5 - Urban Planning & Public Health

• Human settlements encompass cities, towns, or villages, including social, material, organizational, spiritual, and cultural elements that sustain the human community.
• Territorial arrangements are made by humans for their own purposes.

Elements of Human Settlements

• Humans are the central element.
• Nature provides resources to meet the population's needs.
• Society establishes structure, hierarchy, and governance.
• Shells are establishments that house people.
• Networks are relationships with other settlements, providing access to public services.

Basic Health Requirements in Human Settlements

• Shelter/Dwellings: Housing is a foundation and affects health.
• Water Supply: Settlements require proximity to water sources.
• Waste Disposal: Gatherings can lead to increased waste production.
• Means of Communication: Regular community gatherings and announcements are necessary.
• Roads and Public Transportation: Accessible transportation is needed for trade and basic services.
• Consumer Goods: Food and clothing should be available.
• Infrastructure: Physical systems like hospitals and public markets are needed.
• Assistance to Vulnerable Groups: Includes accessible sidewalks and train stations for PWDs.

Areas of Concern in Human Settlements

• Housing and Infrastructure needs to be maintained.
• Transportation and Mobility should be safe.
• Peace and Order needs to be established.
• Water and Sanitation should be available.
• Pollution and Waste Management should be enforced.
• Urban/Rural Migration needs to be considered.
• Energy Systems should be present.
• The continuous process of Urbanization needs to be handled

Urbanization

• Urbanization includes the formation and growth of towns and cities as more people live and work in central areas..
• Mass movement from rural to urban areas contributes to urban changes.
• Increased population leads to increased demand for resources and infrastructure.
• Definitions of urban areas vary by country.

Definition of a Philippine Urban Area

• An urban area is defined as a population size of 5,000 or more, OR
• At least one establishment with 100+ employees, OR
• Five or more establishments with 10+ employees and five or more facilities within a 2-kilometer radius of the barangay hall.
• All barangays in NCR are automatically classified as urban.

Facts and Figures About Urban Life

• In 2019, 4.2 billion+ people (more than half the world’s population) lived in cities.
• By 2041, it’s projected almost 6 billion will live in urban areas.
• By 2050, 70% of the world’s population will live in towns and cities.
• 95% of urban expansion will occur in the developing world.
• Cities occupy 3% of Earth's land, consume is responsible for 60-80% of energy, and produce 75% of carbon emissions.

Philippine Statistics (as of Sept 30, 2018)

• 17 Regions
• 81 Provinces
• 145 Cities
• 1,489 Municipalities
• 42,045 Barangays

Impact of COVID-19 on Rural vs Urban Areas

• More cases occurred in urban areas due to crowding that facilitated virus transmission.
• Implementation of public health measures was more difficult in urban areas.
• High population density made it harder to access healthcare.
• Informal settlements hindered social distancing and sanitation.
• Casual employment led to job losses and health issues.
• The presence of low-income migrants and refugees complicated registration.
• Inadequate access to sanitation posed a threat.

EH Issues and Urbanization Concerns

• Unplanned Urban Sprawl is development with low regard for urban planning.
• Adequate planning should consider roads, zoning of spaces.
• Sprawl is linked to the deterioration of the environment.
• Substandard Housing poses a risk to health.
• It can increase the risk of disease transmission and vulnerability to pests.
• Decreased mental health and noise pollution can occur.
• It can have a Greater impact during emergencies → increased injuries and deaths

Informal Settlements in Manila

• Informal Settlements in Manila have 556,526 households, about 3.4 million people, with 18% living in disaster-prone areas.
• 60,130 households live in shanties near riverbanks and waterways.

Overcrowding

• Risks include increased communicable diseases.
• Lack of privacy can lead to depression, stress, and anxiety.

Inadequate Sanitation and Waste Collection

• This may increase the risk for diarrheal and parasitic infections.

Sanitation in the Philippine Cities

• As of June 2012, 38% of sanitary landfills were operational sanitary landfills were operational
• Sanitary Landfills need proper liners & infrastructure to prevent leakage
• Limited Capacity

Pollution

• Includes noise, air, waste, and land pollution.
• Short term effects of pollution include asthma and emphysema.
• Long-term effects: chronic stress, respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease

Most Polluted Cities in PH in 2023 (perceived)

• Manila
• Cebu
• Quezon City
• Baguio
• Makati

Motor Vehicle Traffic and Traffic Injuries

• There is usually Inadequate transport planning and ineffective traffic management
• The Philippines has some of the worst traffic conditions.
• Most commuters use public transport.

Urban Heat Island Effect

• Cities have higher temps than surrounding rural areas.
• That causes heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.

Urban Green Spaces

• Spaces used for recreation, gardens, zoos, parks.
• Health benefits include stress reduction and mental health.

Approaches on Sustainable Communities

• SDGs include sustainable cities and communities.
• SDG 11 aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• Better planning is needed to make urban spaces inclusive and safe.

Policies and Regulations

• National Urban Development and Housing Framework
• The Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992
• Climate Change Act of 2009 (CCA)
• Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010
• Local Government Code (Rep. Act No. 7160)

The Healthy City Approach

• This enables people to support each other.
• It Puts health, well-being, equity, and sustainable development at the center of policies.
• It's Guided by the principles of health for all is a key factor in achieving a healthy city.
• It needs a clean environment, stable ecosystem, strong community, a wide variety of Contact.

4Ps for Sustainable, Inclusive, Safe, and Resilient Communities/Cities

• Plan: Improve urban areas for public health
• Policies: Implement plans and policies related to health.
• Personal Commitment: Contribute within spheres of influence.