Catbalogan, Philippines, Sky City Mega Project Potential Environmental and Operational Challenges

Abstract

The need to expand is paramount to an increasing population and improving economy. The said expansion however is challenged with the increasing threat of climate change. Every solution produces another set of issues that contributes to the climate change it ought to respond. A mountain-top development is currently on its way in Catbalogan City, Philippines packaged as a climate-change adaptation project. Using and a narrative literature review and interview of key informants, the case of Catbalogan Sky City Mega Project (CSCMP) was presented. It identifies several issues that must be considered in the designing of the project. At least six operational concerns were identified as well as the environmental issues that it carries. The CSCMP will definitely avoid sea level rise and storm surge but is expected to face water supply production challenges, stronger typhoon winds due to its location, slope instability, and mobility issues and will produce more carbon footprint. On the other hand, the old city is expected to receive more runoff water and excessive soil erosion specifically during development phase increasing flood risk in the old city. The issues identified are interrelated which requires holistic and science-based approaches to address or manage the problems.