Home⇛NRCP Research Journal⇛vol. 24 no. 2 (2025)

Land Use Governance Towards Sustainable and Smart Cities of the Future

Eugenio C. Navida

Discipline: planning (urban, rural and regional)

 

Abstract:

Faced with challenges of rapid urbanization, technological disruption, and climate change, built environment practices globally are witnessing unprecedented transformation in urban planning and land use governance. This research makes an extensive analysis of land use governance in the Philippines, focusing on sustainable development policy frameworks and smart city practices. Based on a systematic review of the existing literature, policies and implementation practices during the period of 2019–2024, this study highlights key gaps in the implementation of policy objectives versus what is feasible on the ground especially in local government capacity, technology focus and climate resilience. Such evidence illustrates that a combination of sustainability principles and social justice, but also relevant technological development conditional on the local context. Four Key Insights Content Contrast: Local policy-making capabilities lag national policy frameworks; Emerging Technologies -Ethical dilemmas and governance challenges for urban planning; Climate Change is an increasing land use factor, generating socio-ecological trade-off governance questions; and Good Governance - the implementation of technology-driven climate change adaptation requires more local leadership capacity and enhanced citizen engagement. This study adds to the nascent conversation on sustainability within developing cities, offering guidance for policymakers and urban planners.



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