MikeLigalig.com

By PIA Bohol

Striking a balance between people, planning for the environment and profits is what the Panglao Master plan can boast of, says architect Felino Palafox Jr during a radio interview here within the week.

Palafox and Associates were commissioned to craft the Panglao Island Masterplan in efforts to bridle the unplanned development that might ultimately destroy the island that has the potential to become a world-class tourist destination.

During an interview before the master plan presentation in Panglao, Palafox Jr assured that the Pangao Master Plan takes the best practices in the world and takes a balance among the three factors unlike other areas where profit is the only consideration.

Citing that the Pangalo Airport was a given in the plan, Palafox said their planners also considered the critical environment of the island given its variety of marine resources and dive spots and heritage spots in its plan.

As to the general description of the plan, Palafox, during the radio interview revealed that the plan was to give snapshots of the future for the stakeholders to plan around.

Panglao masterplan is about doing a multi-centered development corridor in the center of the island, Palafox said.

And to balance development, the main architect of the globally renowned Palafox and Associates put up a tree-trunk analogy and its road networks branching off to the resorts.

He also revealed that the plan includes a narrow circumferential road belting the island, conscious also that traffic noise can impact on the tourism industry.

Citing Boracay, Palafox said for Panglao, they made sure its not a doughnut type of development where only the outer sides are built-up areas while the center is empty.

Much to the development also is around the soon to be constructed airport, he added.

The airport has more of its benefits than disadvantages, Palafox said, apparently dousing cold water anew to the locals who still are steadfast in their stand to oppose the air facility which can spur more tourism activity in the island.

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