Proposal for the Creation of the National Urban Planning Authority (NUPA)

Building a Future-Ready, World-Class Philippines

1. Introduction

The National Urban Planning Department (NUPD) will serve as the Philippines’ central body for long-term, science-based urban and regional planning.It will set the nation’s vision, goals, and strategies for sustainable growth, livability, climate resilience, and balanced development across all regions.

The NUPD will ensure that every city and town grows in harmony with the environment, infrastructure, and economy—creating a more connected, equitable, and resilient Philippines.

2. Why the Philippines Needs NUPD

The Philippines is at a critical point.Rapid urbanization, population growth, climate change, and uncoordinated local development have led to worsening congestion, flooding, housing shortages, poor infrastructure, and weak connectivity.

Current systems lack a unified, long-term planning body that transcends political terms.A National Urban Planning Department will bring:

• Consistency and accountability in national and regional development

• Evidence-based planning beyond election cycles

• Integration of housing, transport, environment, and economy

• Resilience against climate and disaster risks

• Global competitiveness in urban design and infrastructure standards

Urban planning is not just about roads and buildings — it is about nation-building.It defines how future generations will live, work, and thrive.

3. Vision and Mission

Vision:A world-class Philippines — connected, resilient, and liveable, where every Filipino enjoys a high quality of life today and for generations to come.

Mission:To build future-ready cities and regions through integrated, long-term, and people-centered planning that balances growth, environment, and social wellbeing.

4. Strategic Planning Framework

Urban and regional growth must extend beyond political cycles.NUPD will establish:

• A 50-year National Vision Plan (long-term framework)

• A 10–15 year Medium-Term Master Plan

• Regional Plans and City Codes aligned to national goals

This structure ensures that development across regions follows a consistent, evidence-based direction.

5. Core Pillars

1. Global Competitiveness

• Build infrastructure and cities that meet international standards

• Encourage innovation, smart city technologies, and sustainable industries

• Position the Philippines as a hub for trade, investment, and culture

2. National Connectivity

• Upgrade highways and transport corridors to international standards

• Connect the archipelago through a continuous national loop

• Strengthen logistics, digital networks, and rural-urban linkages

• Reduce isolation of rural areas and bridge regional inequality

3. Liveable Cities and Towns

• Promote affordable housing and safe, people-friendly communities

• Develop pedestrian- and transit-oriented neighbourhoods

• Ensure access to green spaces, healthcare, and education

• Establish uniform yet flexible national planning and zoning frameworks

• Build LGU capacity through training and technical support

4. Climate Resilience

• Preserve floodways, watersheds, and agricultural land

• Integrate disaster risk reduction, flood control, and renewable energy

• Plan cities that adapt to sea-level rise, typhoons, and extreme weather

5. Quality of Life for All

• Balance economic growth with environmental and social equity

• Prioritise public health, cultural identity, and community wellbeing

• Ensure infrastructure uplifts — not displaces — communities

6. Regional Planning Framework

The NUPD will coordinate planning across regions to ensure balanced, sustainable growth.

Regional Vision (by 2050):

A connected network of compact, prosperous, and sustainable communities — where growth enhances, rather than erodes, the Philippines’ natural, cultural, and lifestyle values.

Five Regional Themes:

1. Grow — Sustainable Settlement Patterns

   • Concentrate new development within existing urban areas

   • Prevent urban sprawl; promote transit-oriented growth

   • Support regional centres and infrastructure-linked housing

2. Prosper — Regional Prosperity and Jobs

   • Strengthen local economies and innovation precincts

   • Support education, health, tourism, and manufacturing clusters

   • Protect enterprise zones and industrial land from incompatible use

3. Connect — Integrated Transport and Infrastructure

   • Link homes, jobs, and services through efficient networks

   • Expand public transport and digital infrastructure

   • Prioritise projects that improve inter-island connectivity

4. Sustain — Environment and Climate Resilience

   • Protect coastlines, forests, and biodiversity corridors

   • Build green networks and carbon-neutral growth zones

   • Promote renewable energy and water security

5. Live — Communities and Quality of Life

   • Promote affordable housing, walkable neighbourhoods, and open spaces

   • Ensure schools, parks, and healthcare within every community

   • Foster local identity and architectural excellence

7. NUPD’s Core Functions

• Formulate national and regional master plans

• Establish zoning and development control policies

• Evaluate and approve major urban and infrastructure projects

• Develop urban design and conservation guidelines

• Preserve heritage buildings and districts

• Partner with communities to activate public spaces

• Oversee building regulation consistency nationwide

8. National and Local Integration

Level	Scope	Main Role	Example
Local (City/Municipal)	Site / parcel	Approve individual buildings & developments	House, apartment, subdivision
Regional	Multiple LGUs	Coordinate growth, housing, and infrastructure	Metro Manila, CALABARZON Plan
National (NUPD)	Entire country	Set laws, codes, and national frameworks	National Urban Plan, Building Act

NUPD sets direction → Regions interpret it → LGUs implement it on the ground.

9. Development and Design Control

NUPD will implement Development Control (DC) Guidelines to ensure that all growth translates to well-designed, liveable environments.These guidelines will evolve with urban needs, stakeholder feedback, and global best practices.

Residential Development

• Building setbacks, height, and coverage parameters

• Design for walkability, daylight, and ventilation

• Guidelines for apartments, townhouses, and detached dwellings

Commercial and Industrial Development

• Land use zoning and compatibility

• Urban design and landscape integration

• Environmental performance and visual quality

10. Governance and Collaboration

The NUPD will work closely with:

• NEDA – for socio-economic alignment

• DPWH / Infrastructure agencies – for implementation coordination

• DENR – for environmental protection and land-use balance

• LGUs – for local compliance and community engagement

• Private sector and academia – for innovation and investment

11. Conclusion

Creating the National Urban Planning Department (NUPD) is an essential reform toward a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Philippines.

It is time to replace fragmented, politically driven infrastructure projects with a coordinated national vision — one that ensures every Filipino city and town is well-planned, well-connected, and built to last.

Nation-building begins with city-building.Let us plan the Philippines not just for the next election, but for the next 50 years and beyond.