Case Study 2: CAVITEX: Bacoor Interchange The City: Bacoor, Cavite

Bacoor is the so-called Cavites Gateway to and from Southern Metro Manila. It has just been declared a city on June 24, 2012. Bacoor is part of the first congressional district of Cavite. Its location, southwest of Metro Manila makes Bacoor an important gateway to Metro Manila. This is further reinforced by the fact it contains the south end of the Manila-Cavite Expressway. Bacoor is among the key areas and the fastest growing municipalities in Cavite together with Imus and Dasmarias. City Boundaries Land Area Bacoor is at the northern tip of the Province of Cavite. It lies approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the center of Manila, and about 27 kilometers from Trece Martires City, the provincial capital. It is situated along the Manila Bay and separated by Zapote River on its eastern boundary from the city of Las Pias, and the Imus River on its western boundary. It is bounded on the west by the municipalities of Imus and Kawit, on the south by the municipality of Dasmarias, on the north by Bacoor Bay, and on the east by the cities of Las Pias and Muntinlupa. The poblacion is located inland on the northernmost part of the municipality and lies along Bacoor Bay.

The municipality covers a total area of approximately 4,397.79 hectares. Its terrain ranges from plain to slightly rolling. The west and the east sides are traversed by Imus and Zapote Rivers and both provide salt water for Bacoors salt farms that double as fishponds during the rainy season. During the wet season, water flowing from the old dams and thus filling up existing creeks serves as natural irrigation for the municipality. The provincial road, which is traversed by municipal and barangay roads linking all barangays of Bacoor, intersects the national road or the Aguinaldo Highway, running north to south from Bacoor to Tagaytay City. Formerly noted for its salt beds, Bacoor today is a bustling commercial and business center. Bacoor has a total of 73 barangays, of which 10 are coastal and 63 are inland barangays.

Demographics The municipality of Bacoor registered an annual growth rate of 4.04% for the period 19952000, increasing from 90,364 in 1980 to 250,821 in 1995, and 305,699 in 2000. The municipal population is projected to reach 791,555 in 2011. Population density in Bacoor in 2000 was registered at 69.51 persons per hectare. This is projected to grow to 179.98 persons per hectare in 2011. Population density in Bacoor in 2000 was registered at 69.51 persons per hectare. This is projected to grow to 179.98 persons per hectare in 2011.

Historical Background Some accounts indicate that the town of Bacoor, also named Bakood or Bakoor (named after a species of bamboo), was founded in 1671. When the Spaniard troops arrived in Bacoor, they met some local inhabitants in the process of building a fence around their house. The Spaniards ask the men what is the citys name, but because of the difficulties in understanding each other, the local inhabitants thought that the Spaniards were asking what they are doing. The men answered Bakood. It was then pronounced Spanish which is Bacoor by the Spaniards soldiers and was soon officially called Bacoor. Bacoor was also the site of the Battle of Zapote Bridge in 1899 which involved Philippine and American troops. It was in this battle where Gen. Edilberto Evangelista was killed. In the aftermath of the Philippine Revolution which coincided with the declaration of the first Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, Bacoor was designated as the first capital of the Philippine Revolutionary government by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo until it was transferred to Malolos, Bulacan. Gargano was then the revolutionary name assigned to Bacoor by Aguinaldos henchmen.

Landform Topography The topography of Bacoor is characterized by a plain to slightly rolling terrain. Slope grade of zero to three percent (0 - 3%) covers almost the entire area of Bacoor. Map 2.1 shows the slope map. Maps 2.2 and 2.3 reflect the land system map and the geological map, respectively. General Slope Map of Bacoor Legend Provincial Boundary Municipal Boundary Barangay Road River/ Stream Shoreline 0-3% Slope

Land Systems Map of Bacoor Legend Provincial Boundary Municipal Boundary Barangay Road River/ Stream Shoreline Fluvio-Marine/Alluvium Alluvium Volcanic Tuff

Geological Map of Bacoor Legend Provincial Boundary Municipal Boundary Barangay Road River/ Stream

Shoreline
Alluvium Taal Tuff

Hydro-Geology

The municipality of Bacoor has many rivers, creeks, and other tributaries. The Zapote River traverses barangays Zapote, Aniban, Ligas, San Nicolas and Molino on the eastern boundary. One tributary to Zapote River runs across the barangays of Zapote and Talaba while another tributary of the same river goes out directly to Bacoor by traversing barangays Zapote, Talaba and Maliksi. The Molino River that comes all the way from the Dasmarias area spills into the Zapote River in the area of barangay San Nicolas. The Imus River, on the other hand, traverses barangays Sineguelasan, Banalo, Mabolo, Salinas, Real and parts of Molino on the western boundary. Bacoor River traverses barangays Alima, Banalo, Mabolo, Daang Bukid, Habay and other parts of Panapaan.

Surface Water Map of Bacoor

Land Use Existing Land Use With the advent of urbanization, much has changed in the land uses of the municipality of Bacoor. Within a span of almost 20 years, the municipality has largely lost its agro-fishery base for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial purposes.The table below shows the area distribution of existing land uses in Bacoor. Table 1 Existing Land Use of Bacoor by Category, 2010 Land Use Type Residential Agricultural Open Grasslands Commercial Institutional Industrial Cemetery Total Legend Residential Area (Has.) 4,030.61 198.24 264.30 91.95 23.30 42.88 19.92 4,671.00 % to Total 86.29% 04.24% 5.66% 1.97% 0.50% 0.92% 0.42% 100.00%

Commercial
Agri-Fishery Open Grassland Institutional Cemetery Industrial Barangay Boundary Hi-way Provl/Natl Barangay Road Boulevard River
Existing Land Use Map of Bacoor

Bacoors roles as the Gateway to Cavite and the Catchment Area for the residential population from Metro Manila and industrial centers in Cavite have largely influenced the land uses in Bacoor. Residential areas comprise the majority of the land uses, followed by open grassland, agri-fishery, commercial, institutional, and industrial. The towns formerly agricultural character has given way to a predominantly residential town. Land use potentials and advantages include the towns compact urban structure, and infrastructure projects that are currently being implemented or being planned in Bacoor. Land use concerns include the need to manage CBD growth as well as the need for density controls and more infrastructure support. Residential Area Residential use comprises the bulk of Bacoors current land use, covering about 73 barangays. These include the following: Siniguelasan; Banalo; Mabolo 1; Tabing Dagat; Digman; Maliksi 1; Talaba 1; Zapote 1,2,3; Ligas; Aniban 1,2,3,4,5; San Nicolas 1,2; San Nicolas 3; Niog 1,2,3; Panapaan 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8; Real 1,2; Mambog 1,2,3,4,5; Salinas 3,4; Habay 1,2; Dulong Bayan; Molino 1,2,3,4,5,6,7; Queens Row West, Queens Row East, and Queens Row Central. In most of these barangays are found residential subdivisions. Commercial Area Commercial activities cover an area of 91.95 hectares (2.09% of total area). Commercial establishments intersperse the residential areas scattered in different barangays of the municipality. These commercial uses are found in Mabolo 1; Dulong Bayan; Habay 1-2; Salinas 4; Real 1; Panapaan 1,2,4,5,6,7,8; Niog 1,2,3; Talaba 2,3,5,6,7; Zapote 1,3,4,5; Aniban 1,4; Kaingin; Digman; Tabing Dagat; Alima; Mambog 4; San Nicolas 3; Bayanan; and Molino 1,2,3,5 Major commercial activities lie along Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, and the highways of Tirona, Evangelista, Molino and Talaba-Zapote. The main commercial centers can be found in the intersection of Tirona and Aguinaldo Highways (where SM City Bacoor is located) and in the Aguinaldo Highway Extension leading to Zapote, Las Pias City. Institutional Area Institutional areas consist of lands which presently house the government, academic and religious institutions as well as other structures catering to the provisions of public services and needs. This covers 23.30 hectares (0.53% of total area). Industrial Area Industrial activities cover an area of 42.88 hectares (0.97%). Bacoor has existing industrial warehouses that are scattered in different areas such as along the Tirona Highway and Aguinaldo Highway. The towns industrial activities are concentrated in Niog 3. Agri-Fishery Area Agri-fishery areas include all ricelands and other productive agricultural lands and water bodies or fishponds. Based on 2001 GIS maps, Bacoor has 603.81 hectares devoted to agrifishery (13.73% of total area). Agricultural uses are located in Maliksi 1,2,3; Kaingin; Panapaan 3; Talaba 1,2; Mabolo 2; Dulong Bayan; Habay 1; Alima; and San Nicolas 1,2.

Open Grassland On the southern part of the municipality, vast grasslands can be found. This area totals 264.30 hectares, covering 6.01% of the total land area of Bacoor. Grasslands are found in Siniguelasan; Daang Bukid; Campo Santo; Habay 1; Salinas 1; Ligas 3; Niog 3; San Nicolas 1,2; Bayanan; Molino 2; and Mambog 4. Cemetery Cemeteries cover an area of 19.82 hectares (6.45%). Cemeteries are found in Molino 2; Ligas 2; Digman; Kaingin; and Panapaan 7.

Proposed Land Use Plan The proposed land use plan for Bacoor was made with the general purpose of guiding the municipalitys spatial directions and overall growth towards attaining its vision of a progressive, well-developed, self-reliant, peaceful, healthy and environment-friendly city taking the physical as well as socio-economic conditions prevailing in the area including proposed infrastructure programs and projects. The proposed land uses and area distribution are provided in the table below.

Land Use Type Area (Has.) Urban Core 1,417.00 Urban Expansion 2,461.00 Agricultural Development 369.00 Ecological Development 34.27 Light Industrial 88.92 Coastal Development 27.87 Total 4,398.06 Table 2 Proposed Land Use of Bacoor by Category, 2010

% to Total 32.22% 55.96% 8.39% 0.78% 2.02% 0.63% 100.00%

The proposed land use plan aims to channel future growth into the most suitable locations and provide opportunities to intensify land utilization in the present urban area, conserve environmentally-constrained areas while providing opportunities to enhance the economic outputs of the municipality and provide an efficient service network for the municipality.

Legend
Urban Core Area Urban Expansion Area Agricultural Ecological Light Industrial Coastal

Barangay Boundary Hi-way Provl/Natl Barangay Road Boulevard River

Proposed General Land Use Map of Bacoor

Urban Core Area This area is the business and commercial center of the town with the supportive residential, institutional, and recreational type of activities. The area includes the present central business district (CBD) and its immediate outlying areas characterized by high density land utilization. Being the traditional commercial-residential center of the municipality, the area will be the focus of urban renewal efforts. This area covers the barangays of Sineguelasan; Banalo; Alima; Campo Santo; Tabing Dagat; Daang Bukid; Digman; Kaingin; Dulong Bayan; Mabolo 1,2,3; Salinas 1,2,3,4; Habay 1,2; Real 1,2; Panapaan 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8; Maliksi 1,2,3; Talaba 1,2,3,4,5,6,7; Zapote 1,2,3,4,5; Aniban, Ligas 1,2; Niog 1,2,3; and Mambog 1,2,3,4.

Urban Expansion Area This area will absorb the urban core expansion requirements of the municipality. Urbanization would be promoted and enhanced in this area. This area refers to the vast track of land spanning Molino 1,2,3,4,5,6,7; San Nicolas 1,2,3; Ligas 3; Bayanan; Mambog 1,2,3,4; and Queens Row West, East, and Central. The area, which may be developed as a new town, would be a mixed development of low to medium density residential neighborhood with commercial and institutional facilities. The place is envisioned to be a community for people to live, work, and take leisure. This area would be the site of the proposed municipal hall, specifically in Molino 3. Agricultural Development Area This area in Molino 4 would be utilized for cultivation, pastoral activities, livestock production, integrated farm operations, etc. The Strategic Agriculture and Fishery Development Zone (SAFDZ) in San Nicolas 1 and 2 is likewise included in the Agricultural Development Area. Ecological Development Area Located in Molino 4, this area would be the site of the proposed Environmental Park. Coastal Development Area The Coastal Development area covers the waterfront areas of the municipalitys coastal barangays. The development of this area would be limited to agri-fishery and agri-tourism type of activities. Sineguelasan; Alima; Tabing Dagat; Digman; Kaingin; Maliksi 1,3; Talaba 1,2; and Zapote 5. Complementary uses allowed in this area include residential, commercial, institutional and recreation activities provided they are in conformity to existing laws and policies. Open Space/Parks The existing open space in the municipality would be enhanced by the planting of trees. The existing plaza and parks in the different subdivisions in Bacoor would be developed as breathing spaces for the residential areas. Construction of more parks would be encouraged to upgrade the visual component of the town. Buffer Zones The buffer zones refer to parks or open spaces intended to separate incompatible land uses to control pollution and nuisance as well as define the areas where no permanent structures would be allowed. All existing water bodies, rivers and streams would have an easement of at least 3 meters on both sides of the water bodies. The buffer zones would be established in areas between incompatible land uses and along the roads.

The Site: Manila- Cavite Coastal Road and Reclamation Project Bacoor Interchange (Longos-Talaba Area)

Project Background The Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx) is a 14 km (8.7 mi) expressway in along the coast of Bacoor Bay after south of Roxas Boulevard with exits to Bacoor and Kawit. It is an extension of the Radial Road 1 (R-1) of Metro Manila. It is owned and operated by the Public Estates Authority Tollway Corporation (PEATC), a government owned and / or owned corporation and a subsidiary of the Public Estates Authority, an office under the Office of the President. It is also nicknamed the Coastal Road because of its vicinity to the Manila Bay. The R-1 Expressway Extension, Segment 4 is a dual two lane, North and South bound, seven (7) kilometer expressway traversing Bacoor Bay built over water, and a combination of reclamation and viaduct works stretching from Bacoor to Kawit, Cavite. It was built from January 2007 to April 2011 by its general contractor Sargasso Construction Development Corp in joint venture with Atom Development Corporation. The project was funded by local and foreign lenders. The said Expressway Extension is the continuation of the existing R-1 Expressway , a dual three lane, north and south bound, 6.475 kilometers expressway from airport junction to the foot of Bacoor. It was built in 1996 and became operational May 1998 by a Malaysian company United Engineers ( Malaysia )Berhad-(UEM), the investor of the MCTE Project. The said company was acquired by Mr. Luis Juan Virata in the year 2000, and had been and remains as its Chairman and major stockholder at present. The MCTE Project at present has a total stretch of approximately 14 kilometers and known as Aguinaldo Boulevard.

At the north end, it feeds into and from Roxas Boulevard in the city of Paraaque in Metro Manila, also part of R-1. The highway features a limited number of interchanges. The original south terminus of the expressway in Bacoor is being converted to a full interchange and is currently partially open, and one of the terminal points of the expressway in Kawit is a forced interchange. There are two toll barriers on the expressway: the original barrier at Las Pias and the extension barrier in Kawit. Vehicles are charged a flat toll rate based on class. PEATC has also incorporated an electronic toll collection system it calls E-TAP.

Sign indicating the boundary between Metro Manila and the Province of Cavite; Interchange construction and unfinished part of Cavitex

Construction works for the approach to the overpass for what is now the Bacoor Exit. Vehicles now take the rightmost lanes to turn left towards Bacoor using the overpass that can already be seen in the photo. Vehicles proceeding towards Kawit should proceed along the tollway

Turning towards Bacoor, motorists are greeted by another overpass on the opposing direction that leads travelers from the Alabang-Zapote Road the Aguinaldo Highway towards the Coastal Expressway.

Environmental and Resource Management Issues concerning CAVITEX Land Use Conversion Bacoor had been renowned for its mussel production. However, due to rapid urbanization, the economic contribution of the fishing industry to Bacoors economy has declined over the years. In contrast, trade and service-oriented activities have increased in the municipality. Many agricultural lots, particularly fishponds, have been converted into subdivisions. Offshore and coastal fishing has also been affected by the construction of the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road and Reclamation Project.

The Municipality of Bacoor conducted a survey on informal settlers living along the Philippine National Railways (PNR) tracks, river and in other areas which fall within danger zones, along the PNR tracks, 23,443 along the river, and 11,075 along the coastal areas, or a total of 37,091 families. The biggest concentration of these families is found in Longos, numbering 3,600 families or 9.7% of the total number of families. Longos is located directly beside the Bacoor Interchange of the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road and Reclamation Project.
Informal Settlers at Longos beside Bacoor Interchange

When the construction of the Cavitex started, these informal settlers were greatly affected, since they have to vacate the said location for the clearing of the site. The livelihood of these informal settlers was also affected, since most of them use agri-fishery as their source of income because they live in the coastal area of Bacoor. The mussel and oyster pond were destroyed to give way to the extension of coastal road to Cavite. Based on the proposed general land use of Bacoor, the mentioned site would be part of the new urban and coastal development zone.
Informal Settlers at Longos

Transportation Network Bacoor aims to maintain its competitive advantage as a key gateway from Metro -Manila to the province of Cavite. It aims to capitalize on its vital role as an important physical link between the industrial and tourism areas of Cavite and Metro Manila via the Cavitex. The map below shows the structural plan of the transportation network in Bacoor.

Structural plan of Transportation Network

When the Cavitex started its operation, the congestion at Talaba Road and Aguinaldo Highway were lessen. Vehicles going to Kawit, Tanza, Cavite City, etc. will not have to traverse Talaba Road and Aguinaldo Highway to be able to reach these municipalities. Vehicles will have the option of going directly to these coastal areas through this proposed road without having to pass through SM Bacoor and Mabolo in Tirona. Although currently, there were few who uses the Cavitex compared to the road capacity they had forecast so in effect most of these vehicle still travel through the Talaba road and the use of Cavitex was not maximized.

Power pylons were built, encroaching the carriageway and thus reducing the traffic capacity of this road. RROW limits are not defined as there seems to be an overlapping between the frontage of properties along the road and RROW. This situation has led to the reduction of road capacity.

Talaba Road Connecting to Cavitex; Construction of the Cavitex, Bacoor interchange

Traffic signals are not used during peak hours. Side cars and tricycles cross the junction between the Talaba Road and Bacoor Interchange connecting Las Pinas to Bacoor. Slowmoving vehicles like these two should not in any way be allowed to cross part of the national highway like the Talaba Road. Pedestrian facilities are not provided, and jaywalking is a common sight. There is no overpass for the crossing pedestrians. The pavement from the Bacoor Interchange through Talaba Road is poorly maintained and is ripe for rehabilitation. The current condition of the pavement causes the slowing down of vehicles crossing it.

Cavitex, Bacoor interchange

Drainage and Sewerage System The government of Bacoor provides for the drainage alongside municipal road systems as well as assistance to barangays in implementing drainage improvements along barangay roads. The private sector likewise implements drainage construction, improvement and rehabilitation projects within their respective development areas. Real estate developers are expected to plan and construct the drainage system within their subdivisions. Industrial or economic zones are supposed to have satisfactory drainage facilities within their eco-zones. The drainage problem of Bacoor differs with respect to areas; approaches to these problems require unique treatments. The maps below shows the drainage lines of Bacoor and the location of drainage problem areas.

Map of Drainage Lines in Bacoor; Location of Drainage Problems

The site which was a formerly agri-fishery land located in low-lying area experience most of the drainage problem. As a result, this area is prone to flooding. The situation is aggravated by the slow process of draining water runoff due to the improper functioning of the drainage lines which are clogged by household wastes improperly disposed by residents. As a result, the creeks have reduced capacity and impeded flow resulting to momentary flooding. The coastal area of Bacoor was submerged in deep water every time it rains because of the Manila- Cavite road extension project or Cavitex. Before Cavitex, flood was not an issue among the coastal people of the city. Since the road project came into existence, it altered the natural flow of waters in Bacoor Bay, flooding has become a regular nightmare to tens of thousands of fishermen and residents along Manila and Bacoor Bays.

Standpoints from Various Roles ROLES Local Public Officials PHYSICAL IMPLICATIONS Bacoor will maintain its competitive advantage as a key gateway from MetroManila to the province of Cavite. It will capitalize on its vital role as an important physical link between the industrial and tourism areas of Cavite and Metro Manila via the Bacoor Interchange of Cavitex. Establishment and Improvement of Key Road Links Infrastructures like this would attract foreign and local investors. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS Cavitex will be a boost to Cavite Tourism and will allow commercial traffic to move goods quicker from Port Area and Naia to the Cavite Export Processing Zone, which is essential to nationwide economic zone The construction of Cavitex will provide a compact urban core that is well-connected to residential expansion areas as well as to commercial and industrial development corridors which would enhance agglomeration economies and will help on preserving the close social ties of Bacoors population. Hundreds of urban poor families would lose their livelihood because of the Manila- Cavite Road extension project. Many of the residents in the urban poor communities in Bacoor are small and itinerant vendors, jeepney and pedicab drivers, and small fishermen. The Cavitex project displaced a minimum of 3600 families in Longos area. Many of the families used to reside in the site of Cavitex lost their houses, livelihood and were reduced to deeper depths of poverty. Improving circulation and Diffused economic growth,

Agri-Fishery Residents

Families in the affected site would lose their houses to give way for the project. The construction projects go through the communities, demolishing the houses to literally pave the road for the expressway. And according to the residents, they have received no assistance from the government.

City Residents

(Non-agri-fishery residents)

traffic flow within the municipalitys CBD and major commercial corridors. The existence of Cavitex caused the alteration of the natural flow of water in Bacoor bay and this led to momentary flooding at the area. Ecological imbalance due to reclamation of the Bacoor bay to give way to the Manila-Cavite Expressway. The reclamation for Cavitex impeded movements and natural flow of waters that cause massive flooding and sky high storm surge during tropical storms and torrential rains

including a larger economic base and broader employment opportunities

Environmentalist

Two years after the completion of the solidbased road infrastracture done through massive reclamation of not less than 5,000 hectares of foreshore waters along Bacoor Bay, a dramatic decline in fish capture and aquaculture production took place. Mussel farms were demolished causing grave economic difficulties to small and medium scale mussel operators in Bacoor. Shell gathering which is once a productive activity in Bacoor Bay is now a thing of the past due to the ecological imbalance created by massive reclamation.

Foreign and Local Investors/ Businessmen

Good for construction and this would pave way for urban expansion and real estate development in Cavite.

Strengthen the commercial link between Metro Manila and the booming provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. Economic activities in Cavite, have practically went into a full swing with the construction of many subdivisions in these areas after we Cavitex started operating.

Motorists/Users

Alleviate traffic congestion in Bacoor- Talaba road, since the motorists going to Kawit, Trece Martirez and other parts of Cavite have the option on taking another route which is the Cavitex. Provision of high capacity, reliable, and efficient alternate route parallel to Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Highway.

Cavitex is seen to ease traffic on major stretch for travelers going to Cavite province. Travel time will be reduced to 20 minutes instead of one hour and 30 minutes from Kawit, Cavite to Manila, and from Imus, Cavite to Makati City. There would be more time to spend with family and other things.

Conclusion: In order to effectively plan and implement any projects and regulations related to urban development and environmental resources management, the government planning agencies need to engage stakeholder participation i.e. public, key agencies and local organizations, on decision making process. This would enable to formulate the acceptable plan that would equally benefit all sector of the society. This practice generally highlights the realistic needs of the city and minimizes the conflicts. Given the fast growth of the Bacoor, some form of control over development densities are needed since these will affect the demand for infrastructure, utilities, services, and the overall quality of the environment. To support current and future land use activities, infrastructure and services such as transportation, water supply, drainage and sewerage should be augmented. This need becomes more prominent since Bacoor starts to become the catchment area of residents from Metro Manila as well as of migrant population employed in the industrial centers of the other districts in Cavite like Carmona, and Dasmarias. Urban land use and environmental resources management are the priority issues in the study area. There is a need to implement improved land use management plan, which should comprehensively address land requirements for natural resources, urban development and other development needs. Projects related to urban development and natural resources should be regularly monitored and update data information to evaluate the effects of the implemented projects and immediately provide actions or alterations in the projects. In this way, the negative externalities such as pollution, drainage and sewerage problems and transportation network system would be eliminated or diminished. Reference: Comprehensive Land Use Report, Municipality of Bacoor, Cavite 200-2020 (n.d) Retrieve from http://www.bacoor.gov.ph//clup Cavitex, Manila-Cavite Expressway. (n.d) Retreve from http://cavitexpressway.com

Corpuz, Gerry. Battle of Manila Bay Looms over Reclamation. December 07,2012. Manila Bulletin.