Urban resilience, simply put, refers to a city’s capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from various shocks and stresses, particularly those related to climate change, urbanization, and other socio-economic challenges.
Despite its problems with overdevelopment, overpopulation, and overtourism, both Filipino and foreign tourists find Baguio City attractive, mainly because of its cool climate and scenic spots. It’s also a UNESCO Creative City focused on promoting local culture, artistry, and ingenuity.
Leveraging digital technology for urban planning and resilience
A study titled “Mapping Urban Resilience: A Digital Twin to Baguio’s Livability Index” delves into Baguio’s standing as a resilient and liveable city. The concept of a “digital twin” maps real-time data, simulating urban systems to gauge how resilient a city truly is.
The primary aim of the study is to create a digital twin of Baguio City, which serves as a virtual representation of the city’s physical and functional characteristics. This digital twin is used to assess and improve the city’s livability index, focusing on various factors that contribute to urban resilience, such as infrastructure, social services, and environmental sustainability.
The project utilizes advanced digital mapping techniques to gather data on Baguio’s urban environment. This includes mapping existing structures, assessing infrastructure conditions, and analyzing social dynamics within the city’s 129 barangays (neighborhoods). The digital twin allows for real-time simulations and scenario planning, enabling city planners to make informed decisions regarding urban development and disaster preparedness.
Baguio City received significant recognition for this initiative, placing second in the Asia-Pacific region in the 3rd CityNet UNESCAP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) City Awards. The project was highlighted for its innovative approach to integrating digital technology into urban resilience strategies.
While Baguio has made strides technology-wise, there’s a glaring gap between its aspirations and reality.
Resilient or not?
Baguio demonstrates resilience in several ways. Its ongoing digital initiatives to improve urban planning, such as using geographic information systems (GIS) for zoning and disaster preparedness, showcase forward-thinking governance. The city’s focus on sustainability, as evidenced by its participation in global programs like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), reflects its intent to build resilience.
However, cracks in the foundation remain visible.
- Infrastructure Strain: Originally designed to accommodate 25,000 residents, Baguio now houses nearly 400,000, with an annual influx of 1.3 million tourists. This strain on infrastructure leads to frequent traffic gridlocks, water shortages, stress, and waste management crises—issues that diminish resilience and livability.
- Environmental Degradation: Unsustainable tourism practices and rampant overdevelopment have taken a toll on the city’s natural assets. The encroachment on green spaces and deforestation have left Baguio more vulnerable to landslides and urban flooding, especially during typhoon season.
- Housing and Social Equity: Informal settlements have mushroomed in response to housing shortages (especially since homeowners find providing short-term rentals to be more profitable), often on unsafe slopes and areas. This creates vulnerabilities for low-income residents, who face the brunt of disasters and environmental degradation.
Livable for now, but for how long?
Baguio’s charm as a tourist destination is undeniable, but its long-term livability is under threat. Unsustainable tourism practices exacerbate resource depletion. Water consumption surges during peak tourist seasons, often leaving residents with insufficient supply. Waste generation multiplies, overburdening an already strained waste management system.
The livability of a city hinges on balance.
For Baguio, this balance is teetering dangerously. If unchecked, the city may face what the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) calls “inevitable urban decay” by 2043.
Building a truly resilient baguio
Resilience isn’t some kind of checklist of items with a corresponding tick box. It requires clear goals, commitment, and continuous work. We need to take decisive steps to achieve it:
- Reimagine tourism. Transition to sustainable tourism by limiting visitor numbers during peak seasons and promoting eco-tourism practices. A booking system for major tourist sites could regulate crowds and ensure resource availability.
- Invest in green infrastructure. Prioritize reforestation and revitalizing or growing green spaces to improve water retention, mitigate flooding, and enhance urban cooling. The city should also consider implementing rainwater harvesting and continue exploring renewable energy initiatives.
- Improve waste management. Introduce stricter waste segregation rules for residents and businesses, coupled with a robust composting and recycling program. Encourage businesses, particularly those in hospitality, to adopt zero-waste practices.
- Upgrade infrastructure. Address aging water pipes, road networks, and drainage systems to meet current demands. Expand housing programs to provide safe, affordable homes away from geohazard zones.
- Engage the community. Build resilience from the ground up by involving residents in urban planning. Educate communities on disaster preparedness, waste management, and responsible tourism.
A resilient identity
Baguio is at a turning point. It can either succumb to the pressures of rapid urbanization and unsustainable practices or redefine itself as a resilient, forward-thinking city that balances progress with preservation.
For Baguio, resilience must mean prioritizing its people and environment over fleeting economic gains. Only then can the City of Pines truly thrive in the face of mounting challenges and claim to be unequivocally resilient.
