With the aim of formulating the land use plan as the spatial translation of a development plan, the planning process proceeds with the assessment of the locality’s existing situation, the inventory of resource opportunities, development potentials and constraints, the identification of development requirements and then at this stage – the formulation of development plans to meet the identified development requirements.
The following conceptual framework plan has been prepared to guide the formulation of the land use plan while considering planning factors which may serve as constraints to and/or opportunities for development such as the municipality’s physiography, and relevant laws and policies affecting land use planning. Other applicable planning strategies and the HLURB guidelines, standards and site-selection criteria among others, were also taken into account in identifying areas for future urban development.
The conceptual framework plan consists of statements and diagrams indicating the desired community goals, objectives and policies, and the appropriate development trend of the planning area. The conceptual framework plan has been designed to serve as a guiding tool for the preparation of the detailed land use plan for the municipality. It illustrates and elaborates on the nature, location and direction of the various land use development proposals ensuring rational land use distribution and allocation, and the enhancement of the general socio-economic well-being of the populace with due regard to proper environmental management. Specifically, the conceptual framework plan aims:
- 1. To establish a development guideline for the present and future administrations of the municipality.
- To optimize the utilization of available local resources.
- To facilitate the development of the municipality starting at the grassroots level by grouping the barangays and providing for needs according to prioritized projects, and
- To group barangays based on a set of criteria in order to facilitate implementation of development programs and projects
The conceptual framework plan presents the trend and spatial development envisioned for the municipality, the general location of visualized development projects, and the proposed major circulation system providing linkage to the different functional areas of the municipality.
1. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
- 1.1. Functional Role of the Municipality
The municipality of Burgos is recognized as an agricultural and agro-industrial municipality. The Provincial Physical Framework Plan (PPFP) of the Province of Pangasinan classifies Burgos as a satellite growth center, being connected to surrounding municipalities. The central portion of the municipality is identified as a highly restricted agricultural area (HRAA). Thus Burgos is basically designated as an agricultural municipality making vital contributions to the agricultural and industrial development of the province. The PPFP does not mention any particular industries that can be the focus of development in the municipality. Forest lands for preservation are identified in the northernmost part while also mentioning the mangrove areas of Burgos. Reforestation, low susceptibility to landslides and flooding are noted. Among the concerns identified in the municipality are the need for socialized housing in view of its informal settlers, the need for a health service and water and sanitary facilities. The national road passing through Burgos is seen as an important factor that may affect development in the municipality. In like manner, the provincial road to Ilio-Ilio has been earmarked for conversion as national road. The proposed Dasol-Burgos-Agno-Bani-Bolinao coastal road has also been identified as a major intervention in the municipality. Mapped under the PPFP, Burgos is visualized basically for production land use with grazing, pasture and agricultural lands. In line with all these, the municipality of Burgos should be developed as an agricultural municipality able to provide support for the other urban centers of the province given its strategic location.
- 1.2. Settlement Type
Burgos is considered in the Provincial Physical Framework Plan as a 4th class municipality. The municipality shall remain as a small town, thus Burgos has adopted the same as its settlement goal until the end of the planning period.
- 1.3. Population
It has been projected that the municipality’s population will increase to 20,995 people by 2022. This population increase demands that the municipality provides more infrastructure facilities and services to address population demands. Apart from that, the provision of the needed land requirement to accommodate the population surplus as well as the observed informal settlements should be taken into account.
- 1.4. Existing and Future Resource Opportunities and Constraints
- 1.4.1. Development Constraints. An extensive analysis of the municipality’s situation revealed that the following were identified as constraints to the town’s growth and development:
- 1.4.1. Development Constraints. An extensive analysis of the municipality’s situation revealed that the following were identified as constraints to the town’s growth and development:
- 1.4.1.A. Physiography
- Topography and Slope –The Topographic Map of the municipality reveals that most of the land area of the municipality has a slope of 0% – 3% (level to nearly level). This condition makes development in the area relatively less difficult. Development initiatives, thus, may not be unduly hampered by large amounts of investment costs for physical development, particularly on foundations and slope stability, which are not needed in the municipality.
- Critical Risk Areas – Burgos is an area with low susceptibility to landslides and flooding. Nevertheless, critical areas within the municipality also pose barriers in extensive development. Occurrence of erosion can be detrimental to agricultural crops including urban area expansion and development. It also poses danger to life, limb and property of residents. Moreover, flooding in some areas still pose some concern in the municipality’s spatial development as infrastructure investment costs for drainage systems have to be taken into account.
- 1.4.1.B. High Investment Costs
The construction of physical improvements in all the sectors concerning the municipality’s development, i.e., recreation facilities, additional irrigation systems, infrastructure facilities such as farm to market roads, etc., all of which play an important role in forwarding development requires high investment costs due to limited land resource, and abnormal escalation of prices of construction commodities due to inflation and artificial scarcity.
- 1.4.1.C. Guidelines and Policy Constraints to Development
- Consistency with the Upper Level Plans
The development proposals must conform to the Regional and the Provincial Physical Framework Plans. The municipality can function as a town providing basic support services to the other municipalities adjacent to it. The municipality, however, is mutually dependent with the adjacent municipalities for some other basic services not, otherwise, provided by the municipality on its own. - Laws, Standards, Rules and Regulations Governing Land Use
The development proposals must also conform to the following legal bases of land use and development:
- Consistency with the Upper Level Plans
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- Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991
- Republic Act 7586 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations
Otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, RA 7586 provides for the management, protection, sustainable development, and rehabilitation of protected areas to ensure the conservation of ecosystems and biological diversity, and maintain and enhance their natural conditions was referred to in the formulation of plans concerning environmentally critical areas. - Administrative Order No. 15 of Republic Act 6657
Administrative Order No. 15 of R.A. 6657, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 provides for a legal basis in the conversion of private agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses. - Memorandum Circular No. 54 prescribing the guidelines governing Section 20 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, authorizing cities and municipalities to reclassify agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses.
- R.A.7279 of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992
This Act provides for the implementation of a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing program to uplift the conditions of the underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban areas and in resettlement areas, and optimize the use and productivity of land and urban resources. - The Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural Development, which sets forth and defines areas considered reserved for agricultural activity.
- Presidential Decree 1586 (Environmental Impact Law)
PD 1568 provides for the establishment of the environmental impact system in the pursuit of comprehensive and integrated environmental protection program. This mandates that an Environmental Compliance Certificate be secured from the DENR for all environmentally critical projects and projects in environmentally critical areas. - Executive Order No. 124
Provides for the rules and guidelines in the conversion of areas for priority development projects, i.e., tourism, socialized housing, industrial. - Implementing Rules and Standards of PD 933 and EO 648
These provide the legal bases and authority to HLURB to promulgate rules and regulations on zoning and land us, which will be the bases in the formulation of land use plans and zoning ordinances of local governments. - Implementing Rules of PD 815
This aims to regulate the conversion of rice and corn lands covered by the operation land transfer into urban uses with the rationale of protecting the beneficiaries of the Land Reform Program and of conserving prime agricultural lands. - PD 1067 otherwise known as the Water Code of the Philippines
This Code provides for the protection of waterways and the observance of easement regulations in the physical planning of a municipality. - PD 856 otherwise known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines
This Code is considered in studying the location of development proposals having impact on health and sanitation. - Presidential Decree 1151 or the Philippine Environmental Policy Decree
This decree provides for the ensuring of consistency of development proposals with environmental policies. - The Indigenous People’s Rights Act (RA 8371)
This decree provides for the protection of indigenous people’s rights to ancestral domain, and to consider their individual rights, culture and practice in planning.
- 1.4.1.B. High Investment Costs
- 1.5. Resource Opportunities. The following were identified as resource opportunities, which may be taken into advantage to propel growth and development of the municipality:
1.5.1. The extensive pasturelands and agricultural land in the municipality
The extensive pasturelands and the agricultural lands can be seen as future growth areas to include potential agro-industrial orchards as well as livestock production. Through appropriate developmental, these lands can be transformed into future special agricultural development zones with agro-industries.1.5.2. Skilled and professional workers and trainable human resources
The human resource base of the municipality boasts of a high literacy rate, and the presence of high labor force. These technical traits coupled by the Filipino character of industriousness, ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness are the wealth of the human resources of Burgos.1.5.3. Safe and peaceful municipal condition conducive to economic investments and growth
1.5.4. Strategic location of the municipality, which is easily accessible by any type of vehicle via the national road and provincial road earmarked for conversion as national road and the planned coastal road which makes Burgos a satellite to other municipalities.
1.5.5. The coastal area of the municipality provides tourism opportunities.
2. ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Three alternative strategies are considered for adoption in the municipality. These strategic development strategies may be summed up into any of three alternative strategy options with their corresponding implications and land use scheme, as follows:
Strategies/Options Implication Land use Strategy Alternative 1 Agro-commercial development strategy Trend extension Natural Growth Pattern Alternative 2 Rapid Commercio-Industrialization Strategy Concentric urban form Classic Stellar or Constellation Pattern Preferred Strategy Agri-commercio-industrial &Agri-tourism management strategy Multiple growth based on resources of the municipality Multipoint Scenic Agricultural Development Pattern The alternative strategies are considered in view of the identified thrusts for the municipality as follows:
– Expansion of agriculture-based activities and agricultural support facilities and establishment of small agro-processing-based industries.
Since agriculture is the most predominant source of income in the municipality, prime agricultural lands shall be conserved and protected in the manner provided for by laws and national polices and water resources shall be preserved and managed.. The focus shall be on the conservation and development of the agricultural and fisheries areas.
Irrigation facilities shall be upgraded and additional irrigation system constructed to serve the remaining hectares of un-irrigated rice and commercial crop lands as well as vegetable lands to increase agricultural production, translating to increased income. Urban development and expansion in the identified key production areas for both agriculture and fishery shall be restricted. The implementation of programs and policies in the strategic agriculture and fisheries development zones pursuant to R.A. 8435 otherwise known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act shall be strictly adhered to.
Agro-industries shall be promoted in selected barangays focusing on livestock production. This is planned in order to augment the expected profitable output of agricultural products. The principles and technology underlying the success of local government projects already put in place in the municipality shall be adopted to improve agricultural production and the processing of agricultural products.
-Expansion of commercial activities
Inducing entrepreneurs and investors to put up commercial shops and outlets in identified points in the municipality shall be emphasized. The upgrading of the existing commercial business district and the public market should be prioritized extending to stretches along the national highway. A satellite commercial district in the other end of the municipality should be developed.These commercial support facilities shall serve asalternative growth centers. The commercial focus of the municipality shall be further enhanced by marketing its central position to the other surrounding municipalities in the province.
– Expansion of communication and transportation services
The local government shall continue in efforts to establish moderntransportation and communication facilities and services tosupport economic revitalization. In order to speed up profitable economic transactions, the municipality shall provide for these facilities highlighting its connectivity with other municipalities. An area also targeted for expansion is the avenue of Internet access for all capable residents in order for them to be linked to the global information technology net. Transport activities along the major roads shall also be expanded.
– Identification and advancement of tourism potentials
Tourism shall be included in the thrusts of the municipality focused in its coastal areas. The tourism potentials of the municipality shall be roused by way of presenting the rural character of Burgos showcased along the major road network and connected to the coastal tourist attraction. Support facilities and activities shall be planned for and developed through specific tourism objectives on the coastal barangay radiating to adjacent barangays.
– Promotion of Environmental Protection
The maintenance of the natural resources of the municipality shall fostered by emphasizing scenic tourism and protection. Environmental protection programs shall be designed especially in the management of the limited forest resources of the municipality while keeping in mind the agricultural thrusts of the municipality. This shall be carried out through the laying down of appropriate plans.
– Politico – Administrative machinery
The development plans shall be spearheaded by vibrant politico-administrative machinery with appropriate and the entities tasked for implementation. Staffing pattern and reorganization pursuant to the Local Government Code, and the formulation of performance enhancement and evaluation systems to improve the delivery of basic services required by the growing population should be undertaken as early as the first year of the planning period.
2.1. Alternative 1: Agro-commercial development strategy (Natural Growth Pattern)
Agricultural growth coupled with commercialization is already the trend in the municipality that coincides with what may be seen as the natural growth pattern that intends to followpast trends. The plan involves letting the urban area and other population centers develop following their natural tendency. Minimal local government intervention is required in implementing this type of development.The primary interventions shall be in protecting prime agricultural areas and providing agricultural support facilities and services. This shall be combined with efforts to increase access to markets through commercialization. Following the natural growth pattern, services and opportunities shall be concentrated in the barangays of the Poblacion and other areas such as the barangay of Pogoruac. Settlements and their support activities shall be developed along the existing major transportation and communication routes. (See Map No. 3, Natural Growth Pattern Map). Maintenance and upgrading of these primary routes shall be done to ensure mobility and to enhance accessibility.
The advantage of this form of development is the decongestion of the sole urban barangay of Burgos. It also means maximizing the use of the major road trunk line. In the long run however, this development plan tends to result in land use patterns that undermine the feasibility and opportunity of designing urban development in potential expansion areas. At the same time, it accelerates the conversion of prime agricultural areas from which the residents derive their daily sustenance. Thus the long-term effect negates the initial advantages gained.
2.2. Alternative 2: Rapid Commercio-Industrialization Strategy (Classic Stellar or Constellation Pattern)
Still connected with the first alternative, this second development thrusts includes industrialization as a partner of commercialization. This strategy would require the putting up of support services, facilities and utilities that shall support industrial activities. This strategy takes advantage of the agri-business and agri-industrial potentials of the municipality to complement the agricultural sector. Intensified commercialization shall take the form of providing trading centers (primarily for livestock) highlighting the envisioned roleof the municipality as a livestock provider for the whole province. Industrial and commercial facilities shall be used to attract investments into the municipality.
This kind of development sees a spatial strategy corresponding to the Classic Stellar or Constellation Model which is based on Hoyt’stheory that urban growth and development tends to follow major transportation and communications routes radiating away from the urban core. Such a development aided by government regulation and intervention assumes the shape of a starfish whose limbs symbolize the radiating arms of development. Applied to Burgos, the Poblacion is to be targeted as the center of development. Growth impetus is expected to spread outwards to the peripheral barangays along the major trunk lines. The concept, therefore, approximates a regulated form of the natural growth model but is also is be-saddled by that model’s negative collateral consequences.The main limitation of this model is that it makes no reference to out of town development.
This model takes into account the observation that it is common for households to be near road lines, and commercial establishments to be along business thoroughfares. Recognizing that the various transportation routes into an urban area represented greater access, cities tended to grow in wedge-shaped patterns — or sectors — emanating from the central business district and centered on major transportation routes. Higher levels of access meant higher land values, thus, many commercial functions would remain in the central business district (the Poblacion) but manufacturing functions would develop in a wedge surrounding transportation routes. Residential functions would grow in wedge-shaped patterns.
Map No. 4, Classic Stellar Map, illustrates the Classic Stellar or Constellation model for Burgos.
3. THE STRUCTURE PLAN
The definitive development thrust chosen for Burgos has been guided, to a large extent, by the municipality’s formulated vision and mission which, in turn, shaped the goals and strategies formulated from the different sectoral studies. Thus, the Goals Achievement Matrix (GAM) was the main tool used in analyzing the different alternatives development thrusts for the municipality. This structure plan presents the chosen development thrust.
3.1.Physical Development Concepts and Strategies Utilized
3.1.1. Planning Concepts on Land
- Land as Space
Land as form and space is where life takes place and moves, making land a subject of various studies on geography, or the study of distribution of variables in land as space. As a space, land is deemed fixed in area. Only in exceptional cases does land increase in area such as reclamation. As a space, Land is occupied and utilized for various purposes usually in increasing requirements. - Land as Location
This concept considers the factor of land as a point in space wherein relative distance to other locations of different variables in spaces is studied. Location is a major factor affecting the value and uses of land. - Land as Property
This concept considers the ownership rights of individuals and/or groups. Within the context of the development proposals, the ownership right to use land as property is subjected to the regulations of the state for the purposes of general welfare and the optimum and efficient use of land as a resource.
3.1.2. Concepts and Principles in Land Use Planning
- High/Best/Optimum Use
Land is considered at its highest and optimum use when its use is for the purpose or combination of purposes, and in which it has the highest comparative advantage, or the least comparative disadvantage relative to other uses. - Compatible Use
A land use is considered compatible of said use if it could be in harmony with uses of land adjacent to the subject land use and/or to the dominant land use within the vicinity of subject land use. - Land as limited fixed resource and as such must be managed for the welfare, and in accordance to the community’s operation as reflected in their development plan.
- The environment provides man with life supporting system and as such it shall be conserved and developed to enhance the quality of life.
- Land must be used in the most beneficial, rational and most efficient manner so as to prevent the mixture of incompatible uses, environmental hazards, slight depletion and degradation of land resources.
- There is a need for regulatory measures to promote the desired pattern of land use as proposed in this Comprehensive Land Use Plan
- The concept of Hierarchy of Settlements
Settlements naturally develop in varying degrees could be categorized into a hierarchical order of functions. Said natural development trends could, however be altered by planning efforts to effect the desired and efficient distribution of the hierarchical order of functions. - Growth Center Strategy
This physical development strategy considers the situation with limited resources and the possible situation of such limited resources not efficiently distributed in land as space. Due to this situation, levels and types of growth centers are identified and located equitably as focal delivery points for specific types of services, facilities and resource opportunities to serve the designated influence area in an efficient manner. - Concentric Development
This physical development strategy takes into consideration the dispersal of activities within an urban core or center by expanding on the areas contiguous to, or adjacent to and beyond that core. The immediate and outer peripheries of the urban core are identified as the expansion area of urban growth and development. - Linear or Strip Development
This physical development strategy follows trends that urban development form along major routes or trunk lines for transportation and communication. It is aimed to develop new hubs of economic activities along the major routes to disperse effects to its outlying areas. - Central and Nodal Development
This development concept follows a certain hierarchy of functions and sizes. The central point of activity is focused on the identified major growth center supported by growth nodes around it. It is assumed that the major growth center shall provide specialized facilities and services, which shall trickle out to the growth nodes. It also serves as the external link of the municipality to other municipalities and cities. The nodes, on the other hand, provide support to the major growth center as its captive market of both labor and resources, and at the same time disperse development services to its influence areas. An efficient circulation system is required to achieve complementarity of the major growth center and the nodes.
3.2. Structure Plan
The following structure plan is based on the preferred development strategy of Burgos described asagro-commercio-industrial &agri-tourism management strategy. The structure plan, on the other hand is described as the Multi-Point Scenic Agricultural Development Model. The strategic plan makes a case for the preservation of the agricultural character of Burgos arguing that the municipality may be developed as a showcase agricultural community supported by agriculture-based commerce and industry, facilitated by its connectivity to other areas within the province via the road network, and guided by an aspiration to preserve its agricultural character.
This development plan lends a strong support for economic development that retains Burgos’ agricultural character and protects its important natural resources and pristine environment. Development in Burgos should maintain the quality of life of its people provided by a landscape dominated by farming, resource preservation, scenic areas and many opportunities for outdoor activities, while supporting the harvesting of agricultural products and other land based economic development. In keeping with this image, traditional economic growth should be encouraged in areas where infrastructure already exists or may be easily extended in order to minimize environmental degradation and haphazard transformation of the municipality’s character.
The said strategy is depicted in the following diagramand presented in the Structure/Concept Plan Map (See Map No. 5 and figure 3).
The diagram illustrates the preferred land use strategy of Burgos which tries to embody the harmony between agriculture-led development and the preservation of the agricultural town character of Burgos, hence the notion of “scenic agricultural development.” While economic development via agriculture is the goal, the strategy aims to achieve this goal together with proper management of land uses that preserves the countryside character of the municipality. This is done, as shown in the diagram, through the interplay of three main “land use development blocks”or areasin the municipality, namely: (1) the commercial blocks, (2) agricultural blocks and (3) scenic blocks. Land uses in these areas are to be guided by the characteristics sought to be preserved in these blocks as described below. Zoning is thus understood in its ecological sense of designating areas with a distinct or characteristic system determined largely by its environment. Designated by translucent areas in the diagram (red for commercial blocks, green for agricultural blocks and light green scenic blocks), these blocks signify how artificial boundaries in the municipality’s land uses are transcended through the integration of space.
In order to orchestrate development in these blocks, the model calls for the designation of components of a system that may be designated as specific points of intervention or as the designated components of a multi-point approach resting on the identification of strategic barangays in the municipality. Instead of concentrating on one or two barangays as points of development, the model advocates systematically distributing development efforts in several barangays or “multi-points of growth.” Designated as growth points, these points are identified to provide the impetus for development in agriculture and agro-forestry, commerce and industry, and tourism. Encouraging economic activities in these multiple points will help reduce the likelihood of haphazard strip development along existing roads which may, above all, work to destroy the agricultural character of the municipality.
Figure 3 : MULTI-POINT SCENIC AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL Scenic Blocks (Forest/Pasture) Agri-Commercial Point (Poblacion& Adjacent barangays) Agri-ScenicPoints (Concordia-Sapa Grande- Sapa Pequena) Agricultural Blocks (Farmlands) Agri-Forest &Mariculture Points (Ilio-ilio & Cacayasen) Agri-TourismPoint (Cabongaoan Beach, Ilio-ilio) Commercial & Industrial Blocks Potential Coastal Road Agri-Industrial Point (Pogoruac/Papallasen) a. The Land Use Development Blocks
This strategy takes-off from the observation that Burgos has acquired an agricultural character through development that has kept large portions of the municipality in unsullied conditions. This plan focuses on amplifying and riding on this characteristic which can be presented as the specific difference Burgos. The rural agricultural character of Burgos exists due to the scenic vistas, large uninterrupted farmlands and pasturelands, forested areas, and limited and scattered development along the roads. This agricultural character should be of importance in planning for the municipality.
The agricultural character of Burgos may be evaluated from three perspectives represented by the three land-use-development-blocks- (1) the scenic blocks, (2) the agricultural block, and (3) the commercial blocks.
The Scenic Blocks are conceived from the vantage point of the road connecting the Poblacion to Ilio-ilio. The scenic blocks are to be characterized by views of fairly open areas adjacent to farmlands. More distant views of forested ridgelines shall also be highlighted. The several large farms along the road network shall add to the scenic agricultural character of the municipality. Scattered single family dwellings, some newer and some historic, located along the roadshall be kept. These views should be consciously protected in planning. The municipal protected areas should therefore include those areas within the forestry, pastureland and farmlands. Proper planning and zoning should allow the protection of these areas without limiting economic development through conservation easements. Basically, this should mean that the scenic views will be afforded some level of protection from indiscriminate development. It should be noted that many of the unprotected areas in Burgos are open fields and farms where future development would be highly visible. Development along the roads needs to preserve the open fields and farms and provide a visual and functional relationship of structures to the surrounding landscape. Development guidelines should be established to help protect the open fields along the scenic views from the road while still allowing controlled development.
The Commercial / Industrial Blocksare conceived from the vantage point of the Poblacion and the national road network passing through the Poblacion which connotes a well-defined route along Burgos to the other municipalities in Western Pangasinan and the sites of agri-industrial hubs in Pogoruac and Papallasen. Thesecommercial areasareto be characterizedby mix of land uses with planned pockets of commercial areas, particularly in the Poblacion immediately adjacent barangays. The compact development of the Poblacion with its defined entry points and the fact that itserves as a center for local commercial and institutional activities defines its agricultural and commercial character. The sites of the industrial hubs in Pogoruac and Papallasen shall be presented as areas for investments in industrial ventures. Development guidelines should allow and encourage the continuation of the village-style development in this area. Despite the commercialization to be allowed, economic development that promotes the viability of the working landscape should be designed along with forestry and agriculture-related enterprises that preserve the character of Burgos.
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The Agricultural Blocksare conceived from the vantage point of the productive agricultural lands in the Poblacion to San Vicente and San Miguel areas, as well as the agricultural areas in the western barangays of the municipality. The goal should be to stimulate appropriate economic development and provide opportunity for individuals to establish agriculture-based ventures in these areas. Economic development in the different barangays should reinforce traditional settlement patterns, protect the agricultural character of the municipality and revitalize village and growth centers. This plan therefore declares that the best interest of Burgos is to see to it that new development occurs in amanner that does not change the basic land use patterns, and consequently the character of Burgos. Therefore, the multiple points identified to function as growth centers below should be the focus for mixed-use, higher intensity development and new growth. Outlying areas should be designed and managed so as not to compromise the agricultural character of Burgos or its important natural resources.
b. The Multi-Points of Growth
The identified growth points are: (1) the Agri-Commercial points (i.e., the two barangays of Poblacion and Pogoruac), (2) the Agri-InustriaLpoints (the barangays of PogoruacandPapallasen), (3) the Agri-Forest Mariculture points (i.e., the barangays of Ilio-ilio and Cacayasen), (4) the Agri-Scenic points (i.e., the barangays of Concordia, Sapa Grande and Sapa Pequena), and (5) the Agri-Tourism point (i.e., Cabongaoan Beach in barangay Ilio-ilio). Calling these growth points by names prefixed by “agriculture” (i.e., Agri) emphasizes the role that agriculture is supposed to play in shaping the development of Burgos in combination with commerce and industry, fishing and aquaculture, tourism, and scenic management of the farmlands, forests and pasturelands.
The model advises that development interventions should be concentrated in these growth points while eventually seeing their effects on the other barangays. By deliberately planning changes in these growth points, harmonious changes in the three land-use-development-blocks are sought. Thus, the growth points are expected to generate further growth in surrounding barangays. The strategy aims to develop growth points as the foci for intervention. Apart from helping de-concentrate development away from the traditional centers, it is also designed to create new catchments for dispersing industry, commerce and people.
The Agri-Commercial Points in the two barangays of Poblacion and Pogoruac shall be the focus of interventions that can stimulate commercial activities by inducing entrepreneurs and investors to put up commercial shops and outlets in the Poblacion’s central business district and Pogoruac as the alternative commercial growth center in the opposite end of the municipality.
The Agri-Industrial Points in the two barangays of Pogoruac and Papallasen shall be the focus of interventions that can stimulate industrial activities primarily stemming from the invitation for industrial venture investments in two industrial hubs in the two said barangays.
The Agri-Forest Mariculture Points are set in the barangays of Ilio-ilio and Cacayasen. Both Ilio-ilo and Cacayasen are the sites forests areas Burgos. With the aim of expanding the protected forests in the municipality, these two barangays shall be the centers of forest management efforts. Ilio-ilio and Cacayasen are also the sites of substantial fishing activities. The coastal Ilio-ilio produces marine catch for local consumption while Cacayasen, with its fishponds is strategically the most favorable area for aquaculture since it is a low lying area where water is retained in natural and artificial ponds. This inherent geographical characteristic of the barangay which may render it non-conducive to farming and raising livestock warrants planning to developing it as a zone for aquaculture.
The Agri-Scenic Points shall be the barangays of Concordia, Sapa Grande and Sapa Pequena. Spatially, these three barangays form a belt which is transected by the road network. These three barangays, will serve as sections of the municipality’s transportation and utility corridor. Planning in these barangays should maximize productive land use without severing farm units while facilitating access for producers and harvesters. Guided by the goal of preserving the scenic stretches along the route, every effort should be made to avoid impairment of agricultural lands as well as the pasturelands. Proper planning in these barangays will ensure that the transportation and utility corridor will be managed carefully in the context of the agricultural lands and uses through which it passes. The transportation facilities should complement and serve, rather than harm the municipality’s farmlands, pastureland and agriculture industry through which they pass.
The Agri-Tourism Point is the Cabongaoan Beach in barangay Ilio-ilio. Cabongaoan shall serve as the end-point of a tourism destination which should include the whole of the municipality- branded as “scenic agricultural tourism.” This tourism concept is based on the design that the municipality can be presented as an agricultural community with distinct assets. Visitors can come in search of peaceful relaxation, inspiration, recreation, education and entertainment. Among the tourism assets of Burgos which can be the content of its marketing efforts should be its small town atmosphere, scenery, agricultural tourism, outdoor recreation, festivals and events, and environmental wonders culminating in its clean beach and coast in Cabongaoan. Thus, tourism in Burgos becomes not just an isolated activity in Cabongaoan but a municipality-wide promotion. Cabongaoan should be planned as the final destination at the end of the scenic corridor passing through the agricultural and scenic blocks of the municipality and as destination along the proposed coastal road of the province. To be effective, Cabongaoan should unify Burgos’ agricultural and rural community with beach tourism where functional and emotional benefits will be open to visitors. The whole of Burgos should therefore be considered as tourist destination and not only its beach.