NEWS
Coastal land reclamation: A glimpse into today’s urban development strategies
August 25, 2023 10:30 p.m.
Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth.
This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale, and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million. Key findings indicate that 78% of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg.
Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. It’s often used in places with scarcity of land and high population density for many purposes. From Western Europe and West Africa to the Middle East, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, these countries’ cities reclaim lands for port extension, residential/commercial, and industrial purposes aimed at creating tourist and green spaces. Key drivers like global trade and rapid urbanization are already ubiquitous, so for the next step, these cities desire prestigious place-making efforts and enhanced international reputation.
“Coastal land reclamation is a forward-looking approach to urban development,” says Architect Ian Fulgar, the principal architect of Fulgar Architects. It allows cities to preserve valuable ecosystems and resources from urban sprawl by expanding spaces without encroaching on existing natural land. More importantly for architects, urban planners, and modern city dwellers, it presents an opportunity to have purpose-built urban environments specifically designed to meet their needs.
“Architects and urban planners can design sustainable and efficient infrastructure with a blank canvas, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices in urban planning. This approach can lead to more resilient and adaptive cities capable of mitigating the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges,” adds Architect Fulgar.
Cities that lead coastal land reclamation
Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong, says Architect Fulgar, are some of the world’s most notable cities with impressive urban reclamation projects. “Not only have they transformed their respective landscapes but also captured global attention,” he says.
Photo credit to Anastasia Yudin. An aerial shot of Flower Dome in Singapore.
Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are testaments to the city-state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The former is a luxury integrated resort famed for transforming Singapore’s coastline and city skyline, whereas the latter is a spectacularly unique horticultural destination that combines art, science, and nature. These reclaimed land developments further boost the country’s international reputation and real estate value around the area.
For some parts of the United Arab Emirates, coastal land reclamation has significantly changed its geography. Dubai, which has completely transformed into an ultramodern city, features ambitious projects now known as some of the most recognizable developments in the world like Palm Jumeirah and The World. “They have reshaped the coastline and established the city as a leader in innovative development, significantly elevating Dubai’s real estate value and worldwide interest,” says Architect Fulgar.
Photo credit to Abid Bin Nazar. An aerial view of Palm Jumeirah.
Palm Jumeirah is an awe-inspiring artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above. It houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences, and entertainment venues. Likewise, The World is a groundbreaking project composed of small artificial islands in the shape of a world map.
Lastly, Hong Kong’s commitment to preserved art, culture, and ongoing sustainable urban development is exemplified by its West Kowloon Cultural District. It is a 40-hectare reclaimed site along Victoria Harbour’s waterfront designated as the city’s vibrant cultural quarter where the local arts scene can interact, develop, and collaborate throughout its sustainability principles.
Architect Fulgar, who firmly believes in creating spaces that foster belonging and unity, highlights that Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong share common denominators in their successful urban reclamation projects. These are innovative design and planning, focus on sustainability and commitment to cultural and societal development, and the subsequent increase in real estate value.
“These projects have created iconic and visually striking landscapes by pushing the boundaries of engineering and urban design. Sustainability is often at the forefront, integrating practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors,” says Architect Fulgar on these cities’ commitment to sustainability atop function and aesthetics.
Best practices of coastal land reclamation
Despite recognition of world-class reclamation projects, one of their primary challenges is facing criticism and potential issues over sustainability concerns. Architect Fulgar shares that the solution is through the responsibility of vital stakeholders to adopt a collaborative approach and adaptive strategies in implementing best practices, such as prioritizing sustainability and disaster resilience goals in waterfront developments.
“The future of city development, especially in coastal areas, rests with stakeholders prioritizing sustainability and disaster resilience. By adopting a comprehensive, collaborative, and adaptable strategy, they can transform the design, construction, and management of waterfront development – ultimately creating more sustainable, resilient, and prospering urban environments that benefit both people and the environment,” adds Architect Fulgar.
Moreover, Architect Fulgar puts emphasis on a well-planned project that begins with the developers’ thorough research and analysis of the selected area about potential environmental impacts, disaster risks, and local community needs. Architects and engineers need to incorporate sustainable design principles and green and blue spaces to reduce the development’s environmental footprint.
“Trends and insights on global reclamation illustrate the potential of reclamation projects in addressing various urban development, environmental conservation, and community well-being needs – leading to more sustainable and resilient urban planning worldwide. By adopting these lessons and focusing on sustainable growth, the Philippines can capitalize on its potential and carve a path to a brighter future.”
NEWS
Rep. Atayde draws Iglesia Ni Cristo endorsement
2:33 p.m. May 9, 2025
Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde has received the endorsement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for a second consecutive term, joining the ranks of several local candidates who have secured the influential church’s support ahead of the 2025 elections.
Atayde also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“Lubos po ang aking pasasalamat muli sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob ng mga Kapatid sa Iglesia Ni Cristo, lalo na kay Ka Eduardo V. Manalo,” said Atayde.
“Ang inyong suporta ay inspirasyon namin upang ipagpatuloy ang tapat at maagap na serbisyo para sa bayan. Sama-sama tayong kikilos, aksyon agad!”
Atayde, who won his first term in 2022, is seeking a second term on the back of both his legislative record and the successful implementation of district-level programs that have focused on employment, health care, education, and food security.
The legislator reiterated his commitment to “sustain his ongoing projects, fulfill his legislative duties, and continue delivering honest public service” in Quezon City’s first district.
Among his major legislative accomplishments are authorship or co-authorship of key national laws such as the Eddie Garcia Law, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Internet Transactions Act, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, the SIM Registration Act, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, and the New Government Procurement Act.
In his first term, Atayde also spearheaded local initiatives that provided direct aid to thousands of residents. These included emergency employment for 11,498 workers under TUPAD, job opportunities abroad for 1,500 applicants through the Taiwan Job Fair, livelihood training for 1,100 residents via TESDA, and capital support for 245 small entrepreneurs through the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The lawmaker also launched and maintained key welfare programs: free dialysis treatment for 60 patients daily at the district’s new facility, medical assistance for 75,466 individuals, CHED aid for 4,598 students, scholarship support for 1,410 others under Tulong Dunong and SMART, rice aid for 132,567 families, over 65,000 meals served through Kusina on Wheels, and seasonal gift-giving that reached 64,000 families.
In times of crisis, Atayde’s office also responded to the needs of 7,789 families affected by fire, extended burial assistance to 3,501 families, and provided financial help to 40,684 individuals for various needs.
Atayde is running under Team Aksyon Agad alongside Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and six councilors in the district—all of whom also received the coveted INC endorsement.
NEWS
Converge continues to draw young talents, seeks out electronics engineers
11:20 p.m. May 7, 2025
Coming off a student-led hackathon in Ateneo de Manila University wherein it shared its expertise as a tech company to young software developers, Converge once again collaborated with bright young minds as it engaged with the University of the Philippines student chapter of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP).
Invited by the student body of the UP-IECEP, Converge was among the leading sponsors of the ‘Get Licensed: Geared Up for the Future’ event held at the UP School of Statistics. ‘Get Licensed’ is a preparatory event / seminar for Electronics Engineering students from across the metro, including Technological University of the Philippines, De La Salle University-Manila, Mapua University, and other top engineering schools. It is aimed at preparing ECE students for their licensure exam.
“Filipinos have the right talent, and they’re capable of innovating world-class solutions. At Converge, we see the potential of every Filipino – including yours, the youth – and it is our prime directive to give them the digital launchpad, and become the catalyst for intellectual property creation,” said Converge Chief Network Transformation Officer, Paulo Martin ‘Santi’ Santos, himself a graduate of Materials Engineering at the University of the Philippines.
Apart from the opportunities available at Converge, students were given a glimpse of how Converge grew exponentially especially during the pandemic. While many industries and sectors were rendered inefficient by the global health crisis, fixed broadband, particularly in driving digital transformation, grew by leaps and bounds. It proved to be an ‘industry of the future’, and is poised to see further expansion in the years to come.
Converge set up a booth in the lobby of the UP School of Statistics, giving away company merchandise and briefing the students of openings in the company. This is part of the company’s ongoing campaign to recruit from among the best schools in the country to beef up its workforce.
NEWS
Infinix Campus Cup 2025 to unleash next generation of esports legends across southeast Asia
12: 44 p.m. May 3, 2025
Infinix, in collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), proudly kicks off the Infinix Campus Cup (XCC) 2025—a bigger, bolder evolution of the former Infinix University League (XUL), built to level up the student gaming experience across Southeast Asia.
Running from May to July 2025, XCC 2025 will set the stage for passionate student gamers across Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines to rise to esports stardom. Fueled by the high-performance Infinix GT series, this tournament is dedicated to empowering the next generation of players. Gather your squad, register, and take your shot at becoming the next campus esports legends.
“XCC was born from our belief that the future of esports starts on campus,” said Tony Zhao, Infinix General Manager.“From the beginning, it has been about empowering the next generation of esports legends and bridging the gap between young gamers and the professional scene. As we expand across Southeast Asia, we at Infinix remain committed to growing this platform, inspiring the youth to step into the spotlight, chase their dreams, and build their future in gaming.”
After igniting the Philippine gaming scene in its previous editions, XCC 2025 expands its reach across Southeast Asia, charging into new territories, with the Philippines as this year’s host nation. The goal is to bring together the region’s most passionate student gamers and turn their dreams of esports stardom into reality.
At the heart of the competition lies Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)—the region’s most beloved mobile MOBA title—providing the perfect arena for student teams to showcase their skills, strategy, and teamwork. More than just a tournament, XCC 2025 serves as a launchpad for aspiring esports professionals, designed to spotlight rising stars and elevate the campus esports scene across Southeast Asia. Participants will compete using the upcoming high-performance Infinix GT Series, a cutting-edge gaming device that reflects the brand’s commitment to empowering gamers with tools built for victory.
XCC 2025 sets the tone for a season filled with intense rivalries, unforgettable plays, and life-changing opportunities—this is #WhereLegendsRise. Infinix envisions the tournament as more than just a competition—it’s a movement to empower youth, fuel their passion for gaming, and unlock future career paths in esports.
Three Stages, One Path to Glory
Local Open Qualifiers & Group Stage (May–June 2025)
Student teams from across the five participating countries will enter the tournament through open qualifiers, battling their way through national-level group stages in pursuit of a coveted spot in the finals.
National Finals (May–June 2025)
Top contenders from each country will clash in their respective National Finals, where pride, passion, and the title of National Champion are on the line.
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Rep. Atayde draws Iglesia Ni Cristo endorsement
Captured with Magic? Photos shot by renowned photographers using HONOR Magic7 Pro
