As Luzon’s cities continue to expand, questions about sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based urban development are increasingly urgent. Addressing these issues, the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FEU PPC) hosted a policy forum titled “Blueprint for the Future: Rethinking Urban Growth in Luzon” on October 28 at the FEU Makati Mini Theater. The event gathered policymakers, planners, academics, and experts to discuss spatial growth patterns in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding provinces, part of FEU PPC’s ongoing research into Philippine urban development.
The program opened with remarks from Atty. Gianna R. Montinola, FEU PPC trustee, who highlighted the center’s dedication to evidence-based policymaking and bridging research with actionable solutions. FEU President Juan Miguel R. Montinola also attended, reinforcing the university’s support for initiatives linking academic inquiry with national development priorities.
The keynote was delivered by Dr. Arturo G. Corpuz, urban and regional planner and FEU PPC trustee, who presented “Spatial Growth Patterns in Luzon and Greater Mega Manila.” Dr. Corpuz explained how infrastructure, geography, and policy choices have extended NCR’s influence beyond its formal boundaries, proposing that functional linkages, rather than administrative limits, should guide metropolitan delineation.
Responding to the keynote, Guillermo M. Luz of Liveable Cities Philippines, Dr. Rosemarie G. Edillon of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and Prof. Hussein Sinsuat-Lidasan of UP offered perspectives on how spatial growth affects infrastructure, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. An open forum, moderated by Julia Andrea R. Abad, FEU PPC executive director, allowed participants to discuss regional integration, governance coordination, and inclusive planning.
In her closing remarks, Abad reaffirmed the center’s mission to leverage research for meaningful policy change, emphasizing that understanding regional growth is key to guiding infrastructure development and promoting equitable, sustainable progress. Through initiatives like Blueprint for the Future, FEU PPC continues to bridge research and practice, shaping a smarter, data-driven future for urban development in Luzon.
