All over the world, countries are in the process of rethinking their urban landscapes as a result of this global pandemic. With most of the populace locked down and with the stark reality that this way of life will endure beyond the unknown timeline when this will all end, governments are now second-guessing how cities will be on the other side of the pandemic.
Cities provide the perfect environment for pandemics to flourish. The resulting density from the push to sustain urban economies globally is definitely contributing to the stubborn survivability of the virus. Crowding was the formula to sustain economic growth. Commerce exponentially grew in such an environment. And this required other urban ingredients to follow suit. Public transport, for one, was tailor fitted to efficiently carry massive volumes of commuters from one urban point to another. Hence, transport efficiencies were measured in volume capacity. Urban roadways initially erased or greatly reduced open spaces for pedestrians to make way for the influx of fast-moving vehicles. In-city housing especially for the needed labor force to feed the economic churn of progress negated individual spatial decencies. Food was brought in as limited city space to grow them had to make way for progress.
But as we know by now, the exact opposing scenario to combat the virus is needed. Disaggregation, not densification, is required to eliminate its spread. Lockdowns are the immediate and simplest reaction, but such a phase cannot be prolonged, as it will take its toll on the economy. The move toward greater distancing between inhabitants of societies—“social distancing” needs then to see its imprint on how cities in the future is to be built. Open spaces, low capacity transport, breathable and a self-sustaining environment will be the trademark of the future virus-proof cities. It is anathema to how our modern economies had been built. And it is a tension that all urbanites feel, yet necessary to confront. Urban density is difficult to untangle and will be costly, but is justified as it is now a necessity.
In the Philippines, the situation is no different. There are concrete indications that our government is looking at reducing density while prioritizing the safety of the whole urban population. Aside from the basic social distancing and disinfecting, the transport department and the MMDA are now seen prioritizing pedestrian and bike lanes. Buses will take center stage as an urban mode of transport, but their routes rationalized and all vehicles modernized. The Edsa bus loop—always discussed, everyone agrees but never been attempted before—is now close to reality as Department of Transportation has announced its implementation this July. This will not just decongest traffic but will avoid lumping bus passengers with different destinations passing needlessly through Edsa. Another good move is the implementation of the much-delayed central provincial bus terminals taking out the numerous and now hazardous individual in-city terminals. With regards to housing, the government is embarking on a “Balik Probinsiya” program that will see new self-sustaining “mini” cities sprout outside Metro Manila. From what we are told, it will be a government-wide program that will see various departments—DICT, DepEd, DTI, DOF, etc. pitching in to ensure sustainable economic growth in these new townships. With these plans, other benefits will follow—cleaner air means a less stressful environment equating to better health of the populace.
We know that there will be sacrifices to be made in this direction. There will be sectors in society that will be left behind or even greatly reduced. There will also be some that will not make it, as there will be no room in their present setup to pivot.
But we will all adjust. Public transport will adjust. Housing will. Commerce as well. The way we live our lives in the cities of the future is the fruit of what we are now going through because of this pandemic. The cities of the future will happen. It will be very different from the cities that we had all grown up in. It will be cities where disaggregation and not densification will be their trademark.
Thomas Tim Orbos was former DOTr undersecretary for roads and general manager of the MMDA. He is currently undertaking further studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu