New ‘Chinatown’ in QC eyed

A resolution has been filed with the Quezon City Council, urging Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to direct the City Planning and Development Office to study the possibility of making Banawe Street or a portion of the district into the "Chinatown" of Quezon City.

Councilor Berandette Herrera-Dy, who made the proposal, said Banawe Street is classified as "major commercial zone under the Quezon City Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. It is also an identified growth center which currently enjoys popularity as being host to numerous auto parts and accessories shops, mostly owned by Filipino-Chinese businessmen. Several Chinese restaurants have also began sprouting along Banawe.

Dy said that the city planning officer needs to come up with a feasibility study wherein the boundaries of the proposed Chinatown would be identified and delineated, followed by a listing of all business establishments operated by Chinese and Filipinos.

"The study may also include the identification of business, civic, social and religious organization in the area and to consult with them regarding the proposal," Dy said.

She explained that the proposed resolution is in accordance with a Section 18 of the Local Government Code, which provides that local government units "shall have the power and authority, to acquire, develop lease, encumber, alienate, or otherwise dispose of real or personal property power and functions and thereby ensure their development in self-reliant communities and active participants in the attainment of national goals."

Dy noted that during a recent strategic planning workshop, it has been envisioned that local governance shall be " the model of effective governance, and responsible leadership, working in partnership with the citizenry in building a quality community." Several potential growth centers within the city have also been identified so they may be enhanced in terms of infrastructure, environmental and regulatory support to realize their potentials.

Apart from Banawe, the city government has identified the Timog triangle bounded by Tomas Marato and Timog Avenue, Metro Cubao, Libis, Novaliches/North Fairview and parts of the North Triangle as special growth centers programmed for fast-track development.

The identification of business growth centers in the city is aimed at making Quezon City more attractive to business and investment, as well as increase consumer inflow. – Pia Lee-Brago