Public Policy Center focuses on sustainable, inclusive urban development

Photo shows from left: - Julia Andrea Abad, FEU PPC Executive Director; Prof. Hussein Sinsuat-Lidasan, UP School of Urban and Regional Planning Former Dean; Guillermo Luz, Liveable Cities Philippines Chairman; Rosemarie Edillion, PhD, CESO I, Department of Economy Planning and Development Undersecretary for Planning; Dr. Arturo Corpuz, FEU PPC Trustee; Juan Miguel Montinola, FEU President; Dr. Edilberto C. de Jesus, FEU PPC Chairman of the Board; Aurelio R. Montinola III, FEU Chairman of the Board; and Atty. Gianna Montinola, FEU PPC Trustee

As cities across Luzon continue to expand and evolve, questions about sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based urban growth are more critical than ever. Recognizing this, the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FEU PPC) hosted a policy forum on “Blueprint for the Future: Rethinking Urban Growth in Luzon” last Oct. 28, at the FEU Makati Mini Theater. 

The event brought together policymakers, planners, academics, and experts to discuss spatial growth patterns in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding provinces—an important step in FEU PPC’s ongoing study of urban development dynamics in the Philippines. 

The program began with Atty. Gianna R. Montinola, Trustee of FEU PPC, delivering the opening remarks. She emphasized the center’s commitment to advancing evidence-based policymaking and fostering dialogues that bridge research and action.  

The event was also graced by FEU President Juan Miguel R. Montinola, whose presence underscored the management’s support for initiatives that link academic inquiry with national development priorities. 

Insights  

The forum’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Arturo G. Corpuz, Trustee of FEU PPC and an urban and regional planner. His presentation, “Spatial Growth Patterns in Luzon and Greater Mega Manila,” unpacked early findings from FEU PPC’s ongoing research. Dr. Corpuz highlighted how infrastructure, geography, and policy choices have shaped settlement patterns, extending NCR’s influence well beyond its formal boundaries. 

He further proposed that functional linkages, rather than administrative limits, should guide the delineation of metropolitan areas—offering a new lens through which policymakers can better understand and manage urban growth. 

Responding to the keynote were: Guillermo M. Luz, chairman of Liveable Cities Philippines; Dr. Rosemarie G. Edillon, Undersecretary for Planning at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development; and Prof. Hussein Sinsuat-Lidasan, former dean of the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning. 

Each panelist offered insights on the implications of spatial growth for infrastructure investment, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. The session was followed by an open forum moderated by Julia Andrea R. Abad, executive director of FEU PPC, where participants shared perspectives and raised questions on regional integration, governance coordination, and inclusive urban planning. 

In her closing remarks, Abad reiterated the center’s mission to use research as a foundation for meaningful policy change. She emphasized that understanding how regions grow is essential not only to guide infrastructure development but also to promote balanced and equitable growth across Luzon. 

Through initiatives like “Blueprint for the Future,” FEU PPC reaffirms its commitment to bridging policy research and practice, helping shape a future where urban development across the Philippines is sustainable, inclusive, and guided by data-driven insights.