Policy implications of urban greening to sustainable gentrification: a case study of Quezon city, Philippines

Abstract

Rapid urbanization entails a number of urban problems that need to be confronted. There is a call to utilize urban spaces while observing the pillars of sustainability wherein the harmony among aspects such as economic, social, and environmental must be achieved. Urban greening, a tool for urban planning is one of the solutions being seen by different stakeholders globally in addressing urban problems. However, in the process of urban development, gentrification, an unchecked phenomenon arises. The movement of middle class people to either developed or redeveloped urban areas can possibly entail social issues such as displacement and exclusivity of urban projects. In this regard, urban policies play a huge role in achieving sustainable cities. Having Quezon City, Philippines as the study area, this research looks at the possible relationship between urban greening and green gentrification, a kind of gentrification that is triggered by green initiatives. This study uses a mixed-method approach to further understand the relationship between urban greening and green gentrification. Quantitative data are derived from questionnaire while qualitative data are derived from in-depth interviews and policy study. Modes and percentages are used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis is used to derive qualitative data. Research results from various tools mentioned are cross-examined through data triangulation deriving the following research findings: Friction between Social and Economic Development, Manifestation of Urban Greening Policies in the Case Study Area, Infusion of Sustainable Considerations, and Indication of Certain Trade-offs in the Process of Urban Development as the Phenomena of Gentrification, Green Gentrification, and Urban Greening Coincide. Since the process of gentrification amidst urbanization is something that cannot be easily halted in this period of time, a number of policy recommendations are provided in this study trying to look at the possibility of seeing gentrification in a sustainable manner, hence sustainable gentrification.