COMPREHENSIVE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN OF LUNETA PARK

HIGHLIGHTING FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE: A PROPOSAL

Edgar M. Chavez

The study aimed to provide effective urban renewal approaches

or strategies in the redevelopment of the park for it to retain its role and
function as the national park and re-establish its lost glory. It aimed to
incorporate Filipino Architecture in the proposed redevelopment plans that
will enable the Luneta park to attract people again as their venue for
recreation, relaxation and for their family weekend activities, to
recommend amenities or facilities needed for the improvement of the park,
to create programs and activities that will encourage people to patronize
the park again and to protect people inside the park.
The study served as reference and guide material for the
redevelopment of other major national parks in the near future. The study
hoped to help urban planners, government planners, and the local
government unit of Manila and other decision-makers / stakeholders
involved in the management of national parks.
In carrying out of the study, actual site observation and
investigations were conducted more especially on the study area where
redevelopment was badly needed. Several interviews with the local
officials and concerned staff and park users in the preparation of the
redevelopment plans were also conducted.
The proposed redevelopment plan of the Luneta Park based on
the findings and results will lead to the patronization of the area once
again considering that the plans will provide new facilities and programs
that will attract both local and foreign tourists. Security measures, such as
more security guards visibility will provide solution to the safety of the
people inside the park. Maintenance programs, such as daily collection of
trash and other wastes will be implemented to minimize if not totally
eradicate wastes inside the park. There will be activities focused on
Filipino values and culture that will be shown and played by the different
artists in the area to motivate people to use the park and at the same time
to bring again the traditional values and culture we had before. These
activities are envisioned to enhance the park redevelopment and make
people once again patronize the park.
In conclusion, the proposed redevelopment plan of Luneta will not
just make the area regain its lost glory but make the area once again the
venue for social, cultural and political activities of the country. With its
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facilities and enhanced security, the Luneta Park will be an outstanding
contribution again to the socio-cultural development of the country.

Keywords: Filipino architecture, Luneta park, National parks, Socio-

cultural development, Urban renewal

EDGAR M. CHAVEZ is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in

Philippine Studies major in Urban Development at the University of
the Philippines. He is a registered architect with vast work experience
as project architect in various architecture and design firms before
venturing into the teaching profession. He finished his Master of Arts
degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the
Philippines and Master in Construction Management degree at the University of the East.
Currently, he is the Chair of the Architecture and Drafting Technology department of TIP
Manila. He is a member of the United Architects of the Philippines and the Philippine
Institute of Environmental Planners.

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