Initiating an Emerald Link in the City of Manila

Future smart cities are incentivized to enhance resident’s wellbeing and quality of life through the integration of major urban ecosystem services cataloged through GIS mapping and active participatory process. The benefits of building smart cities with emerald links are best exemplified with Olmstead’s Emerald Necklace in Boston that showcase the intertwining of forests and water systems as vital resources in the city. Participatory process is a key ingredient in future smart cities as mutual cooperation is necessary for cities and neighborhoods to remain dynamic, healthy and livable. This study documents the experiences of Barangay 530, a community grant proponent of the “Luntiang Pook Grant” from the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Barangay 530 opted for more edible plant species in their grant implementation. This called for collaboration with not only landscape architects for technical expertise, but also urban designers, foresters, GIS mappers, agriculturists, advocates and nutritionists. A pictorial catalog of screen captures during the webinar workshops is featured to show the relevance of different disciplines in urban greening and record the participants in online and face to face interactions. Pressures in the grant implementation are noted and recommendations are also offered for future grant implementation undertakings. Data collected show that there is a need to empower the logistical capability of barangays to fully engage communities in a smart emerald link for Manila’s future landscape. The innovation of participatory and community design is vital in promoting grassroots ownership and success in grant implementation.