Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Grace C. Edralin-Servino1
Co-Author: Prof. Honorio T. Palarca2
Abstract
Keywords: Taguig City, waterfront city, lakefront, riverfront, flood control system,
flood damage reduction
1. Introduction
Cities have often located near a body of water such as the case in Metro Manila
where cities are adjacently situated near Manila Bay, Pasig River and Laguna Lake.
Water has been the source of life for the Filipinos, a part of their rich history and
identity symbolic of their nation. But water has also been a destructive force in these
cities especially during heavy rains and floods. How do we redesign cities then to gain
more benefits than damage from water resources?
1.1.Methodology
To arrive at a possible solution in terms of landscape intervention, a study was
made in Taguig, one of the cities in Metro Manila directly adjacent and affecting the
Laguna Lake. The current flood control measures of Metro Manila was investigated.
The analysis of the site was based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
1
University Research Associate and Candidate for the Master of Tropical Landscape Architecture at the
College of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman. Email: gcedralin@gmail.com
2
Lecturer at the College of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman. Email:
noritpalarca2@yahoo.com.
Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
(SWOT), zoning map, strategic concept plans of Taguig City, resolutions of Laguna
Lake Development Authority, satellite images, site visits, interviews, research on
similar cases. The output of the study resulted to a more focused vision, concepts,
design features, guidelines and recommendations primarily in terms of urban landscape
design solutions. The succeeding chapters discussed some of these findings, and after
which highlighted the uses of the green and water systems in the City.
3. Taguig City
3.1.Location
Taguig lies on the western shore of Laguna Lake and is bordered by major cities in
Metro Manila. It is bounded by several major roadways, the Circumferential Road-5 (C-
5), Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Kalayaan Avenue, South Luzon
Expressway and Circumferential Road-6 (C-6) which is still under construction.
3.2.History
The rivers and the Laguna Lake offered the pioneers of Taguig who are farmers
and fishermen, fresh water for drinking, irrigation, protection against attack of enemies,
and easy means of travel by native boats. Thus, along the rivers and lake, Malay
settlement sprang up and grew into populous barrios.
3.3.Waters
Taguig has two major rivers that feed the Lake, namely, the Taguig River and the
Napindan Channel bringing all its run-off and pollution. In addition, there are 5 other
minor rivers in the City with 23 tributaries.
3.4.Strengths
From a thriving fishing community along the shores of Laguna Lake, it is now an
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Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
important residential and industrial suburb of Metro Manila. The construction of the C-5
highway which made the city more accessible and the Fort Bonifacio development
which houses more people, businesses and activities and generates much income have
paved the way for its cityhood.
3.5.Weaknesses
But there is still a marked need for improvement in utilities, especially at the other
side of the C-5 including efficient transportation system, adequate water supply, power
generation, waste management, flood control and housing provision. All these can be
addressed through proper planning, action and management.
3.5.1. Flooding
Taguig is a catchment area for floodwaters with over half of the city within the
flood zone due to low elevation, poor soil permeability, altered natural drainage, and
water runoff from a large geographical area, which has been further aggravated by
recent developments. Laguna Lake’s only outlet to Manila Bay is the Pasig River and its
overflow water inundates 66% of the city area. Water from the Lake with a slow current
will have to travel via Napindan Channel along a 27 km meandering river before
reaching Manila Bay.
Being the second largest city in Metro Manila with 47.88 km2 of land area and a
maximum rainfall of 2,000mm, it can collect large volume of water which if not drained
properly will cause extreme flooding.
During heavy rains and high tide where the sea level is actually higher than that of
Laguna Lake, the Lake becomes saturated spilling out to adjacent barangays in Taguig
flooding them for months. According to Laguna Lake Development Authority, the
water level in Laguna Lake rose by 2 meters or 0.67 a month in 2009 submerging more
barangays on the lakeshore, most parts of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
3.5.2. Housing
Taguig’s population is swelling at a tremendous rate, with 613,343 people in 2007,
and annual growth rate of 3.82% for 2000-07 primarily due to immigration. There is
high demand for basic needs primarily housing provision along with social services.
3.5.3. Transportation
At present Taguig is served only by South Luzon Expressway to the west and
Radial Road 4 (R-4) to the north with C5 in-between. There is limited access to all three
from the most populated regions of the city. Given Taguig’s large area and population,
these few links to regional travel routes are far from sufficient. Within Taguig, only one
substandard roadway, Manuel L. Quezon Avenue, connects most of the barangays,
while most streets are too narrow to handle the current traffic load.
3.5.4. Water, Sewage and Solid Waste Management
The city suffers from inadequate water supply, sewage treatment, and garbage
collection systems. A water quality monitoring conducted in January 1999 by Seastems,
Inc. for the Fort Bonifacio Global City indicated very high coliform levels of 24,000
MPN/100 ml which exceeded the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) standards of 5,000 MPN/100 ml for class C waters. The high figure is an
indication of wastewater intrusion coming from domestic sources discharging sewerage.
3.6.Opportunities
Taguig is endowed with a large area and plenty of water resources which are major
components for waterfront development. Another highway, the Circumferential Road-6
(C-6) traversing along Taguig with a scenic view of Laguna Lake, may become a major
access to a lakefront development once completed.
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Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
3.7.Threats
Similar to other cities, urban sprawl, increasing population and uncontrollable
flooding threaten Taguig City affecting the health of the people and the natural
environment. Unless the government and community will be willing to participate, the
improvement and progress may not be achievable irrespective of financial resources.
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School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, JAPAN
March 11-13, 2010
Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
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School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, JAPAN
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Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
5.4.Green System
Where do we maintain more green spaces in Taguig? Looking into the slope,
physiography, land classification and geomorphology of Taguig, we find the eastern
portion near the Laguna Lake and near the rivers to be retained as green space. These
are mostly freshwater marshes or alluvial landscape, transition zone between land and
water thus prone to seasonal flooding.
The whole eastern side, which is the lowest portion of Taguig as situated on the
flood plain must be reserved for more green spaces mixed with water elements than
built-up land. The residents guided by the LGU must continue to plant every surface
that can be planted on starting in their own house and lot.
5.5.Functions of the Green and Water Systems
Floodwaters will be directed to the green and water systems and away from
buildings. Meanders and plants reduce water flow that is destructive to lives and
properties.
Presented in conceptual plans for flood control system in the cities surrounding
Laguna Lake is shown in Figure 2 – Conceptual Plans for Flood Control System.
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Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
connecting skybridges as access for people who want to see nature below or
underground tunnels for people to appreciate underwater scenery. The building
envelope will be highly vegetated by allowing vines to grow on them or by active
greening measures through the application of green wall and green roof systems while
wetlands may also be constructed on rooftops to contain water for various purposes and
runoff reduction. Flooding in the built-up lands will be reduced by the green and water
system acting as sustainable urban drainage system. On low elevation, water will be
collected or detained through central ponds, adjacent green spaces and wetlands. Any
excess, treated water will be drained to the rivers, Laguna Lake or Manila Bay via
network of canals and water tunnel.
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Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
the residents. Its totality will definitely increase the quality of life of the people living in
this city.
5.6.Implementation Procedure
Key implementers will be the local government, residents, the business sector,
developers, and other entities supportive of its plan and vision.
5.7.Design Requirements
The design should translate the City's vision to be an "environmentally-sustainable
city". For site selection of major waterfront developments in Taguig, the following
criteria are suggested based on the established vision: civic expressions, leisure
environment, attention to detail, openness to all and provision of necessary amenities.
5.8.Future Developments
Future developments must be comprehensive and sustainable to enhance the living
conditions in the city, to create more activities for locals and tourists, to capitalize and
improve on what is existing, to eventually change what can be modified for
improvement, to preserve special natural features and environmentally critical areas,
and to provide guidelines for the appropriate use of natural resources. Water bodies
must continually be rehabilitated and maintained while easements must be cleared.
Mixed-use, high rise structures with high rise gardens must be the new types of
infrastructure to be found in compact cities such as Taguig. Necessary provisions must
be integrated such as water treatment facility. The City must move forward to using all
possible renewable or alternative resources and zero wastage. With more compact
systems of living, less horizontal developments or roadways will be built freeing more
spaces for natural growth and regeneration.
5.9.Priority Developments
Priority developments may take place to initiate major changes. These points may
be located in the Old Taguig Riverfront Plaza and Taguig Lakeshore which are already
in the conceptual stage though refinements must be made based on the proposals
discussed earlier. Secondary areas of development will follow along adjacent land of
Laguna Lake to capitalize on this major water body while at the same time to nurture its
resources by providing facilities that have less impact to the natural environment.
5.10. Design Features and Functions
In these waterfront developments, certain design features and functions are
recommended: water parks and play areas, green open spaces, dining facilities, fishing
village, orchards and arboretum, agricultural farms, museums, cycling paths, walkways
and boating facilities.
5.11. Recommended Plants
For parks along rivershore or lakeshore area, water-loving or riparian plants or
species useful for phytoremediation must be planted. To flood-prone areas, trees
effective in water absorption such as Eucalyptus and Callistemon may be functional and
decorative. Grasses help prevent erosion on the riverbanks or near the lake. For the
waterfront development, interesting form, color, smell and texture appeal to the senses.
Trees with large canopy provide shade along paths and in parks. Plants with historical
significance in Taguig should be reintroduced and propagated in the city to promote
local character and identity. Native flora rebuilds homes of many local insects, birds and
other life forms. Flood prone areas or low-leveled plains must be reserved as urban
forests or farms where wood and other plant products may be obtained for food
production, livelihood, building homes, boats and others.
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Taguig: Moving Forward to a Premier Waterfront City – Grace C. Edralin-Servino
6. Conclusion
To turn water from a hazardous element to a functional landscape feature, there are
several measures that are recommended while also enhancing the image of the city.
Rivers must be dredged and minimum easement must be cleared to keep water flowing.
Runoff must percolate easily by providing more permeable surfaces. Excess water will
be contained in detention ponds for water treatment & reuse. Naturally, flood plains
must be conserved as green open spaces or ecologically critical wetlands. Any future
development must integrate green & water zones on lowest portion as defense
mechanism against more flood in the future. Optimize higher ground or small islands
for mixed-use, high rise structures connected by skywalks or tunnels. All green spaces
including green roofs, sky gardens, green walls, wetlands on roofs will reduce runoff
rate & volume. With these considerations, Taguig’s waterfront development will
become centers of recreation, landmarks with civic identity, plazas of social change,
economic growth & core of environmental renewal.
7. Sources
7.1.Independent Book
Breen, Ann. (1996), The New Waterfront: A Worldwide Urban Success Story. New
York: McGraw-Hill.
Laurie, Ian C. (1979) Nature in Cities: The Natural Environment in the Design and
Development of Urban Green Space. Chichester: Wiley.
Liongson, Leonardo Q., et. al. (2000) Pressures of Urbanization : Flood Control and
Drainage in Metro Manila. Quezon City: UP-CIDS.
Miller, John B. (1997), Floods: People at Risk, Strategies for Prevention. New York:
United Nations.
7.2.Government Documents
Taguig City Comprehensive Land Use & Zoning Plan.
Laguna Lake Master Plan
7.3.URL
Taguig City Government, Taguig, http://www.taguig.gov.ph, September 15, 2009.
http://www.green-space.org.uk, October 2, 2009.
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