MANILA, Philippines – Some 100 youth leaders and student participants will converge for a training workshop on Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mind Museum in Taguig City. Organized by Activistar Advocacy, this year’s international town planning competition dubbed “The Young Mayor/Leader Competition 2015: Planning a Clean & Green Township” will focus on the City of Manila.
“Manila has been chosen to be this year’s featured city because of its rich heritage and history. As the capital and gateway to the Philippines, it gives tourists one of the first glimpses of the Filipino culture and way of life,” said Sylvia TAY-Van Remoortele, co-chair and COO of Activistar Advocacy.
The whole-day workshop will discuss topics such as urban planning and design, heritage conservation, environmental law, and sustainable development.
Invited to speak are Engr. Geraldine Sim, environment and public health director of Activistar Advocacy; EnP. Nathaniel Von Einsiedel, chairman and principal urban planner of Consultants for Comprehensive Environmental Planning, Inc. (CONCEP); architect Felino “Jun” Palafox of Palafox Associates; Gemma Cruz Araneta, chairman of Heritage Conservation Society together with Isidra Reyes; Atty. Donna Zapa-Gasgonia from the Office of the City of Manila; and architect Dennis Lacuna, town planner from the Office of the City of Manila.
With Singapore as case model, town planner Daniel Tay will talk about “The Singapore Story — Modern Metropolis, Bustling City and Future Ready Infrastructure.”
The competition is designed for youth leaders aged between 14 and 20 years old. Student participants include those from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, India, and other countries. It aims to raise awareness of future generations on the importance of a sustainable and liveable environment. Now in its fourth year, it has already featured real case scenarios of townships in Hanoi, Vietnam (2012); Iskandar Johor, Malaysia (2013); and Yangon, Myanmar (2014).
Participants are tasked to come up with a master plan for a clean and green township, taking into account habitat, transportation, water and waste management, and suggest solutions for a city that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The top 10 qualifying teams will be invited to compete in the finals in Singapore from April 7 to 12. Three winners will be selected for three different categories: Junior A, Senior A, and Senior B. Cash prizes, trophies, and certificates will be awarded to the winners. Special awards like “Best Prototype Township” and “Future Young Mayor” will also be handed out.
“One of our main goals is for the participants to understand the principles and processes of sustainable development and become true agents of change needed in this world. The winning proposals will be presented to the local government for their consideration,” said TAY-Van Remoortele.
“The Young Mayor/Leader Competition 2015 : Planning a Clean & Green Township — City Beautiful Manila” is supported by ABB, SM Supermalls, Total, GT Metro Foundation, Inc., AES Philippines, and Singapore Airlines, with partners Ateneo de Manila University, Singapore School Manila, and the National Library Board Singapore; venue sponsors Mind Museum and Bonifacio Estate Services Corporation; and supporting organizations City of Manila, Center for Liveable Cities Singapore, Philippine Department of Tourism, Urban Land Philippines Institute and Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
The event is organized by Activistar Advocacy, a private initiative with the core mission of educating young people on sustainable development, in partnership with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, one of Singapore’s leading institutions of higher learning.
For inquiries on the competition, visit http://assembly.activistar-ads.com or email join.us@activistar.com.