LIRLAP Policy Workshop in Manila
On September 17, the LIRLAP team from LMU conducted a policy workshop at the UP Diliman School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). The workshop aimed at mainstreaming the results and recommendation of a four year long in-depth analysis on how to improve the in-situ upgrading and resettlement of flood-affected informal settlements in Manila into existing as well as new policy and legislation. For that purpose, concrete entry points and instruments were discussed and checked for their feasibility at the workshop.
The event brought together a diverse group of around 40 participants, including policymakers, urban development officials, civil society organizations, community members, and academics. This rich mix fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas.
After a warm welcome by Prof. Ma. Sheilah G. Napalang and Prof. Garschagen, Dr. Olabisi Obaitor from LMU kicked off the workshop by presenting the latest modeling results on urban expansion under various Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP). Following this, project partners from the University of Dortmund and Stuttgart shared findings from their pilot studies on resilient upgrading and retreat.
Prof. Matthias Garschagen and Dr. Mia Wannewitz set the stage by outlining the workshop’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming sustainable practices in urban planning. Guided by partners from the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP), participants engaged in two interactive work sessions. They identified key entry points for enhancing the mainstreaming of upgrading and resettlement in urban development and proposed suggestions to implement the envisioned changes encompassing implementation instruments, stakeholder roles, and financial planning. The discussions were vibrant and constructive, reflecting the participants' eagerness to bridge sectoral and cultural divides for improving current practices of upgrading and resettlement. The insights gained from this workshop will be instrumental in crafting policy briefs and roadmaps for practical implementation.