vermosa to ensure complementation of activities and uses. 3.7.4. Institutional Land Uses The increase in institutional land use allocation can primarily be attributed to the development of a new Government Center. A total of 94.18 ha. of land will be designated for institutional uses and will include the further expansion of some institutional facilities and services of the LGU. This significant increase in allocation is due to the city government’s drive for efficient and improved public services, and this is to be realized through the establishment of different government infrastructure and facilities equipped with “state-of-the-art” and pioneering technologies and equipment. 3.7.5. Industrial Land Uses Recognizing its being part of the industrial center of the province and region, industrial land uses in Imus shall be increased by 28.80 ha. for a total of 116.89 ha. The increased allocation of industrial lands aims to provide additional livelihood opportunities for the people of Imus. The additional land for industries shall be allotted for the development of an industrial park that would both have complementary activities and incorporate the principles of industrial ecology and environmental protection. In addition, industries are to comply with environmental regulations such as the provision of solid and liquid waste management programs and the 158 monitoring of emission and air pollution. This industrial park shall be located in Malagasang, in the southwest portion of the city and away from the residential settlements. In order to ensure that industrial uses do not affect adjacent uses, an additional 10.53 ha. of industrial buffer is proposed for new and existing industrial developments. 3.7.6. Special Area Development A Special Area Development is a scheme wherein the land development project is a comprehensively planned entity. It becomes as such since its unitary site plan allows for flexibility in planning/design, building siting, complementarity of building types and land uses, usable open spaces and the preservation of significant land features. Approximately 737.18 ha. of land is allocated for Special Area Development, which will become the Vermosa District. The area is a mixed-used residential, commercial and institutional development envisioned to be a major regional magnet for settlers, employment, commercial establishments, educational institutions and recreational activities. To ensure that it complies with the city’s environmental standards, the project shall be accompanied by a Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) which outlines the proposed land uses, building density and bulk, road layout, and road and sidewalk section details. This CDMP would also include the layout of utilities such as potable water, storm drainage, sewerage, power supply, telecommunications and solid waste management. 3.7.7. Parks and Recreation This land use type provides for facilities that encourage activities for physical fitness and relaxation for the people. On the whole, such uses, shall contribute to the sustainable development of the city. Majority of this land use type in Imus will come in the form of green open spaces and linear parks (along rivers) that serve as nature’s green lungs in an urban setting. In the proposed land use plan, an additional 31.95 ha. is projected to account for the open space and recreational needs of the city’s future population in the next ten years. These facilities and spaces shall be supported by a city-wide parks and plaza development program which aims to enhance existing public recreational areas and to connect these via green and walkable corridors. 3.7.8. Memorial Parks and Cemeteries To provide for the projected increase in land demand for burial sites and cemeteries, an additional 14.40 ha. will be allotted under the memorial parks and cemeteries land use. The expansion areas shall be located near the existing cemeteries in Toclong and Bayan Luma. 159 3.7.9. Infrastructure and Utilities There is a proposed increase of 6.39 ha. for utilities and other related land uses for the period 2018-2027. These lands will be used for expanding critical facilities and infrastructures related to solid waste, power, water and transportation. The main structures targeted for this land use shall include retarding basins and transport support facilities (i.e., impounding areas and transport terminals). In addition, 0.61 ha. will be appropriated for the development of three new MRFs that will be strategically situated around the city. 3.7.10. Roads Roads land areas are expected to increase by 170.56 ha. for the next ten years. This was based on the projected need for a more connected and efficient city circulation. Such outlays, once implemented, would both increase the number of arterial roads and, consequently, improve mobility within the city. Activities for this type of land use would include the development of new roads and the widening of existing ones. 3.7.11. Rivers and Waterways Waterways and other natural water bodies shall have the same land area of 64.28 hectares as per the existing land use data. Lands of this type shall be protected from conversion and other negative impacts caused by human activities. Easements and buffers from these water bodies are to be enforced as stated under the Water Code. Portions of these easements shall be allotted for linear parks and pathways. There will be installation of trash traps before the retarding basin along the Imus-Ylang-Ylang rives system to wastes will be properly handled during rainy season. 3.8. Proposed Overlay Uses Overlay zones are special regulatory tools that facilitate the creation of a special zone or district, placed over existing base zones, which defines special and additional provisions to the latter. Allowable uses within these zones shall consider the special concerns of particular land uses and areas within Imus. These zones aim to enhance an area’s the physical character and form as well as the activities conducted within it by providing necessary regulations and redirecting activities, programs and projects in these special districts. 160 3.8.1. Culture and Heritage Overlay Culture and Heritage Overlay aims to maintain and preserve historic and cultural assets that make up the image and character of the city. This overlay regulation aims to respect existing cultural structures by controlling the bulk, height, and design of buildings in areas and landscape that surround these heritage sites. This regulation also intends to harmonize the design and construction of new developments to fit the character of the area. To complement these provisions, the LGU should direct and prioritize heritage revitalization programs in particular areas. Those places that are covered by the Cultural Heritage Overlay include the Poblacion Culture and Heritage District, the Battle of Alapan site, and other historical landmarks. In some cases, especially with historical landmarks and monuments, this regulation would propose a buffer of 20 m. for such sites. 3.8.2. Modern Agri-industrial Research and Development Overlay Modern Agri-industrial Research and Development Overlay intends to apportion a section of the city’s agricultural lands for intensified and modernized farming practices. Owners of areas covered under this overlay shall be required to improve their farm production by employing new technologies and modern equipment. An Agro-industrial Research and Development facility that will drive research and innovation is envisioned to be at the core of this area. This zone shall likewise allow for structures such as greenhouses, hydroponics facilities, and any other facilities that will enhance production in the area. Activities inside this zone shall be supported by an Agri-industrial Research and Development Program to be implemented by the LGU. Areas covered under this zone include a portion of the agricultural land area in Malagasang. 3.8.3. Organic Urban Farming Overlay This overlay zone particularly intends to maximize the use of idle lands by using these for production purposes. Portions of Alapan, Carsadang Bato, Bucandala, Bayang Luma, Medicion, Tanzang Luma and Toclong were selected to be part of this zone due to the presence of large tracts of unused lands in these barangays. Provisions under this zone aim to incentivize the conversion of these lands into temporary organic urban farms while penalizing owners whose lands remain idle. Once these lands are developed into their intended use (e.g. residential), such developments shall still be required to include a portion of space for urban farms. Existing neighborhoods shall also be allowed to convert their open spaces into green community-based 161 urban gardens. Commercial and small agri-industrial establishments, such as organic, farm-totable restaurants, and local cuisine/food processing facilities, will be allowed within this zonal type provided that these complement with the identity and character of the area. A community urban gardening program shall be implemented in this overlay zone to capacitate communities and provide initial assistance in establishing urban farms as well as to improve community participation and cooperation. 3.8.4. Institutional Hub Overlay The Institutional Hub Overlay shall be located in the new Government Center in Malagasang and aims to ensure that this new complex shall embody the image of Imus as a Premiere City in the region. This zone shall be implemented through regulations that harmonize the “sustainable and technology-driven” urban form and character of the area with all structures that shall be constructed within the zone. This shall include connected walkways, green and ICT-driven technologies, common building designs and colors, and controlled building bulk and density. 3.8.5. Cultural Urban Corridor Overlay The Cultural Urban Corridor Overlay shall be implemented along the urban corridor of Aguinaldo Highway in order to improve and enhance this area’s capacity to properly represent the City of Imus. Regulations in this zone will seek to ensure that all developments, including billboards, urban street, and building designs, shall reflect the cultural image and brand that the city intends to promote. This zone shall be supported by Urban Street Design and Development Programs that aim to redevelop and improve the urban aesthetics of the corridor and will include projects such as the provision of green center islands, sidewalks, bike lanes, and foot bridges. Innovations and technologies that enhance environmental awareness and quality are to be incorporated in the area. Incentives shall also be included to entice locators and businesses to comply with mandated design standards. 3.8.6. Hazard Overlays Two Hazard Overlays, namely Flood Overlay and Liquefaction Overlay, shall be implemented within the city to avoid/mitigate occurrences of such hazard, minimize its impacts on the different systems of interest, and to protect lives and properties in the identified hazardsusceptible areas. 162 Flood Overlay shall be implemented on areas 20 meters from both sides of major rivers and waterways, and in flood-prone areas of barangays of Pag-asa, Medicion, Toclong and Buhay na Tubig as identified in the Flood Susceptibility Map. On the other hand, Liquefaction Overlay shall cover areas in Alapan, Pag-asa, Carsadang Bago, Medicion and Toclong as indicated in the Liquefaction Susceptibility Map. Though development shall still be allowed in these areas, bulk and density shall be regulated, and all developments shall be subjected to additional hazard-mitigating building, and building design regulations and provisions such as limiting allowable site occupancy, imposing higher unpaved surface area requirements, conducting soil testing and soil stabilization measures, ensuring natural drainage patterns are not altered, requiring specific “green building” technologies, and raising minimum floor line and floor elevation limits, among others. 163 Figure 58. Proposed Overlay Uses Map 164 Figure 59. General Land Use Plan 2018-2027 with Overlay Zones Map 165 3.9. Plan Implementation Under the Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, cities and municipalities are mandated to provide regulatory measures and/or instruments for the implementation of CLUPs. The formulation of plans should be science- and evidence-based and consider the city’s different stakeholders, such as the academe, private sector, the local communities, farmers, and the National Government Agencies (NGAs). The plan should be harmonized with the other local (i.e., the Comprehensive Development Plan, Local Climate Change Action Plan and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan) and sectoral plans (i.e., Transport and Traffic Management Plan, Drainage Master Plan, Tourism Development Master Plan, and Culture and Heritage Conservation Plan). To administer the implementation of the plan, the following tools, instruments, and programs were developed and proposed. 3.9.1. Zoning Ordinance This CLUP, with a planning period of 10 years (2018 to 2027), will be implemented through a Zoning Ordinance (ZO) pursuant to Section 20 (c) of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) which states that, “the local government units shall, in conformity with existing laws, continue to prepare their respective Comprehensive Land Use Plans enacted through zoning ordinances which shall be the primary and dominant bases for the future use of the land resources…”. In accordance with the developed CLUP, the ZO serves as a guide in the proper allocation of activities on the LGU’s territory in order to regulate, maximize and direct uses and development to achieve the overall Vision of the City. This ordinance will ensure the strict compliance of the LGU, as well as other actors, with the requirements set by the ZO. Volume 2 of the CLUP shall outline the Zoning Ordinance that will be used in implementing the plan. This shall become the basis for the issuance of zoning certifications and locational clearances for both new developments and redevelopments within the City. The ZO shall also serve as the main legal document for directing land use change in a particular area. To aid in implementing this Ordinance, a Zoning Map was developed using Geographic Information System. This map shall be a representation of the said zoning regulations and requirements. Thus, this zoning map shall be developed as accurately as possible so as to reflect the actual uses on the ground. The proper implementation of the zoning scheme requires the enhancement of the capacity and knowledge of key LGU departments. The CLUP and, most especially, the Zoning Ordinance, should be properly communicated to these different departments involved in releasing land development-related certifications and permits. Communicating the ZO is vital since it provides a list of the allowable uses in the zones. It also lays down a comprehensive set of regulations 166 (i.e., building and performance standards) that provides for the physical character of the land developments and urban form, as well as overlay zones to direct the character and identity within a development area. The scope of the ZO cuts across the different departments and knowledge on this document is a must. 3.9.2. Other Regulatory Measures 3.9.2.1. Imposition of graduated or selective idle land tax One of the authority levers afforded to LGUs is the imposition of the idle land tax. This is provided for in the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991 (Section 236-239) and is guided by the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) set forth through a joint memorandum circular by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Finance (DOF). This aforementioned land tax is an additional ad valorem imposition of up to five percent (5%) on the assessed value of land that is considered idle. Urban idle lands, whether classified as agricultural or otherwise, should have an area of not less than 1,000 sq.m. wherein at least 50% of the area remains unutilized or unimproved. In addition, individual owners of subdivision lots, regardless of the size of lot, are subject to this imposition. Likewise, subdivision owners or operators with individual lots that remain “untransferred” to lot buyers are covered by this special tax. A possible variant of the idle lands tax is the enforcement of a levy on under-utilized properties. A parcel may not exactly be idle as legally defined, but its current use may be considered as “non-optimal” based on the “highest and best use” concept as indicated in the Zoning Ordinance of the CLUP. One gauge that can be utilized to manage intensity in growth centers is the value of improvements-value of land ratio. Lower ratio values signify the sub-optimal use of a property. In terms of implementation, a cut-off ratio must be determined so that all properties below this value will be subjected to this tax imposition. The idle land tax is also a regulatory mechanism that could employ LGUs to influence the direction of development and achieve a locality’s desired urban form. Through its imposition, landowners within identified growth centers in this CLUP are encouraged to develop in accordance with the spatial strategy in that area. Otherwise, they should pay penalties (in the form of idle land tax) for the potential economic opportunities lost due to the idleness or under-utilization of their properties. 3.9.2.2. Special Benefit Levy 167 Under Sections 240-245 of the LGC, a special benefit levy is an assessment on lands that are specially benefitted by public works projects, whether these be new construction or improvements on existing ones. This tax allows local governments to recover up to a maximum of sixty percent (60%) of the project cost from contributions by the owners of the lands that stand to significantly benefit from the implementation of a project via increased land values. These can be collected within a period of five (5) to ten years and can be implemented only upon the enactment of an ordinance imposing this tax upon determination of the cost of the project, its location, and number of installments, among others. With the threat of such a levy, landowners may opt to donate a portion of their property for the proposed public works project in anticipation of greater benefits that it will accrue to a landowner in terms of increased land value and a general improvement in business climate and investment opportunities. 3.9.2.3. Socialized Housing Tax Socialized Housing Tax is an enforcement mechanism that LGUs could employ to ensure distributive justice through access to equitable housing. Under Section 43 of Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279), a maximum tax rate of 0.05% can be imposed on lands in urban areas with assessed value in excess of fifty thousand pesos. This tax can be enforced by all cities regardless of their population density. 3.9.2.4. Eminent Domain Proceedings Another inherent power of the State to deal with private property owners is its authority to take back private property for the common benefit of the public. The city must be able to use its eminent domain powers to acquire more private property for land banking purposes, either through direct purchase, and/or land swapping. Land banking is the advanced acquisition and consolidation of lands identified in the CLUP as areas for future expansion. Pursuing this activity can allow the city government to curb speculative land pricing, while gaining the ability to control the pace and timing of development in these areas in accordance with the plan. 3.9.3. Programs and Projects A list of priority projects, called Legacy Projects, were identified to stimulate and realize the vision of the city. These legacy projects are intended to be fully implemented in the next three years in order to spearhead the envisioned development in major thematic policy areas. Out of the eight (8) proposed legacy projects, five (5) have spatial components that would serve as 168 catalysts to spur growth and development. Brief details of the proposed “Legacy projects” are summarized below: Construction of the “Ospital ng Imus” and the New City Government Center. As part of the vision to establish a new government district in Malagasang, two “state-of-the art” public infrastructure will be constructed in the area namely the “Ospital ng Imus” and the new city government center (city hall). These structures aim to stimulate socioeconomic activities and growth in the Malagasang Area. These buildings are characterized as green, sustainable and modern as project elements will include installation and utilization of green innovations and technologies such as green building standards, solar panels, rainwater harvesting mechanisms among others. Organic Urban Farming Project. The project aims to ensure food sufficiency by fully optimizing idle and vacant and using them as organic urban farms. This is the city’s government response to augment the upward demand for other land uses, and balance the diminishing agricultural land allocation with higher land productivity and value. The program has three phases namely: 1) Introduction of demo-farms (pilot); 2) City-wide Implementation; and 3) Identification and Construction of Supporting Post-Harvest Facilities. Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. The program aims to modernize the public transport system in the city by introducing green, and sustainable modes. It also aims to enhance the transport and traffic management conditions by providing the necessary support facilities to further improve the system’s level of service, and the comfort and convenience of the riding public. The program also has three (3) phases which include: 1) Introduction of E-trike Vehicles in New Growth Areas such as the New Government District, and residential subdivisions; 2) Introduction of E-vehicles for Intracity Travel Routes; and 3) Introduction of E-Buses for proposed Tourism Shuttle System and Inter-City and –Regional Travel Routes. Green Government Housing Program. The Green Government Housing Program aims to provide equitable and affordable housing to government employees, informal settlers and other marginalized groups. In the short-term, the program partners with “Gawad Kalinga” for housing extension projects with kick-off with the extension project in the Alapan Area. Another strategy to be implemented as part of the program is to renovate foreclosed properties and offer them to city government employees. Proposed mediumrise condominium type housing projects are proposed to be constructed in the longterm. 169 Green Schools Program. The program aims to incorporate green and innovation designs in all public infrastructure within the city with all schools serving as its pilot implementation. The initiative aims to address the potential impact of climate change and disaster risks by placing emphasis on incorporating adaptive and mitigating measures in public infrastructure. Introduction of green and innovative technologies will serve as vital components of the program. Program components include: 1) Installation of Solar Energy System (Energy Conservation); 2) Rainwater Harvesting System (Water Conservation and Flood Management); 3) Sewage Treatment System (Water Quality); and 4) Introduction of E-vehicles (Noise Reduction and Air Quality). Schools were selected for pilot implementation in order to increase the level of awareness on sustainable development among students which will serve as the next major players in the city’s future development. Other indicative programs and projects are also identified in order to help realize the CLUP within these planning period. The following programs and projects are proposed and shall be further detailed in the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). These programs will become part of the program and project identification and prioritization phase of the CDP and will be funded through the Local Development and Investment Program (LDIP). The following PPAs are recommended to support the implementation of the land use plan: A. Transport and Traffic Management Program Construction of New Roads Road improvements and enhancements Urban Street Design and Development Program Installation and Construction of Transport Support Infrastructure and Facilities (bike lanes, sidewalk upgrading, designation of alighting and stop areas) Linear Parks Development Program Establishment and Implementation of “Kalayaan Routes” Construction of Integrated Multi-modal Transport Terminals Establishment of new Public Transport Systems and Routes Introduction of Intelligent Transport Systems (Integrated traffic lights, CCTVs, etc.) Transport and Traffic Management Plan Implementation (including public transport route rationalization) B. Comprehensive Drainage and Waste-Water Treatment Program Construction of water treatment plants Construction of additional retarding basins 170 Construction of three (3) additional MRFs at Malagasang, Buhay na Tubig, and Medicion Infrastructure Support for Garbage Collection and Disposal (e.g. Establishment of MRF facilities per barangay, Sewage Treatment) C. Modern Agricultural and Agri-Industrial Research and Development Program Construction of Modern Agricultural and Agri-Industrial Research and Development Center Community Urban Gardening Program Organic Urban Farming Program D. Tourism Development and Promotions Program; Culture and Heritage Revitalization Program Cultural Asset Inventory Project Historical Site Redevelopment Program Museum Construction and Maintenance Parks and Plaza Development (e.g. linear parks, Battle of Alapan) Heritage Park Development Project Poblacion Heritage Revitalization Program Tourism Development Master Planning and Implementation River Protection and Rehabilitation Program (e.g. mini-forest parks/linear parks in easements of rivers) E. MSMEs and Livelihood Assistance Project Establishment of Special Skills Training Centers MSMEs and Livelihood Assistance Project (anchored on agriculture, agri-tourism, and histo-cultural tourism enterprises) F. Information Technology Services Upgrading Program; Revenue Administration Modernization Program Computerization of Government and Business Processes Land Use Monitoring System Installation of integrated GIS-based tracking system for business real property registry and assessment Installation of Public Wi-fi Systems Establishment of Housing Occupancy Monitoring System Building Inventory and Management System 171 G. Other Programs and Projects Retrofitting of Social Infrastructure Site Identification and construction of Integrated Protective Services Satellite Centers Construction of government support facilities in the New Government District Aside from the implementation of the Zoning Ordinance, investments in public infrastructure and facilities are powerful enabling mechanisms in shaping the city’s development in accordance with the chosen urban form in this plan. By establishing public infrastructure and facilities in intended areas, the city government can manage the pattern of land use and influence specific private investments to locate and follow the desired spatial direction in these areas. Ideally, most of these investments can be funded through the financial mechanisms as discussed in the previous sections. However, the city’s resources may not be enough to immediately implement all programs and projects that could generate synergies through complementation and contribute to realizing the desired impact and outcomes. As such, the city could exercise its power as a corporate body and utilize its mandate to enact measures to attract private investments in public programs and projects. The authority to guide private investments is given to the Local Development Council as provided in Section 109 (a,4) of RA 7160. Consequently, state intervention in private investments are also justified under the law, provided that these are done to promote distributive justice, social equity and the general welfare (Art. XII, Sec.6, Constitution). Such guidance could be in the form of Public-Private partnerships (PPPs) and/or incentives such as tax breaks, selective subsidies, and transaction cost reductions through the provision of efficient government transactional services and the elimination of bureaucratic red tape, graft, and corruption. This authority lever serves as a mechanism for the city government to promote social equity by empowering local MSMEs and local cooperatives with the ability to invest in such public ventures and manage them sustainably. With public and private investments complementing each other to fund the programs and projects needed to realize the desired development indicated in this plan, societal benefits are expected to accrue exponentially. These significant impacts could manifest in terms of improved quality of life and well-being among Imuseños. 172 3.9.4. Legislation and Ordinances In addition to the proposed Zoning Ordinance and suggested Programs and Projects, additional legislations maybe pursued in the future (or amendments for existing legislations) to complement the existing land use plan. The following are the proposed priority legislations: - Revenue Code - Tax Code - Investment and Incentives Code - Transport and Traffic Management Code - Environment Code - Tourism Code - Culture and Heritage Conservation Code - Green Building and Infrastructure Code - Culture and Heritage Conservation Code - Mandatory Disaster Evacuation Ordinance Aside from these legislations, the legal bases for additional institutional arrangements (i.e. creation of special councils and committees; creation of additional departments/offices) must be in place to ensure accountability and ownership of projects and programs, sufficiency of capable human resources, and sustainability of financial sources. Co-management arrangements with different NGAs and partnerships with different institutions and entities must also be institutionalized through ordinances. 3.9.5. Co-management Arrangements and Partnerships In order for the city government to extend its regulatory and developmental authority over its territorial jurisdiction, co-management arrangements should be forged between the City and concerned national agencies or instrumentalities. Such arrangements could increase the capacity of the city in managing and administering its human resources. Also, the financial requirements needed to realize the goals and objectives of the CLUP could be augmented through additional financing options and sources available from and sharing development costs with these entities. Possible NGAs include the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its attached agencies [i.e., the National Museum, National Historical Commission of the Philippines 173 (NHCP), National Archives, and the National Library]; the Department of Tourism (DoT); the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Transportation (DoTr); the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); the Department of Finance (DoF); the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). In addition, co-management arrangements at the provincial and regional level or with other LGUs must also be established for trans boundary management issues such as Flood Mitigation and Management, River Protection and Management, Waste Disposal and Management. In terms of partnerships, the city government shall explore such arrangements with the academe in terms of research and development (R&D), especially in the fields of urban agriculture, green technologies, and culture and heritage conservation. The City of Imus shall also venture into partnerships with different MSMEs, local cooperatives, and private firms to generate economic investments and opportunities and contribute to the implementation of priority programs and projects. Likewise, partnerships with public utility providers shall be established and/or enhanced to ensure that the necessary facilities are sufficient to support the development needs of the City. 3.9.6. Monitoring and Evaluation To ensure compliance to the Proposed Land Use Plan of Imus in the next ten years, a Land Use Monitoring System which will employ the use of available satellite imagery and open source geographic information system (GIS) is being proposed. Cognizant to RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, the Land Use Monitoring System will entail cadastral mapping, digitizing information into spatial datasets, data generation and validation, and data visualization (maps). This system is to be integrated in all government processes related to land administration and management such as locational clearances, building and occupancy permitting, environmental and non-protected agricultural land certifications, and business permitting, among others. To sustainably implement and strengthen the Land Use Monitoring System, different quality and performance standards based on existing laws, implementing rules and regulations, and guidelines (i.e. Green Building Code; Air and Water Quality Monitoring Standards) shall be localized and incorporated to improve and enhance all government processes. Special user fees and incentives (i.e. tourism fee, environmental fee, storm water utility, and tax holiday, discounts, and special subsidies) shall be imposed as deemed necessary to monitor implementation and enforce strict compliance to such standards. 174 Joint Inspection Teams composed of relevant offices involved in the issuance of locational clearance to business/occupational permits should also be institutionalized and reinforced. Continuous capacity building shall be provided for members of the joint inspection teams, zoning officers and planning team to equip them with the necessary knowledge and training to efficiently implement the plan. In addition, the proposed programs and projects, which is vital in the realization of the CLUP, shall be strictly monitored towards its implementation through the various implementation schemes of the other plans. These include, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Development Plan, Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Transport and Traffic Management Plan, Drainage Master Plan, Tourism Development Master Plan, Heritage Site Conservation Plans, and the Local Development Investment Program. Furthermore, impacts of the zoning implementation, as well as the programs and projects shall be monitored based on the success indicators identified under the Goals and Objectives section of this CLUP. 175
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