Physical Development Framework

The physical development framework takes into account the salient points of the various sectoral frameworks as described in the above discussion.

From the development framework, three alternative strategies were identified:

Alternative Strategy 1 – The City of Lapu-Lapu envisions a modern industrial base economy. Given the international airport, the industry sector will be improved and enhanced over long term. The other sectors will just compliment toward sustainable urban development.

Alternative Strategy 2 – The City of Lapu-Lapu will continue to be the leading tourist destination and a vital point of entry in international travel. Tourism will be the base economy and the Industry sector shall be the second priority for development.

Alternative Strategy 3 – A combination of Alternative Strategies 1 and 2.

Alternative Strategy 3 was chosen as the preferred development alternative for Lapu-Lapu City (as indicated by the City Development Strategy Program in 1999-2020).

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Adopted Alternative Strategy (Strategy 3)

The City of Lapu-lapu envisions a modern industrial and tourism base economy complimenting each other towards a sustainable natural environment that supports eco-tourism development. The City shall be a leading historic tropical island paradise in the Pacific amidst economic progress brought about by MEPZ, one of the most important industrial estates in the country. The presence of the Mactan Cebu International Airport serves as a gateway for tourists and of the production market.

Tourism shall become a part of the global tourism network raking a substantial amount of tax revenues and foreign exchange earnings. It shall be able to respond to travel arrangement of every market segment as transportation and telecommunication systems become state-of-the-art. It should have created a modern and functional tourist and investment information centers operated by the combined efforts of the government and private sector.

By the end of the planning period the city shall have a highly diversified environment-friendly and socially responsive industry that provide employment openings, produce world-class products for export and domestic consumption, and enhanced retail and merchandizing business operating under the regime of industrial peace and sustained productivity.

Certainly, the fast growth of tourism and industry should have improved income levels of those affiliated with the sectors faster than those employed elsewhere. Towards this end, the City’s comprehensive land use plan and city development strategy program will be designed to have a mix poverty alleviating program addressed to the marginalized segment of society.

In terms of physical development, Lapu-Lapu City shall be an expanded growth center complete with updated ICT and inter-modal transportation facilities, sustainable water and power supply, effective drainage and sewerage systems and waste treatment facility with beautifully landscaped roads.

Inter-local government cooperation is deemed necessary as Mactan Island is part of the Cebu Metropolis – where integrated urban infrastructure and common service facilities can be better managed. Public-Private partnership or joint-venture will increase investment for revenue-generating projects. Coordination with the national agencies and other implementing bodies will help achieve the development vision. This includes the monitoring and evaluation of on-going and pipe-lined foreign-assisted projects, line agency priority programs/projects and new proposals to be funded by private investors.

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The adopted development strategy shall put in place measures to dictate where development shall occur. This is anchored on a development philosophy of compatibility, efficiency and sustainable urbanization. The development of tourism and industry is designed to ensure co-existency and complimentation over a long period.

To achieve this, a well designed hierarchy of urban settlement pattern and sound land use plan shall be prepared and approved/adopted by legislation.

 Land Use Plan

INTRODUCTION

Lapu-Lapu City is fast expanding in terms of socio-economic activities due to the presence of the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), CLIP and tourist area development.

The MEPZ has been expanded with the establishment of MEPZ 2 and the Cebu Light Industrial Park. Tourism, on the other hand has likewise taken its hold on the whole island of Mactan the last five years. The shape of the beach areas are now overshadowed by plush beach resorts and high-rise resorts with elaborately manicured landscape and immaculate beach fronts. Lapu-Lapu City now is considered as a premier tourist destination and tourism has slowly become an economic base beside the MEPZ.

Both industrial and tourism expansion propels the population growth of the island due to migration of workers for the two fast growing sectors. Both sectors also benefited the presence of the Mactan Cebu International Airport. But even with the airport, industrial and tourism expansion, the growth of the whole Metro Cebu Area is reason enough for the high population growth. The tremendous growth of tourism and industry as well as the concomitant growth of population are proven by the increasing demand for land for industrialization, commercial, tourism as well as housing subdivisions and residential needs.

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for 2000-2009, has emphasized that each year the scarce resource of Lapu-Lapu City is being leveled off and developed to give rise to new establishments. The city is experiencing undirected development which could

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