Palafox and future-proofed communities

ROSES & THORNS

- PIA ROCES MORATO

I can't seem to get enough of everything architect Felino "Jun" Palafox Jr. has been telling us Filipinos — then and now — while we the people continue to discuss (relentlessly) the issues on flooding, not to mention the effects of climate change. We need to start focusing heavily and simultaneously on building resilient cities. Again, I must repeat that the President cannot do everything alone — he needs us and we need to help him get the right people to help build a better nation and shape better cities.

I've been friends with Architect Jun for a long while and have had the chance to interview him on the subject of resilient cities often and, as he has said before, the Philippines already had the answer to all our flooding problems since the 1970s. The world indeed is changing in so many unprecedented ways, which include changes in how we work, live, learn and adapt to the environment. Bold acts are indeed necessary (including bold acts in running after corrupt officials taking advantage of flood control projects that are meant for the people in their communities) when it comes to building smart, inclusive and sustainable cities as, after all, we are talking about the quality of life for every Filipino.