Agenda Setting Towards Residential Land Use Policy in the Context of Health Emergencies: The Case of Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, Philippines
Earl Max Eata, Clyde Cedrick Abragan, Kendrick William Miralles,Junpaolo Aliganga, and Ana Leah Dungog-Cuizon
Abstract
It is indubitable that land use and urban residential designs significantly affect the exposure of urban
residents and other stakeholders to hazards in times of health emergencies, particularly amidst the COVID19 pandemic. Most importantly, this is so if there is no recent Land Use Plan by the city government or when
such is not on its priority agenda. This study delved into the process of agenda-setting concerning residential
land use amidst the pandemic, using the case of Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City in the Central Philippines,
highlighting the socio-political dynamics of stakeholders, namely, the residents, the local government,
businesses, and involved civil society groups. Thematic analysis was utilised, revealing central and critical
themes that constitute the level of involvement in the agenda-setting, the problems encountered, and the effects
of the residential land use policy on the stakeholders in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study
found that there is a large gap between stakeholders in the level of involvement in the agenda setting, thereby
leading to problems and challenges that are economic, political, and socio-cultural. The researchers
recommend enhanced and inclusive multi-sectoral consultations and stakeholder involvement; allowing
active participation and collaboration in the agenda setting towards an effective residential land use policy
is mandatory under the land space of the pandemic.
Keywords
Residential Land Use; Agenda Setting; Multiple Stakeholders; Health Emergencies, COVID-19 pandemic
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