QC to complete new development plan soon

The Quezon City government has stepped up preparations for the completion of a comprehensive development plan to ensure the city’s “balanced and orderly growth.”

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. revealed the new development plan during a regular meeting of the city development council at the Philippine Social Science Center in Diliman.

“So far, no local government unit in the country is equipped with a development plan that is as comprehensive as the one the city is preparing right now,” he said.

Belmonte said the city is in the best position to complete the plan soon, following the commitment of support to be provided by the World Bank-assisted Cities Alliance Program.

According to city planning and development office chief Tomasito Cruz, it will take 18 months to complete the city’s comprehensive development plan, which outlines medium and long-term development policies, including annual public investment programs.

By the end of December 2009, Cruz said they would be able to provide an updated ecological profile of Quezon City, a comprehensive development plan and investment program, and a comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinance. – Perseus Echeminada