Project Title & Location
TAGAYTAY-TAAL INTEGRATED MASTERPLAN

Client
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON TAGAYTAY TAAL
Tagaytay City

Project Completion
1998

Associated Firms
Center for Research and Communication
Cybersoft Information Technologies, Inc.
Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc.
PROCONSULT, Inc.
Seastems, Inc.
Transportas Consulting

Services Provided
- Land Use Analysis and Planning
- Infrastructure and Utilities Engineering Concepts
- Resources Management
- Tourism Program
- Agricultural Plans
- Environmental Protection
- Hazard Mitigation
- Transport and Traffic Studies
- Heritage Planning
- Social Soundness and Economics

Balancing the people's needs, wants and aspirations with the imperatives of preserving the environment for its value and sustainability are the mandates given by the Ramos Administration to the Presidential Commission for Tagaytay and Taal. This is pursued with the local government units and national government agencies as active participants. Agriculture, environment and tourism are the key development features to be preserved in the plan for the sub-region. Sustainable development and livelihood are to be generated using overlays of agri-business, information technology, communication technology and bio-genetic sciences. Formation of cooperatives to generate community equity is encouraged as local government unit activities.

The Taal Volcano Caldera is now declared an integrated protected area and the highlands of Cavite as a high-value agriculture zone. This is the consequence of contending with the impact of an active volcano on the increasing pressures for its need of sites for urban living. It is an effort to design with nature.

Six criteria define the general land uses for the sub-region:
1. Carrying capacities for development thresholds
2. Environmental restrictions to development
3. Scenic view value of sites
4. Heritage value of sites for public benefits
5. Lifelines for safety in vulnerable sites
6. Existing land uses and property ownership

Along the concept of land use, special roles for each town are identified to give strength to the local economic base, but still develop synergies with in the sub-region.

The preparation of development guidelines include urban design criteria; district regulations on use; area, safety and height; special development areas, road frontage development; agri-tourism estates and tree farms; environmental management strategies; administration and enforcement.