[Oct. 2-3, 2024] City of Dreams Manila, Parañaque -- The 4th Philippine Roads, Bridges, and Tunnels Summit is a well-received and successful infrastructure event. It brought together key stakeholders in the infrastructure sector, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) prepares to allocate a staggering Php822.22B for 2024. [1] This substantial budget, underscores the administration's commitment to enhancing physical connectivity across the archipelago.
The event was organized by Mykar Events Consultancy, an international business facilitator dedicated for the Asia and emerging economies through research, conference, community, and publishing.
During the summit, attendees were from top construction firms, contractors, investors, government representatives, and leading technology providers. The event’s objective is to provide a favourable networking venue for potential collaborations, where participants may discuss opportunities, challenges, action plans, and updates related to the Philippines' most significant infrastructure projects.
In recognition of the critical role of technology in infrastructure development, the Philippine Government emphasizes the adoption of cutting-edge advancements to create sustainable, climate-resilient, and world-class projects. During the summit, presenters and exhibitors from the private sector also shared innovative and tested solutions to address the country’s infrastructure problems.
The 4th Philippine Roads, Bridges, and Tunnels Summit also aims to shape the future of the nation's infrastructure landscape.
Mr. Ian Lim, General Manager of Mykar Events Inc. graced the event with his warm Welcome Speech. He is also the emcee. The summit started with a Sponsor Presentation titled "Asphalt Pavement Innovative Materials and Technology" by Dr. Li Tinggang, CEO of Beijing Zhongtian Road Tech Co. Ltd. -- Winner of National Science and Technology Progress Award and he is a Beijing Science and Technology evaluation expert.
Mr. Ian Lim, General Manager Mykar Events Inc.
Mr. Vipul Modi, Senior Product Specialists, Solutions Engineering Mobility, Bentley Systems, and Dr. Alexis Fillone, Professor, Civil Engineering Dept., De La Salle University, Manila, presented “How Transport Planning Helps in Informed Decision-Making”.
DPWH Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista reported the “Updates on DPWH IFPs (infrastructure flagship projects)”.
DPWH Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista
A Sponsor Presentation was given by Mr. Dick Bon Penar Salcedo, Road Segment Manager of Holcim Philippines, Inc.
Mr. Mark Wallace, President, Philippine Tunneling Society presented “Philippines Tunneling and Underground Space – Past, Present, and Possible Future”.
Dr. Lea B. Bronuela–Ambrocio, Assistant Professor, Institute of Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines presented “Addressing Challenges in Improving the Country’s Local Roads Through Pave”
There were more speakers for the two-day summit.
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Architect Felino Palafox Jr., Principal Architect – Urban Planner Palafox Associates/Palafox Architecture Group, Inc., was one of the notable speakers during the summit. He is known for his significant contributions to the field of architecture and urban design in the Philippines and abroad.
He continues to be an active proponent of sustainable design.
During the summit, Palafox first discussed the Philippine resources and economic potential. He enumerated the Philippines' natural resources and assets, including marine biodiversity, voice call centers, and geothermal energy, emphasizing the country's potential. He compared the Philippines' historical economic status to Japan and other Asian countries, noting a decline since the 1980s.
Palafox cited a forecast from Goldman Sachs and HSBC, suggesting the Philippines could become one of the top economies by 2050 with the right strategies.
Thus, he outlined the need for smart infrastructure, including airports and seaports, to support the growing population and economic ambitions.
Architect Felino Palafox Jr.
During his lecture, he mentioned the decades-old mistakes in the design of Metro Manila which did not anticipate the future boom in population in the city, where today, millions of commuters, and motorists go to EDSA daily, thus causing massive traffic congestion. Metro Manila’s notorious traffic congestion, characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing, has a huge, negative impact on the country’s economy and the well-being of citizens.
He noted that this problem is caused by short-term planning in the Philippines and thus, he advocates for long-term, visionary planning.
He mentioned that Metro Manila’s design followed the plan in Los Angeles where it focused on cars and other vehicles, instead of providing a pedestrian-friendly landscape that is conducive for walking.
Suggesting some solutions, Palafox presented some designs that advocate for road transport corridors with dedicated lanes for trees, pedestrians, and bikes.
He also promotes vertical urbanism and tall buildings to accommodate the growing urban population and to save green spaces. In relation to this, he shared his research, comparing compact cities with tall buildings to urban sprawl. One of the global trends in design are tall buildings with green facades.
Palafox also discusses the importance of digital infrastructure, citing Dubai's example of reducing corruption through online permits.
He later presented a three-minute video on the Philippines' future vision, emphasizing the need for implementation.
Additionally, he outlined the need for 100 new, sustainable cities to support the growing population and urbanization. He emphasized the importance of green building codes, sustainable buildings, and urbanism.
“As the Philippines population continues to grow, we would need 100 new cities that are connected, more accessible, sustainable, livable, and smart cities by 2025,” he said.
Palafox has written extensively on architecture and urban planning and has spoken at various conferences and forums, sharing his expertise and insights into sustainable development practices.
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Photos by Marcelle P. Villegas
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Reference:
[1] Briefer on the 2024 Proposed National Budget - https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Our%20Budget/2024/2024-Budget-at-a-Glance-Proposed.pdf
