Sustainable Urban Planning

Sponsored by (YGC) Yuchengco Group of Companies, WWF-Philippines Representatives present the AWUC (All-Weather Urban Corridor) mapping study to Angeles City local government officials.

Sustainable Urban Planning with WWF-Philippines’ All-Weather Urban Corridor

Part of the Philippine government’s infrastructure development plan is to improve local and national highways, including flood-proofing roads through recommended methods. Road risk assessments should be made to benefit businesses as well as the general public. To achieve this, comprehensive and appropriate research is required.

Through the support of YGC (Yuchengco Group of Companies), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines conducted a road assessment/mapping study on All-Weather Urban Corridors (AWUC). These are “networks of roads that are able to hold out against the effects of extreme weather conditions and coupled  with adequate drainage systems which allow the safe passage of vehicles with minimal disruptions to the flow of goods, services and people.”

Such study significantly benefits local government units in urban planning.  By pinpointing ways on how to manage drainage systems, WWF-Philippines’ AWUC project serves as a tool for better road construction and management. This is essential for building highways that can withstand heavy rainfall and flash floods brought by extreme weather conditions.  AWUC research also examines the suitability of infrastructure materials for major thoroughfares, aiding the local government in discerning the feasibility and sustainability of various road construction projects.

WWF Philippines’ year-long transport access mapping study on All-Weather Urban Corridors started in Iloilo City last October 2013.  The success of this project was followed by another AWUC study, this time in Angeles City and Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.  It has since then served as a backdrop for efficient mapping of flood-free roads beneficial to residents, businesses, and local government units alike.