NEWS

Monday, 01 July 2024

EVENT TITLE: PLANADES Hosts the 3rd Batch of the Intensive Course in Environmental Planning (ICEP) 2024

The Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc. (PLANADES) proudly hosted the 3rd batch of the Intensive Course in Environmental Planning (ICEP) 2024 from June 24 to June 28 at the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP), University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. This comprehensive course brought together around 50 participants from local government units, NGOs, and the private sector for a week of enriching lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions.

The ICEP training program serves as a comprehensive course on basic concepts, processes, and methodologies in urban and regional planning. It highlights relevant trends in the planning profession and aims to enhance the capabilities of those involved in planning-related activities, including but not limited to national agencies, local government units, and individual professionals.

The course commenced on June 24 with an opening program featuring remarks from Dr. Tabassam Raza, Executive Director of PLANADES; Dr. Dina C. Magnaye, Dean of UP SURP; and Prof. Kristine F. Aspiras, ICEP Course Director. The day’s sessions included an overview of the evolution, goals, concepts, and principles of planning by Dr. Ronnie H. Encarnacion from UP SURP, and city growth and spatial planning theories presented by Dr. Krishna V. Buenaventura from PLANADES.

On June 25, the program included discussions on understanding the practice of environmental planning in the Philippines by Dr. Dina C. Magnaye and the rationalized local planning system by Prof. Ernesto M. Serote. The afternoon featured sessions on population and demography by Prof. Carmeli Marie C. Chaves and social development sector planning by EnP. Maria Veronica Arreza-Arcilla.

Day 3, June 26, focused on economic development sector planning by Dr. Dina C. Magnaye and institutional development sector planning by Atty. Mark Anthony M. Gamboa. The day included interactive icebreakers and practical exercises.

On June 27, sessions covered infrastructure and utilities development planning by Dr. Maria Sheilah G. Napalang and transportation planning by Dr. Jun T. Castro. The afternoon featured environment and natural resources sector management by For. Jose M. Regunay, PhD.

The final day, June 28, began with risk-sensitive local comprehensive land use planning and spatial strategic planning by Dr. Tabassam Raza. Afternoon sessions included area development planning by Ar. Nicasio B. Espina, Jr. and project planning by Dr. Mark Anthony M. Morales. The course concluded with a post-training evaluation and the distribution of certificates, followed by closing remarks from Prof. Kristine F. Aspiras and Dr. Mark Anthony M. Morales.

Feedback from participants highlighted the course’s thorough coverage of essential topics and the expertise of the speakers, noting the practical value of the content delivered. The successful completion of ICEP 2024 underscores PLANADES' dedication to advancing environmental planning practices and enhancing the skills of individuals from various sectors, contributing to more effective and sustainable urban and regional development.