Abstract
This case study was conducted to better understand the present situation of green spaces in Marikina City, in the suburbs of metropolitan Manila, a typical large Asian city. Changes in landuse and green space in relation to the urbanization process were investigated through examination of aerial photographs. GIS was used for data analysis. Landuse changes advanced according to the ease of development as affected by landform. Urbanization proceeded on all types of landforms, and as a consequence, green spaces significantly decreased in all landuse categories. Residential area was the most quickly expanding landuse, but green spaces in individual residential lots seem to be very important. A vegetation survey was conducted in residential districts of Marikina City, and the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of trees were analyzed. Lot size had some influence on the quantity of greenery in residential lots. In smaller lots, however, quantity did not increase in proportion to lot size. It appears, then, that the landuse controls for individual lots did not function effectively. Quantitative differences of greenery were related to qualitative differences, depending on the year or period of development of the residential area. In the newly developed residential lots, the greenery is comprised mostly of ornamental trees. Under the present circumstances, there is no assurance of sustaining the desired quantity of greenery in smaller residential lots. In the future, planners should promote consensus building with local residents about the conservation and creation of green spaces on their private lands as well as enhance landuse control.
