Cities Rising: Philippine Regional Urban Centers in Focus

CITIES RISING

PHILIPPINE REGIONAL URBAN CENTERS IN FOCUS

CITIES RISING

CITIES RISING PHILIPPINE REGIONAL URBAN CENTERS IN FOCUS

Cities Rising: Philippine Regional Urban Centers in Focus

Editors: John Avila, Sergio Andal Jr., Ezekiel Laurence Enrique Managing Editor: Rojessa Tiamson-Saceda Photographers: Veejay Villafranca, Tara Yap, Froilan Gallardo, Ronald Velasquez Photo Contributors: Local government units of the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga; SOCCSKSARGEN Area Development Project Office; with individual contributions from Rome Candaza and Arvin Avergonzado Writers: Rojessa Tiamson-Saceda, Veejay Villafranca, Janice Fay Sevilla Book Designer: Karl Castro

This publication is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Published in 2021 in the Philippines

Contents 11 Preface

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Iloilo City

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Cagayan de Oro City

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Puerto Princesa City

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Batangas City

93

General Santos City

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Tagbilaran City

133

Zamboanga City

153

Legazpi City

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About USAID

Message

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

This year, the United States and the Philippines celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. This photobook, which showcases our eight partner cities outside Metro Manila, is a testament to our long-lasting friendship and cooperation, and its incredible promise in the years to come.

The Philippines is our oldest ally in Southeast Asia, and its location makes it critical to U.S. national interests in the region. Our government’s strategic focus, in tandem with the decades-long close ties between our two countries, presents significant opportunities to support the vision of an Indo-Pacific partnership based on democratic values and free and open trade.

As this photobook shows, the Philippines is a beautiful and promising country. Cities in the Philippines have myriad human capital, natural resources, and investment and development opportunities that can be harnessed to promote inclusive, sustained, and resilient economic growth.

It is awe-inspiring to see that even as the global pandemic challenged traditional ways of working, the city governments, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), persevered over the last year and a half to implement changes to local policy and ways of doing business. As a result, they have helped catalyze public-private collaboration while advancing new frameworks for resilient urban planning and development.

Our partner cities have worked hard to promote local economic development, to generate jobs and improve incomes, strengthen local governance and the delivery of public services, enhance resiliency and disaster preparedness, and improve the overall quality of life.

The United States Embassy in the Philippines remains committed to making every effort to help the Philippine government jumpstart recovery and business continuity and use smart technology to encourage investment and create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, including American companies.

I sincerely hope that this photobook becomes one of the many legacies of the friendship between our countries that has stood the test of time.

Heather C. Variava Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.

Message

United States Agency for International Development

As the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrates 60 years of helping people worldwide build stable and resilient communities, we cannot help but look back on the milestones we have achieved in the Philippines.

When USAID was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Philippines was one of our first partner countries. USAID’s anniversary also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

The Philippines has remained a key partner in promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the Asia region through the years. Working with national and local governments, the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs) and academia, USAID continues to pursue programs that contribute to the country’s resilient and inclusive growth.

The Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project is the flagship program of USAID’s Cities Development Initiative (CDI), which aims to promote cities outside Metro Manila as engines of economic growth. These cities are thriving due to an improved business environment; increased investment, trade, and tourism inflows that have boosted job growth and revenues; enhanced urban-rural connectivity; and stronger resilience to natural and economic shocks achieved through innovating and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

USAID is committed to strengthening and diversifying our partnerships to help the Philippines achieve inclusive, sustained, and resilient growth. We will continue to work with international and local public, private, educational, and civil society organizations to support enterprise-driven development. Private-sector engagement is key to sustainable economic growth. It also allows us to go beyond traditional contracting and grantmaking models — to collaborate, co-finance, and co-design programs, tools and initiatives.

This photobook conveys our hope and excitement for the future of these cities and the country as a whole. Congratulations to our partner CDI cities for your achievements!

Sean E. Callahan Acting Mission Director

Message

Department of Trade and Industry

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is grateful to have the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as one of our steadfast allies in creating dynamic and progressive communities by enhancing the reach of essential programs for our people through entrepreneurial development. The Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project has not only empowered our countrymen with opportunities for advancement but has also complemented government efforts to channel resources to areas where they are most needed.

Consistent with the Project’s objective of improving local capability in inclusive and resilient urban development, DTI has always believed in the ability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become engines of socio-economic growth.

Even before the pandemic, we have been implementing various programs and policies to strengthen this crucial sector and stimulate economic activity as part of our whole-of-society approach. Moreover, DTI remains committed to creating partnerships and linkages that will maximize the potential of entrepreneurs to become nation-builders and equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to thrive and succeed.

The vibrant images enclosed in this photobook reflects the hope that the Philippines will indeed rise from this pandemic more vibrant than ever. Not only do they capture the smiles in the lives you have changed, but also sends a message of hope and resilience amid these challenging times. Your tireless efforts have contributed to an increase in investment inflows and revenues, new jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities, and efficient delivery of public services.

Ultimately our common goal is to ensure that no one is left behind as we promote greater sustainable growth and equal access to opportunity for our citizens. Guided

by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s thrust for Tapang at Malasakit, let us continue to embody the spirit of Bayanihan as we create a brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous futurefor all.

Congratulations and mabuhay po kayo!

Ramon M. Lopez Secretary

Preface

Dr. Joaquin Jay Gonzalez III Professor of Public and Urban Affairs Edward S. Ageno School of Business Golden Gate University San Francisco, California, USA

This collection of visual stories demonstrates the blending of Philippine urbanism and economic development at its finest – how citizens, led by dedicated visionary leaders, planners, scholars, entrepreneurs, living and working in the country’s fastest growing cities, shape and re-shape their urban ecosystem. Our snapshots capture Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, Batangas, General Santos, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga, and Legazpi’s rise as livable regional urban centers. They help you visualize livable Philippine cities practicing inclusive, competitive, and resilient urban development, private sector-led local economic initiatives, and enhanced urban-rural connectivity and access.

Ever smiling faces drive the optimism and hope that moves their plans and dreams forward through obstacles and challenges. Women, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities are included in economic development, land use, safe water, public service continuity, and climate adaptation plans. Thus, through typhoons and earthquakes, through a pandemic and economic downturn, they persist and blossom. Powered by leading concepts and competitive practices from new urbanism, citizens have risen with their own unique mix of solutions focused on creating smart, green, mobility-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, and people-centered urban centers.

Underpinning Iloilo City’s urban planning initiatives are its business-friendliness as revealed by its bustling sidewalk stalls and markets, heritage sites and museums, ultra-modern convention center, old airport-turned-shopping and dining mecca, with walkable and bikable riverside esplanades. As Northern Mindanao’s regional logistics hub, Cagayan de Oro City’s rapid rise is reflected in the seamless connectivity and mobility from its commercial and industrial seaport, public transportation terminals, and world-class airport, enabling its agri-fishery and micro-enterprises.

Arriving by sea, you will be welcomed by Puerto Princesa City’s well-preserved mangrove forest—integral to its quest to be the country’s premier eco-tourism destination, bolstered by the city’s focus on climate and disaster resiliency and efforts to mitigate risks, to its clean and green transportation, commercial connectivity, heritage and habitats, and indigenous micro-enterprises. While in Batangas City, Calabarzon’s industrial seaport, livable and business-friendly practices connect public and private spaces - from religious shrines to new and old human settlements and small and big agricultural ventures.

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Visualize the livability and economic growth of General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, its green spaces and wide sidewalks, busy streets, ever-busy typhoon-resistant seaport and airport combined with streamlined local government transactions, all of which enable the growth of many businesses. Tagbilaran City, the proud capital of Bohol province, shows off its post-earthquake revitalization, resilience, and rise through its heritage museums and houses, open and green plazas, pristine marine sanctuaries, and blossoming aquaculture ventures and markets.

Zamboanga City’s rise is evident just by looking at the many proud and colorful vintas or outrigger boats, and its diverse Mindanao cultural heritage and architecture, storm-reinforced seaside walkways, secure and abundant spaces for local artisans and entrepreneurs, and artistic displays of their ethnic textiles and weaves. Lastly, see how Legazpi City’s citizens and planners have shaped their city’s new urban practices respectful of Mayon Volcano’s unpredictable temperament by implementing round-the-clock traffic and disaster monitoring, ensuring tourist-friendly recreational activities, and encouraging women entrepreneurship.

These evolving Philippine cities make you realize that with wellplanned urban growth that embraces resilience, competitiveness, and inclusiveness, they have risen to become magnets for entrepreneurial talent, investments, and innovation. They are vital contributors to the country’s wealth and productivity, driving an accelerated growth enjoyed not only by their citizens but by surrounding localities as well.

They are the next best cities, or in fact better alternatives, to live in and do business with beyond the country’s major cities of Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Metro Manila Batangas City Legazpi City

Iloilo City Puerto Princesa City

Tagbilaran City Cagayan de Oro City

Zamboanga City General Santos City

If you see them as role models for other emerging secondary cities for advancing more inclusive, broad-based growth; if their prosperity and urbanism resonate with how you would like to enjoy life; if you wish the vulnerable and marginalized to have equitable and accessible opportunities, then don’t just admire and marvel at them. Stand up and be part of their rise!

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TA R A YA P

ILOILO CITY

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Iloilo City is the regional hub of commerce, education, healthcare, culinary, religion, culture, and tourism in Western Visayas, Philippines. It is known for its “smart growth”, with city planners designing communities for walking and biking, dedicating more open spaces, and maintaining green areas.

This city is both historic and modern. Spanish-era churches and ancestral mansions are contrasted by new developments such as the Iloilo Business Park and the Iloilo River Esplanade. It is one of the country’s oldest cities, and yet it is also exploring a new kind of urbanism.

An aerial of the Iloilo Esplanade, a linear river park in Iloilo City. The 15-kilometer Iloilo River is the city’s main tributary. It serves as a source of livelihood for fisherfolk and a habitat and nursery for many fish species.

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1 People walk past a mural in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in Iloilo City. The 2-meter by 15-meter mural, which depicts the rich culture and heritage of the province, was designed by architects Victor Jacinto, Ryan Angelo Braga, Kenneth Torre, and Jorge Cadiao Jr. and sculpted by architects Margarette and Albert Pampliega. 2 People eat at an alfresco food park at Festive Walk Mall. The mall is located within the Iloilo Business Park, a township of property developer Megaworld Corporation in Mandurriao, the new business district of Iloilo City.

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1 Jose Roni Peñalosa of the Iloilo City government with a zoning map of Iloilo City. With the assistance of USAID, the Iloilo City government mainstreamed urban resilience, gender equality, and social inclusion in its comprehensive land use plan. 2 Diversion Road is one of the major highways in Mandurriao, the new business district of Iloilo City. 3 Lurena Sanchez (right) Famela Joy Espinosa (left) use a map to update the asset management registry of the Iloilo City government. A good asset registry can guide city governments in optimizing asset utilization and disposition and facilitate sound investment programming. USAID supported the preparation of Iloilo City’s strategic asset management plan.

“The Iloilo River Esplanade and the bike lane inspired Ilonggos to practice health and wellness. In the past, very few people walk, jog, or bike around the park. Now, the place is teeming with people.”

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J U N E L A N N D I V I N AG R AC I A City Tourism Office, Iloilo City

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1 Bikers ride through the Iloilo Esplanade, a river park in Iloilo City. The Esplanade is envisioned as a place of leisure for Ilonggos and as a potential tourist spot. 2 The Nelly Garden of the Lopez family is one of the popular mansions in Iloilo City. It is also known as the queen of heritage houses in Iloilo because of its grandiose architecture and design.

It was declared as a National Historical Landmark in 2004.

3 Museo Iloilo is the first government-sponsored museum outside Metro Manila. The museum building was designed by Ilonggo architect Sergio Penasales and houses an impressive collection of Iloilo’s cultural heritage which include stone age native pottery, fossils, jewelry, trade pottery, war relics, sculptures, and local modern art.

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“When people have pride of place, they become very collaborative. They attract more visitors and more investors because every business that opens is assured of support from the locals. Every visitor feels welcome and feels safe in the city, and there is encouragement and motivation to come back.”

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N ATA L I E L I M General Manager, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Iloilo City

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1 A mural of heroine Teresa Magbanua adorns a wall in Iloilo City. It is one of the murals painted by Artivism Iloilo arts group in partnership with the Iloilo City government. 2 A mural of hero Graciano Lopez Jaena is seen at a structure by the Iloilo River. It is painted by artist Kristoffer Brasileño in partnership with the Iloilo City government.

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1 Elsie Eno picks out coffee beans grown in Nagpana village, Barotac Viejo town, Iloilo province. 2 Amalia Ciat shows the sun-dried coffee beans grown in Nagpana village, Barotac Viejo town, Iloilo province.

Eno and Ciat are among the women coffee growers of the indigenous Ati group. 3 Nelma Masculino packs pork cracklings she sells in Maasin town, Iloilo province. USAID and partners from the public and private sector helped women entrepreneurs and farmers in Iloilo City and surrounding areas access more markets, participate in viable supply chains, and enhance the efficiency and profitability of their existing business ventures.

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1 Tricycle drivers wait for passengers in front of the La Paz Public Market in La Paz district of Iloilo City. 2 Customers sit by designated dining areas in a popular mall in Iloilo City during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 A woman buys dried seafood from a vendor at Iloilo Central Market in Iloilo City. Dried fish if one of the main delicacies of Iloilo province.

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1 A customer receives his change after buying from a sari-sari store (neighborhood sundry store) in Iloilo City. Sari-sari stores in Iloilo City received plastic store barriers from USAID, the Department of Trade and Industry, and Coca-Cola Philippines as part of an initiative to help microentrepreneurs comply with the national government’s COVID-19 health protocol. 2 A man stands in front of a counter to process a construction permit. Iloilo City is one of the country’s most business-friendly city. With the help of USAID, the local government streamlined business and construction-related permitting systems to promote ease of doing business in the city.

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“Iloilo City is one of the most business-friendly cities in the country. The city’s well-thought urban planning and comprehensive roadmap give investors an assurance that their investments are in the right place. Streamlined government processes and urban development are vital for a city to attract more investors.”

JENNIFER FONG Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Iloilo Business Park, Iloilo City

1 A statue of revolutionary hero Martin Delgado at the Festive Walk within the Iloilo Business Park. 2 The Iloilo Convention Center is located within the Iloilo Business Park, a township of property developer Megaworld Corporation in Mandurriao, the new business district of Iloilo City.

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F RO I L A N GA LL A R DO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

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Cagayan de Oro City is the logistics hub and regional center of Northern Mindanao in the Philippines. Its modern international seaport houses the country’s biggest passenger terminal building and handles all kinds of roro cargo between Mindanao and the major ports of Manila, Batangas, and Visayas.

Cagayan de Oro attracts people from all over Mindanao with its urban environment.

Its multifaceted city living is propelled by the earnest passion of its people to attain a better quality of life.

The international port of Cagayan de Oro is one of the busiest government ports in Northern Mindanao in terms of cargo throughput.

Dubbed as the Global Gateway to Mindanao, its strategic location makes it a major gateway for cargo and passengers to and from Cagayan de Oro and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan, Bukidnon, Davao, and other parts of the Philippine archipelago.

Previous spread and this page: F R O I L A N G A L L A R D O Facing page: Courtesy of C AG AYA N D E O RO C I T Y LG U / S T E AG P O W E R I N C .

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1 The coal-fired power plant STEAG State Power Inc. (STEAG) located at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental has a capacity of 232 megawatts. It started commercial operations in 2006 and since then has been reliably providing the needed additional electric power to sustain Mindanao’s economic growth. 2 Conductors and drivers wait for passengers at the Agora Bus Terminal in Cagayan de Oro City. The terminal caters to passengers bound for the cities of Davao, Butuan, and General Santos.

“I was elated when the Philippine Coffee Board chose our beans to be part of the specialty coffee, The W Blend. We still have a lot to learn and improve on, and I hope to make our coffee known not only in Cagayan de Oro but also in the whole country.”

A U RO R A C H I O N G Coffee farm owner, Claveria, Misamis Oriental

1 Anatista Perez, owner of Don Ramos Restaurant in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, roasts coffee beans. 2 A coffee expert examines several varieties of coffee Arabica in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

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USAID and partners from the public and private sector helped women entrepreneurs and farmers in Cagayan de Oro City and surrounding areas access more markets, participate in viable supply chains, and enhance the efficiency and profitability of their existing business ventures.

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1 A vendor sorts out bell peppers at the vegetable market in Barangay Bulua. Cagayan de Oro is a thriving agricultural hub that supplies vegetables across the Visayas and Metro Manila markets. 2 Buyers check newly-arrived fresh fish at the fish landing in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City.

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“Through the Business One-Stop Shop, we reduced the processing time for business registration and permits from several days to just hours, from securing more than 20 signatures to just three signatures in a single online form.”

EILEEN SAN JUAN Head, Local Economic and Investments Promotion Office, Cagayan de Oro City

1 The Seda Centrio Hotel along Corrales Avenue in Cagayan de Oro City. It is one of the popular hotels in the city. 2 An aerial view of downtown Cagayan de Oro shows the new infrastructure and commercial spaces that illustrate the boom of the city.

Courtesy of C AG AYA N D E O RO C I T Y LG U

1 A resident uses one of the touchscreen kiosks at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall. The kiosks can accommodate transactions such as business and real property tax assessment and billing, cedula issuance, and traffic citation assessment and billing. 2 Alma Marie Chio, after many years of waiting, receives a land title from the Cagayan de Oro City government. With the help of USAID, the local government was able to improve and streamline land titling practices, thereby speeding up the awarding of land titles for hundreds of beneficiaries.

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The Laguindingan Airport, also referred to as Laguindingan International Airport, is an international airport in Northern Mindanao that serves the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Marawi, as well as the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon. The airport is Mindanao’s second busiest airport after Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

“Transportation is not just about the roads and traffic conditions. It is about mobility of people, service, trade, commerce and social networks.”

D R . A N A B E L A B U ZO Professor, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City

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1 Customers choose from a menu of an outdoor food park in downtown Cagayan de Oro City. 2 A resident buys fruit from a stall in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City.

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1 Motorists pass through the lighted Ysalina Bridge in Cagayan de Oro, one of the seven bridges that interconnect the city. 2 Local residents enjoy the sunset at the Jose Rizal monument in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City. Divisoria has five mini parks that provide open spaces for residents.

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

Puerto Princesa City is known as the heart of the best island in the world—being the main gateway to the captivating island of Palawan. It also earned the moniker ‘the city in the forest’, a progressive urban hub enveloped by a thick tropical forest.

Puerto Princesa is a balance of development and nature. It welcomes bigticket investments, nurtures competitive and sustainable tourism, and embraces modern living while conserving its heritage and precious habitats.

Passenger boats await the arrival of tourists at Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City.

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1 The Puerto Princesa International Airport is the main gateway to the island of Palawan. It serves about two million passengers a year. 2 Tourists board a boat at Honda Bay. Honda Bay is a popular tourist spot in the city that offers island hopping packages.

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1 The Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas in the port of Puerto Princesa City.

More than ten cruise ships visit the city yearly. Foreign tourists are drawn to the city to see the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It has one of the most impressive caves systems in the world with an 8-kilometer underground river that flows directly into the West Philippine Sea. 2 The Puerto Princesa Cathedral, also known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Puerto Princesa City.

During World War II, on December 14, 1944, the parish witnessed the ‘Palawan massacre’ at the adjacent Plaza Cuartel, where about 150 American soldiers were burned alive by Japanese forces.

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Paintings by local artists adorn Ka Lui’s restaurant, a favorite dining destination of local and foreign tourists in Puerto Princesa City.

Food stalls at the Stellar Grounds commercial park in Puerto Princesa City offer a relaxing dining ambiance for locals and tourists alike. 3 Foreign tourists dine at the Cacaoyan Forest Park Restaurant, a popular stop for those visiting the town of Sabang in Puerto Princesa City.

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1 Local artisans work on their designs and products inside the production area of Binuatan Crafts, one of the known businesses selling locally-made handicrafts in Puerto Princesa City. 2 A weaver checks on a cloth pattern at the Binuatan Crafts in Puerto Princesa City.

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1 Seaweed farmers of the Babuyan Seaweeds Planters Association in Puerto Princesa City check farm lines as they prepare for harvest. Puerto Princesa City and the Palawan province contribute a quarter of the Philippines’ total seaweed production. 2 A seaweed farmer in Puerto Princesa City checks on farm lines. Seaweed farming, primarily of the Elkhorn sea moss (Kappaphycus Alvarezii) variety, is a source of livelihood for many fisherfolk living in the coastal towns of Puerto Princesa. This type of seaweed is a popular source of carrageenan, an additive that is widely used to improve the texture of food products like yogurt.

“As the country’s last ecological frontier, we want development to come hand-in-hand with environmental conservation.”

1 A turtle installation sits atop an atoll reef in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City. 2 Passenger boats wait for tourists in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City. 3 Passenger boats by the shore of Cowrie Island in Honda Bay, a popular tourist destination in Puerto Princesa City.

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C O L E E N C ATA M A Environmental Planner, City Planning and Development Office Puerto Princesa City

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1 An aerial view of the Sabang Renewable Energy Corporation in the town of Sabang, Puerto Princesa City. 2 3 Members of the Puerto Princesa City Environment and Natural Resources Office conduct an i-Tree inventory of tourism establishments in the city. Through USAID and the Davey Institute, a U.S. Forest Service partner, the city learned how to use i-Tree tools such as i-Tree Canopy and i-Tree Eco to measure the level of oxygen emitted by trees and survey an area for carbon sequestration. These tools help save urban forests and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

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“The community-based sustainable tourism sites have long been recognized as key players in the local tourism industry. They present a particular facet of their community to tourists while at the same time protect their environment and preserve their heritage.”

1 The mangrove boat tour in the town of Sabang is one of the popular community-based sustainable tourism sites drawing tourists in this part of Puerto Princesa City. 2 Tourists visit Cacaoyan Forest Park Restaurant, one of the popular food and adventure destinations in the town of Sabang in Puerto Princesa City. 3 An aerial view of Puerto Princesa City. It has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines as a result of the local government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable ecotourism.

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D E M E T R I O A LV I O R , Assistant Head, City Tourism Office, Puerto Princesa City

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BATANGAS CITY

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Batangas City is the regional agroindustrial hub of Southern Luzon in the Philippines. Its massive international seaport is one of the top five ports in the country, serving as an alternate port to the Port of Manila in terms of handling large consignments of cargo and containers.

Unbeknownst to many, Batangas City is home to the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary. The city’s old town and religious charm adds character to its contemporary vibe.

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1 A visitor walks up the ramp leading to the Montemaria shrine in Batangas City.

The Mother of All Asia - Tower of Peace is a monument dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the tallest statue of Mary in the world with a height of 322 feet. The shrine sits on top of a plateau in Barangay Pagkilatan, overlooking the Verde Island Passage. 2 Motorists pass through the Star Toll Plaza in Batangas City. The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, commonly known as the STAR Tollway, is a 41.9-kilometer expressway that starts at the interchange with the Pan-Philippine Highway and the South Luzon Expressway and runs southward to Batangas City. The STAR Tollway improves the connectivity and capacity of the existing transport network going to and from Metro Manila.

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1 The Mansions is Pontefino Estates’ most private and exclusive residence development in Batangas City. 2 A tricycle drives past one of the heritage houses in Batangas City.

“Nurturing a hog business is ideal in Batangas City because of its proximity to the Star Tollway and South Luzon Expressway, which made it easy to access the National Capital Region. Expanding businesses is easy because of the market.”

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M O I S E S DA L I S AY, hog farm owner, Batangas City

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1 A farm attendant gathers chicken eggs in a poultry farm in Batangas City. The Calabarzon region, where Batangas City is located, is one of the major producers of chicken in the country. 2 A farm help cleans a pig pen in a medium-scale hog farm in Batangas City. Hog raising is the top livestock activity in the Calabarzon region, with Batangas sharing the highest number of hogs tended.

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1 2 Farmers harvest corn in a massive farm in Batangas City.

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1 A resident transacts at the business one-stop shop at the Batangas City Hall. With the help of USAID, the local government streamlined business and construction-related permitting systems to promote ease of doing business in the city. 2 Christmas lights adorn the newly-renovated Plaza Mabini park across the Batangas City Hall which attracts locals and visitors at nighttime.

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1 Passengers wait to board an inter-island ferry at the Batangas City port. 2 Passenger jeepneys wait for commuters at a transportation terminal in Batangas City. 3 Port workers assist travelers in boarding the inter-island ferry at the port of Batangas City.

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“More investors are arriving and finding a home in our light industrial zone and port area, where logistics hubs, warehouses, support facilities, and cold storage terminals complement the benefits of the international port.”

E N G R . J A N U A R I O G O D OY, Head, City Planning and Development Office, Batangas City

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“I think our best asset here is the people, but also the culture and the heritage. If you go about Batangas City, you will be able to meet people who are very friendly and very hardworking.”

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ERICK ANTHONY SANOHAN Head, Local Economic and Investments Promotions Office Batangas City

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1 Devotees sit inside a chapel of the Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace in Barangay Pagkilatan, Batangas City. 2 A luxury yacht sails on the bay near the port of Batangas City as a local resident walks along the boulevard.

An aerial view of the First Gen Corporation natural gas plant in Batangas City. First Gen is one of the biggest independent power producers and the leading gas power generation company in the Philippines with approximately 2,000 megawatts in operating gas assets.

Previous spread and this spread: V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

1 Local residents walk past the First Gen natural gas plant in Batangas City. 2 Motorists drive through the newly-renovated third Calumpang bridge connecting the city proper to the eastern portion of Batangas City. This bridge was constructed to ease traffic congestion in the city.

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY

General Santos City, also known as Gensan, is one of the country’s strategic economic hubs in Mindanao. It is Southern Philippines’ shipping gateway to the world, with the General Santos Fish Port Complex a major fishing post-harvest infrastructure in the East Asia Growth Area.

Fisheries, agriculture, processing, trade, and services propel the city’s fast-growing economy.

Gensan is a bustling city attracting people from surrounding localities with the potential for jobs and prosperity. It is an up-and-coming investment destination with the development of the Aerotropolis, a mixed-use business district for top-tier international and local companies.

An aerial view of the Plaza Heneral Santos at the heart of General Santos City.

Previous spread: Courtesy of G E N E R A L S A N TO S C I T Y LG U

This spread: R O N A L D V E L A S Q U E Z

1 A fruit stand vendor arranges mangoes while waiting for customers in Barangay City Heights, General Santos City. 2 A bed of green leafy vegetables are ready for harvesting at Felicidad Orchard Farm in Katangawan town, General Santos City. The city is promoting farms such as Felicidad as alternative tourist attractions.

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1 A façade of a popular mall in General Santos City. Business is booming in the city with the presence of one of the country’s biggest developer of world-class shopping centers. 2 An aerial view of Pioneer Avenue, one of the major thoroughfares in General Santos City.

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“We are able to provide sound advice to the businesses in General Santos like where to invest and help them understand the vulnerabilities and hazards in their potential investment areas.”

ENGR. JOSEPH NAEL CRUSPERO, Head, City Planning and Development Office, General Santos City

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Courtesy of G E N E R A L S A N TO S C I T Y LG U

1 Entrepreneur Paula Romero (right) packs and prepares chicharon, or pork cracklings, for delivery to local customers in General Santos City. The local government, in partnership with USAID, assisted women entrepreneurs in the city migrate their businesses online after the COVID-19 pandemic crippled their business operations due to mobility restrictions. 2 Customers choose seafood to grill in one of the famous restaurants in General Santos City. Local restaurants offer the freshest catch making them a popular destination for those visiting the city.

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“We are very happy with the current situation in the business permit and licensing procedure. We can see that there are a lot of developments going on and happening in General Santos City. A lot of investors are coming in.”

LEOMABELL VELANDRIA, Operations Manager, Robinson’s Place, General Santos City

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1 A resident inquires at the one-stop shop for construction permits at the City Hall of General Santos City.

USAID assisted the local government simplify the application and issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy to promote ease of doing business in the city. 2 A resident transacts at the billing station of the General Santos City Water District office in General Santos City. 3 A customer pays her monthly utility bill at the General Santos City Water District office in General Santos City. USAID collaborated with the water district and the local government to improve water and sanitation services in the city.

This spread: R O N A L D V E L A S Q U E Z

1 An employee of General Santos City Water District conducts daily maintenance check of facilities in Barangay Conel, General Santos City. 2 Officers of small-scale water utility MANUWASA or the Mayo Nueve Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association conduct maintenance check of facilities in Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. 3 Officers of small-scale water utility COWASA or the Conel Waterworks and Sanitation Association in Barangay Conel, General Santos City, conduct regular water testing to ensure proper pH levels. With the help of USAID, rural water utilities like MANUWASA and COWASA were able to improve services expand operations through better business and financial planning, water safety planning, and water management planning.

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General Santos International Airport, also known as Tambler Airport, is the largest airport in Mindanao. It has the country’s third longest runway, after Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu. It was built in 1993, jointly funded by USAID and the Philippine government. The airport is part of the 200-hectare Aerotropolis, an integrated complex of business parks, hotels, food terminal, food processing and manufacturing plants, and shopping malls.

Previous spread: Courtesy of S O C C S K S A RG E N A R E A D E V E LO P M E N T P R O J E C T O F F I C E

1 Port workers secure a docked sea vessel at the Makar Wharf in General Santos City.

The wharf is one of the major gateways to and from Mindanao. 2 A crane stacks intermodal containers at the Makar Wharf in General Santos City. In the 1990s, USAID supported an extensive infrastructure program in the city, contributing to the construction of key economic infrastructures such as the Makar Wharf.

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“General Santos is host to three major connectivity infrastructures.

One is the international airport, second is our transshipment seaport, and third is we host the second largest fish port in the entire country.”

LEONARD FLORES City Economic Manager, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, General Santos City

An aerial view of the Makar Wharf which caters to local and regional shipments, making General Santos City one of the leading trading posts in the Philippines.

V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

TAGBILARAN CITY

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Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It is a rising heritage hub and a fast-growing urban center driven by purposeful planning that benefits not only its people but also nearby localities.

Tagbilaran’s easygoing appeal complements its serious take on urbanism. It is adopting new and sustainable ways of living without losing its rich cultural identity.

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1 Locals and tourists walk across the National Museum Bohol in Tagbilaran City. The museum occupies the former Provincial Capitol Building, which was retrofitted after sustaining heavy damage during the 2013 earthquake that hit the province. Built in the Spanish colonial period, this heritage structure served as a tribunal, prison, and living quarters for the Spanish military force. 2 The Bohol–Panglao International Airport, also known as New Bohol International Airport, is an international airport in Panglao Island in the province of Bohol. It replaced the Tagbilaran Airport to support Bohol’s increasing passenger traffic due to tourism. Called the ‘Green Gateway to the World’, the airport functions on environmentally sustainable structures and green technology. It can accommodate up to two million passengers a year.

“We are proud to offer stories about our history and share the richness of Tagbilaran City from our homes and buildings to food, music, dances, and its cultural practices.”

M A R I A N I TO L U S P O, Director, Cultural Affairs and Development Office, Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City

This spread: V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

1 Local residents enjoy a sunny afternoon at the Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. 2 Tagbilaran City started as a small settlement of natives who swore by the spirit of the Anito, a pagan god, in the vicinity of lower Mansasa. These are evidenced by bones and other artifacts excavated along the shorelines, believed to be the natives’ burial grounds.

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1 Elsa Polot, one of the founders of Dalareich Chocolate, prepares a drink made from their own cacao beans in Tagbilaran City. Dalareich is a popular brand in Bohol and distributes unsweetened chocolate, locally known as ‘tableya’, to local supermarkets and malls across the country. 2 Members of the Tubigon Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative work on orders inside their workshop in Tubigon Town in Tagbilaran City.

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1 The Antonio Rocha House is one of several heritage houses in Sitio Ubos in Tagbilaran City. Sitio Ubos is the oldest district of the city. It is one of the attractions of the heritage tour promoted by the local government. 2 The Balili House, also a popular heritage house in Tagbilaran City, was turned into a hostel to cater to foreign tourists as part of promoting the heritage and charm of old houses in the city. The local government, with the assistance of USAID, developed a Tourism Master Plan anchored on heritage tourism.

An aerial view of boats along the shores of Panglao Island, one of Bohol’s top tourist destinations.

Previous spread: V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

This spread: Courtesy of A RV I N AV E RG O N Z A D O

1 Aerial view of Mithi Resort and Spa and Modala Beach Resort in Panglao Island, one of the top hotel destinations in Bohol. 2 Luxury resorts have flourished in Panglao because of the province’s sustainable approach in tourism and business.

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“The Panglao, Dauis, Tagbilaran Executive Council made the city of Tagbilaran, and the nearby municipalities of Dauis and Panglao aware of the benefits of collaboration in trade, tourism, and environmental preservation. Tagbilaran will always remain as the trading and commercial center supporting the main economic drivers of Bohol, which are tourism and agriculture.”

AT T Y. L U C A S N U N AG , Chairman, Provincial Tourism Council, Bohol

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1 Local fisherfolk clean sea urchin, locally known as ‘tuyom’, before selling to customers. 2 The Cogon Public Market is one of busiest public markets in Tagbilaran City. It is also a destination for tourists who want to buy souvenirs and local delicacies. 3 A food service crew carries a sizzling plate for a customer at Gerarda’s Family Restaurant in Tagbilaran City. Gerarda’s is one the businesses that benefitted from the continued rise of tourist arrivals in the city.

1 Aerial view of Tagbilaran City Hall’s façade. The City Hall of Tagbilaran is one of the many government buildings damaged during the earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013. It was repaired and inaugurated in 2016. 2 Fishing boats traverse the waters near Dauis Bridge. The bridge is one of two bridges that connect Panglao Island to Tagbilaran City and the mainland of Bohol.

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“Urban planners will not just be protecting the environment but also ensure that programs are all geared towards environmental protection. Preparedness is a thrust without forgetting our ethnic diversity and culture as the people of Bohol.”

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D R . A N N E M A R I Q U I T O P P U S , Program Director, Urban Development Learning Program, Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City

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“We have seen synergy and intensive coordination between the local government and private sector in identifying and analyzing policies and investment priorities. With this participatory process, strategies were created that made Tagbilaran attractive to investors.”

E N G R . A L B E RT U Y Vice President for External Affairs Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bohol

A passenger ferry departs from the port of Tagbilaran at sunset. The port, also known as Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier, caters to approximately 5,000 people daily and connects Tagbilaran to neighboring cities in Visayas such as Cebu and Dumaguete, and in Mindanao such as Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Dipolog.

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Courtesy of Z A M B O A N G A C I T Y LG U / R I K K I L I M

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ZAMBOANGA CITY

Zamboanga City is one of the Philippines’ largest and most culturally-diverse cities.

Situated at the tip of the Western Mindanao, it is the nearest major urban center to the country’s ASEAN neighbors, serving as one of the busiest port cities for traders and manufacturers.

It is a vibrant city with its architecture, culinary, and lifestyle heavily influenced by Spanish and Moro cultures. It holds dear traditions and social customs, but it is reinventing itself to become a city of the future.

V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

1 Emergency personnel monitor traffic and other activities inside the command center of the Security and Surveillance Coordinating Office in Zamboanga City. 2 Locals enjoy the sunset view at the newly-renovated Justice R.T. Lim Boulevard, formerly Cawa-cawa boulevard, in Zamboanga City. It is a famous destination amongst locals and visitors to the city because of the open space and the food kiosks nearby.

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“Zamboanga City is now at par with other big cities in the country.

Our strategic asset management plan is helping us comply with national government regulations, optimize asset lifecycle, increase return on asset, and establish a methodical asset knowledge management.”

Courtesy of Z A M B O A N G A C I T Y LG U / C E D Z A B A L A

I R E N E A L L I A N , City Assessor’s Office, Zamboanga City

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Devotees pay their respects to the image of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zarragosa at the historic Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City. The Shrine of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar is a popular destination in Zamboanga City and is one of the principal Marian shrines in Mindanao. The people of Zamboanga have a great devotion to the La Virgen del Pilar, believed to have performed many miracles throughout the history of the city.

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Facing page: Courtesy of Z A M B O A N G A C I T Y LG U / A R I S B E L L E N Previous spread and this page: V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

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1 Artisan weavers work on a design at the Yakan Weaving Village in Zamboanga City. The village is home to families mainly from Basilan Island, where the indigenous group is from. The Yakan Weaving Village is popular for its hand-woven fabric made into wall coverings, table runners, placemats, belts, scarves, and bags. 2 Locals stroll around Fort Pilar, one of the top destinations in Zamboanga City.

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1 A local blade smith shows a traditional Yakan Pira (sword) that he sells at the Yakan Weaving Village in Zamboanga City. 2 A local goldsmith works on a jewelry piece in one of the stalls inside Guiwan Public Market in Zamboanga City. 3 A weaver uses a wooden loom to create a pattern for a fabric. Traditionally, weavers use pineapple and abaca converted into fibers as a basic material for weaving. They also use extracts from leaves, roots, and barks to dye the fibers and produce colorful combinations in their designs.

“Cassava farming is one of the main livelihood sources of our farmers with over 2,000 hectares allotted for cassava farming, distributed among 12 cassava grower associations who are ready to adapt to wider markets.”

RICHARD MALINCON City Agriculture Office, Zamboanga City

1 Women farmers in Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City pound and mash cassava, a tropical root crop, to make cassava chips. 2 A woman farmer sun dries mashed cassava in Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City. With the help of USAID, cassava growers in Zamboanga City were able to improve post-harvest practices and gained access to bigger markets.

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1 Government employees take a break in an open area inside the Zamboanga City Hall. 2 Colorful vinta sails adorn the façade of the Zamboanga City Hall.

The City Hall is considered a national historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

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14 5 Next spread: courtesy of Z A M B O A N G A C I T Y LG U / C E D Z A B A L A

A passenger boat docks on the pristine beach of Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City. The island is famous for its pink sand, which comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral caused by surf erosion mixed with white sand.

“When we are talking about East Asian growth area and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) integration, Zamboanga City is positioned to be the front gate to ASEAN.” P E D RO R U F O S O L I V E N , President, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Zamboanga City

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1 Commuters walk through Plaza Pershing near the City Hall in Zamboanga City.

The city is known as ‘Asian’s Latin City’ because of the prevalent Spanish influence reflected in the city’s heritage structures, culture, language, and religious beliefs and practices. 2 Red frog crab or more commonly known as ‘curacha’ in the local dialect is a staple of the Chavacano cuisine. 3 Workers unload shipment from a sea vessel at the Port of Zamboanga. It is considered as one of the busiest ports in Mindanao as it links the islands in Southwest Philippines and also serves as an international cargo terminal.

1 A man walks past the entrance of the Zamboanga City International Airport. The airport is Mindanao’s third-busiest airport after Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and Laguindingan Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. 2 Students frolic by the shore as they wait for the sunset in Zamboanga City.

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V E E J AY V I L L A F R A N C A

LEGAZPI CITY

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Legazpi City is a competitive and rapidly growing city known for its adaptation and disaster risk reduction practices. It is the center of tourism, education, healthcare, commerce, and transportation in the Bicol region in the Philippines.

Legazpi is a combination of fascinating natural landscape and distinctive efficiency. Its laidback lifestyle is coupled with a fervent regard for resilience and sustainability, making it a dynamic, forward-thinking, livable city.

“With the present tourism circuit of Legazpi, from sea to mountains, to food and culture, and emerging tourism destinations, not to mention the Bicol International Airport, tourism will continue to be at the forefront of Legazpi’s economic opportunities.”

A L L A N C A M ATA

J O H N G L E N N L E E , Vice President, Casablanca Realty Corporation

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1 The new Bicol International Airport in the town of Daraga in Albay province, Bicol region. The new airport is the main gateway to Bicol, replacing the old Legazpi Airport in Legazpi City. It is expected to boost tourism and economic development in the region. 2 The 911 monitoring room of the Legazpi City government oversees daily traffic operations of the city as well as monitoring the activity of Mayon volcano.

This spread: RO M E C A N DA Z A

1 2 The Legazpi Bay and Marine Park is a marine conservation area and diving site in Legazpi City. It is one of the tourism circuits identified in the Tourism Master Plan of the city crafted by the local government with the assistance of USAID.

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1 A paragliding pilot plays around after taking off at the Noah Rhyme flying site in Barangay San Francisco, Legazpi City.

Paragliding offers tourists breathtaking views of Mayon volcano, the blue waters of Poliqui Bay, and the lush green ridge of Barangay San Francisco. 2 Tourists enjoy the view at Ligñon Hill in Lagazpi City, a famous landmark and tourist destination in the city.

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“The city invests in disaster risk reduction not only to reduce risks but also to ensure that the programs, the projects, and the activities yield socioeconomic and environmental benefits for the people of Legazpi City so that we will achieve the ultimate goal of quality of life and resilience.”

E N G R . M I L A D E E A Z U R , Head, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Legazpi City

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1 Local officials of Barangay Padang, Legazpi City hold a safety briefing using a three-dimensional map of the village. The map, housed at Padang Elementary School, illustrates the various types of hazards the village is vulnerable to and also determines which areas are prioritized for evacuation. Officials of Barangay Padang and the local government of Legazpi, with the assistance of USAID, created the map to serve as an education and disaster risk assessment tool. 2 A staff of the Legazpi City engineering department uses a mapping system to gather data of hazards and land area. 3 Employees of the Bacacay Water District in Bacacay City, Albay province look at hazard maps.

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1 A Legazpi Water District employee does maintenance check to ensure continuous water supply to customers in Legazpi City. 2 An employee of the Tabaco City Water District checks a residential water meter. 3 An employee of Tabaco City Water District uses a mobile printer to print water bills for customers. With the help of USAID, water districts in Legazpi City and nearby cities were able to improve services and integrate climate and disaster resilience into business and water safety planning.

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“We see that businesses in Legazpi are able to learn this resilience, learn this culture of preparedness, and adopted these learnings to their other operations.”

M A RT I N R E Y N O S O, Executive Vice President, Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Legazpi City

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1 The sili ice cream of 1st Colonial Grill is famous in Legazpi City. It gained popularity for its unique flavor. 2 Customers flock a local eatery in Legazpi City. The Bicol region is known for its love for spicy food and coconut milk. 3 A basketful of pili nuts at a local market in Legazpi City. Pili is endemic to the Bicol region and has been used for food, beauty, and health purposes by Bicolanos for decades.

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1 Weavers of the Banquerohan Resettlements Neighborhood Association work on abaca fabric products inside their workshop in Legazpi City. 2 A woman arranges the dress on a mannequin inside a souvenir shop in Legazpi City.

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1 Locals enjoy a walk along the Legazpi Boulevard in Legazpi City. The boulevard is a favorite spot among locals as it offers a stunning view of Mount Mayon and Poliqui Bay. 2 A skateboard enthusiast plays in a skatepark near Legazpi Boulevard.

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The majestic Mount Mayon towers over a residential area in Legazpi City.

About USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID works to help lift lives, build communities, and advance democracy. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity; demonstrates American generosity; and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.

As part of the shared goal to accelerate and sustain inclusive growth in the Philippines, USAID is strengthening the economic competitiveness and resilience of cities outside Metro Manila through the Cities Development Initiative (CDI).

CDI seeks to advance the development of these cities as engines of growth that is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient. These are Batangas, Legazpi, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Iloilo and Tagbilaran in Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga in Mindanao.

USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project is the flagship activity of CDI. From 2015 to 2021, the USAID SURGE Project implemented a set of interventions to enable the CDI cities and nearby localities to improve local capacity to manage and sustain urban and rural growth; increase local economic development by fostering business enabling measures; and expand economic connectivity and urban-rural access. As economically thriving and resilient growth centers, these cities can provide a better quality of life for residents and people in surrounding areas.

The success of USAID in the eight CDI cities is attributable to the Project’s collaboration with partners from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who leveraged collective technical expertise, financial resources, and tools to achieve locally-owned and sustainable solutions.

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The team

Through the years, the USAID SURGE Project team adapted to challenges that affected not only the eight cities but the entire Philippines. From an altered foreign aid policy, to volcanic eruption and earthquakes, and then the COVID-19 pandemic, the Project re-designed activities without losing sight of its goal—to foster the development of conditions for broad-based, inclusive and resilient economic growth in the CDI cities.

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“This collection of visual stories demonstrates the blending of Philippine urbanism and economic development at its finest – how citizens, led by dedicated visionary leaders, planners, scholars, entrepreneurs, living and working in the country’s fastest growing cities, shape and re-shape their urban ecosystem.”

—from the Preface

Metro Manila Batangas City Legazpi City

Iloilo City Puerto Princesa City

Tagbilaran City Cagayan de Oro City

Zamboanga City General Santos City