Chapter V

CHAPTER 5.0 LAND USE PLAN

5.1. INTRODUCTION

Tarlac City is the premier settlement area of the whole Tarlac Province.

Having the highest urban population among the rest, Tarlac City is

considered as the Primary Urban Center (PUC) of the Province. Other

factors that make the City a PUC are its indicator functions such as

presence of specialist medical facilities, offices for NGAs, and tourism

facilities, plus the fact that the large town has the role of an inter-regional

center. Because of these factors, other municipalities rely on the services

of Tarlac City, thus making it as the hub of the province.

Tarlac City will continue to be the settlement with the most number of

urban and rural dwellers in the whole province. The City has an urban

population that would be closely equivalent to its rural share, where it is

projected by the year 2010, the rural population of the City would be

174,294 and 166,321 for urban, which sums up to around 340,615. This

implies that the settlement will be predominantly urban for the next 9

years.

Based on the scalogram and centrality indices technique1, Tarlac City

possesses the widest range of functions and services in the whole

Province of Tarlac. Its services are the following:

• Rural banks • Light/medium industries

• Gasoline stations • Tourism areas

• Hardware stores • Specialty stores

• Water districts • Restaurants

• Telephone services • Power supply

• Private/commercial banks • Hotels/lodges

• Inland resorts • Cinemas/theaters

• Hospitals • Supermarkets

• Colleges/universities • Bus terminals

1 Source: Province of Tarlac, Provincial Physical Framework Plan (1999-2008)

It is projected that by the year 2010, the City of Tarlac will remain as a

large town and still be the highest-level center. This is due to the fact that

the City will still have the largest population in the Province by the

previously said year.

Having the vision for the whole of Tarlac City, the proposed land use plan

shall focus on 3 areas of development. The first priority of development is

the industrial aspect of the City. Being the vital part of the industrial hub of

the “W” Growth Corridor and being the site for the Luisita Industrial Park

(LIP), Tarlac City shall concentrate on the industrial sector of the locality,

which is envisioned to greatly industrialized in the whole corridor.

On the other hand, working side by side with the pursuit of being an

industrial hub, Tarlac City will also develop its agricultural potentials as its

second priority of development. The City of Tarlac, situated in a province

that is a major food producer for Central Luzon, shall continue to pursue

this role in the region.

Lastly, Tarlac City shall also fulfill its part in the rest and recreation

capacities of the province. Tarlac City’s tourism capabilities will also be

included in the land use plan, thus making tourism as the third priority of

development in the City.

On the other hand, Tarlac City should uphold policy of certain policies

relevant to land use. One of these is the National Land Use Act that

embodies the National Land Use Policy (NLUP). This policy adheres to

the concept of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, which aims in meeting

the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the needs

of the future generations.

Another is the Regional Tourism Master Plan for Central Luzon from the

Department of Tourism. The main objective of this master plan is to

provide a foundation and direction for the government and private sector

in developing the tourism industry of the region. It focuses on the

development, as well as the improvement and promotion of such strategic

tourist locations.

The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 (RA No. 7916) provides the

mechanism and framework for the creation, operation, administration, and

coordination of special economic zones in the Philippines; thus, for this

purpose, the Philippine Economic Zones Authority (PEZA) was created.

Finally, other relevant laws, such as The Local Government Code of 1991

(RA 7160), Executive Order No. 72, and Memorandum Circular No. 54.

5.2 METHODOLOGY

Existing files, data, and maps of Tarlac City reflected a total land area of

only 27,466 hectares (this area represented only Titled lands as picked up

by the Bureau of Lands). City officials informed the study group of said

discrepancy saying that the real area of the City was actually 42,550

hectares. With the recently approved Provincial Physical Framework

Plan (PPFP) of Tarlac (1999-2008) as basis, the group made use of the

area stated therein which was, fortunately, 42,550 hectares. Next problem

encountered was how to reflect this area in the existing land use plans.

In response to this, there was a need to re-plot and re-determine the

boundaries of Tarlac City. Thus, experts from Geo-survey and Mapping,

Inc. (GSMI) and engineers from a private group specialist in AutoCAD

were tapped in order to re-establish the boundaries of the City’s features

and to determine their actual land areas.

After painstakingly plotting the boundaries using aerial photographs, and

through the use of coordinates as picked up from maps from the Bureau of

Soils & Water Management, it was initially estimated that the area

reflected in said maps was approximately 36,117 hectares, which was

definitely more than the 27,466 hectares as reported. Hence, with this

breakthrough, this gave the planners evidence that Tarlac City’s land area

was not only limited to 27,466 hectares, thus yielding the possibility of

attaining the total hectarage of 42,550.

5.3. SECTORAL LAND USE IMPLICATIONS

The City’s land use plan takes into account the balance between man and

nature. Such environmental consideration in planning has the following

obligations:

• Industry should have its own designated space and room for growth.

The industrial park should be promoted for environment-friendly light

industries.

• Agriculture should have enough space to develop sufficient produce for

the community’s needs. Prime agricultural lands should not be

converted to other uses.

• Flow of irrigation canals should be continuous and should not be

altered.

• Existing and potential tourism areas must be classified as such, in

order to maintain their attraction.

• Urban commercial centers must be established strategically primarily

to serve the residents. Clusters of rural barangays also need their

own. Such centers must be clearly defined in terms of space and

limits, with adequate control measures to minimize adverse impact on

the residents and nature.

• Areas for new schools in the City growth and rural areas should also

be demarcated. Likewise, expansion area for the sub-standard school

sites in urban area and private schools should be considered.

• Sports and recreation requirements such as open spaces, children’s

parks, basketball and/or volleyball courts should be provided at least in

areas easily accessible to residents. Such facilities should also be

provided in centers of barangay clusters if not possible for every

barangay.

• Areas or structures of cultural or historical significance must be

identified and preserved.

• Road right-of-way, including those for bridges, drainage and sewage

lines, should be provided; and once laid, must be maintained for such

uses. The planning of streets should include off-lane

loading/unloading/parking areas.

• Water supply sources should be protected.

• Power lines right-of-way as well as for other utilities should also be

provided for in planning for roads and streets.

• Solid waste disposal system areas must be identified and protected to

serve their purposes. Same for natural waterways.

• Location and establishment of telecommunication facilities, such as

cellsites, etc. must be properly regulated.

• Catchments and salvage areas of rivers, riverbanks, and other fragile

lands are environmentally significant. They may be delineated and

protected to regulate development.

5.4. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

Consultations on land use have brought forth concerns and issues that

affect land development. Basically, settlement areas outside the City’s

urban district are sporadically arranged, thus making the provision for

essential community services and facilities a little difficult and expensive.

Furthermore, in the built-up areas, there are cases where non-conforming

and contradicting land uses are existent.

Another issue is the high in-migration growth rate in the City. Most of the

in-migrants who cannot afford the cost of residential dwellings squat on

private as well as public lands.

The loss of productive agricultural land to non-agricultural uses is another

factor. If not protected, these agri lands are the periphery of the urban

area and of settlement sites in rural barangays, thus are likely to be used

for non-agricultural purposes in the future.

Need to conduct cadastral survey in order to delineate actual barangay

boundaries and areas.

As mentioned above, these are challenges to planners and development

policy-makers in the City of Tarlac. There is a need to find appropriate

balance among the development initiatives, as well as the formulation of

harmonious goals of the different sectors of development.

5.5 MAJOR GOALS

The development goals are as follows:

• Setting industrial development as the primary sector, followed by

agriculture and finally by tourism;

• The majority of the population able to meet their minimum basic

needs of adequate food, health, education, shelter, and human

dignity with their productive capacity adequately harnessed to the

national and international level of competitiveness;

• The majority of City inhabitants provided access to adequate,

dependable and safe water supply, adequate and dependable

power supply, reliable and adequate communication and transport

facilities; and the urban dwellers’ efficient and environment-friendly

drainage, sewage, and garbage disposal systems;

• The effective and sound land use development resulting in

increased employment opportunities, and sustainable use of the

land;

• To finally come up with the 42,550 hectares of the city’s land area

and resolve the political boundaries of the 76 barangays of the city

and the neighboring municipalities;

• A well-governed local government unit with improved delivery of

basic services through the provision of responsive policy directions

and adequate administrative support; and

• A sound and effective land use development plan and Zoning

Ordinance facilitating in increased employment opportunities, urban

and rural production, services, and sustainable use of the land and

other natural resources.

City Government of TarlacOffice of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__39___

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

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BASE MAP OF TARLAC CITY


Map No.__39___

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANCity Government of Tarlac

Office of the City Planning and Development

Map No.__39___


- 243 -

BASE MAP OF TARLAC CITY

5.6 GENERAL LAND USE

The largest existing general land use category that occupies the City of

Tarlac is agriculture, which has an area of 21,535.60 hectares. On the

other hand, the smallest area is devoted for special uses, which is only

83.28 hectares. This was based on the data of City Assessor’s Office

wherein some land uses were not classified. So, the area for the

“uncategorized” land use was estimated about 15,040.52 hectares to

consummate the 42,550 hectares of the city’s total land area.

However, on the proposed general land use of the City, for agriculture

increased to 23,539.06 hectares, which has the largest area. While

grasslands, having the smallest area is approximately 2,127.50 hectares.

Subsequently, the “uncategorized” and “special” uses were no longer

included in the proposed general land use of the City, as a result of the

computerization of the maps, they were able to delineate these

approximate areas into their land classifications.

On the other hand, irrigation canals should flow freely and continuously,

thus it is being proposed that all irrigation canals be clear of any

development.

TABLE NO. 66

EXISTING GENERAL LAND USE CITY OF TARLAC

LAND USE AREA (HAS.) PERCENTAGE

1. Built-up 4,854.17 11.41 Residential Commercial Institutional Other uses

4,576.78104.55131.42

41.42

2. Industrial 1,036.43 2.44

3. Agricultural 21,535.60 50.61

5. Special 83.28 0.19

6. Uncategorized 15,040.52 35.35

TOTAL 42,550.00 100.00

Sinait

Dolores

Mata talaib

TibagSan Juan de Bautista

Binauganan

San Sebastian

Maliwalo

CalingcuanSan Jose

Cut-cut II

Ungot

Sta. Cruz

Aguso

Balibago I

Balibago II

Banaba

San Luis

Caran gian

San Vicente

Asturias

BantogLourdes

Balete

Cen tral

Mapalacsiao

Dela Paz

Sapang Maragul

Care

Tibagan

Villa Bacolor

Amucao

Sapang Tagalog

San Carlos

Atioc

San Miguel

San Francisco

Capehan

Buenavista

Suizo

Paraiso

Trinidad

Culipat

Armenia

Burot

Malig ayaBalanti

Bora

Balin gcanaway

Laoang

TO CAMILING

TO B

AGU

IO

TO VICTORIA

TO LA PAZ

TO

MA

NILA

TO S AN JOSE

Sto. Domingo

Baras-Baras

Mapalad

San Pascual

San Ju an de Mata

Sta. MariaS to . Niño

Alvindia

Dalayap

Tariji

SalapunganBuh ilit

Batang-Batang

San Manuel

San Rafael

San Isidro Sepung Calzada

San Nicolas

PoblacionMab ini

Sto . CristoCut-cut I

San Roque

L igtasan

San Pablo

San Jose de Urquico

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F G E R O N A

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F V I C T O R I A

M U

N I

C I

P A

L I

T Y

O F

L

A P

A Z

M U N I C I P

A L I T Y O

F C O N C E P C I O

N

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F C A P A S

M U

N I

C I

P A

L I

T Y

O

F

S A

N J

O S

E

M U N I C I P

A L I T Y O

F S T A . I

G N A C I A

- 245 -

EXISTING GENERAL LAND USE PLAN


Map No.__40___


Sinait

Dolores

Mata talaib

TibagSan Juan de Bautista

Binauganan

San Sebastian

Maliwalo

CalingcuanSan Jose

Cut-cut II

Ungot

Sta. Cruz

Aguso

Balibago I

Balibago II

Banaba

San Luis

Caran gian

San Vicente

Asturias

BantogLourdes

Balete

Cen tral

Mapalacsiao

Dela Paz

Sapang Maragul

Care

Tibagan

Villa Bacolor

Amucao

Sapang Tagalog

San Carlos

Atioc

San Miguel

San Francisco

Capehan

Buenavista

Suizo

Paraiso

Trinidad

Culipat

Armenia

Burot

Malig ayaBalanti

Bora

Balin gcanaway

Laoang

TO CAMILING

TO B

AGU

IO

TO VICTORIA

TO LA PAZ

TO

MA

NILA

TO S AN JOSE

Sto. Domingo

Baras-Baras

Mapalad

San Pascual

San Ju an de Mata

Sta. MariaS to . Niño

Alvindia

Dalayap

Tariji

SalapunganBuh ilit

Batang-Batang

San Manuel

San Rafael


San Nicolas

PoblacionMab ini

Sto . CristoCut-cut I

San Roque

L igtasan

San Pablo

San Jose de Urquico

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F G E R O N A

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F V I C T O R I A

M U

N I

C I

P A

L I

T Y

O F

L

A P

A Z

M U N I C I P

A L I T Y O

F C O N C E P C I O

N

M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F C A P A S

M U

N I

C I

P A

L I

T Y

O

F

S A

N J

O S

E

M U N I C I P

A L I T Y O

F S T A . I

G N A C I A

- 245 -

EXISTING GENERAL LAND USE PLAN


Map No.__40___



Map No.__40___


Sinait

Dolores

Matatalaib

Tibag

Binauganan

San Sebastian

CalingcuanSan Jose

Ungot

Sta. Cruz

Aguso

Balibago I

Balibago II

Banaba

San Luis

Carangian

Asturias

BantogBalete

Central

Mapalac siao

Dela Paz

Sapang Maragul

Care

Tibagan

Villa Bacolor

Amucao

San Carlos

Atioc

San Miguel

San Franc isco

Capehan

Buenavista

Suizo

Paraiso

Trinidad

Culipat

Armenia

Burot

Balanti

Bora

Balingcanaway

Laoang

TO CA

MILING

TO

BAGU

IO

T O VICT ORIA

T O LA PAZ

TO

MA

NILA

T O SA N JOSE

Sto. Domingo

Baras -Baras

Mapalad

San Pascual

Sta . MariaSto. Niño

Dalayap

SalapunganBuhilit

Batang-Batang

San Manuel

San Rafael


San Nicolas

Pob lacion

Mabini

Sto. CristoCut -c ut I

San Roque

L ig tasan

San Pablo

San J os e de Urquico

Lourdes

Sapang Tagalog

S an Vicente

Maliwalo

Maligaya

San Juan de Bautista

San Juan de Mata

I-1

I-1

I -1

I-1

Alv india

Cut-cut II

I-1

Tariji


Map No.__41___


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PROPOSED GENERAL LAND USE PLAN

Sinait

Dolores

Matatalaib

Tibag

Binauganan

San Sebastian

CalingcuanSan Jose

Ungot

Sta. Cruz

Aguso

Balibago I

Balibago II

Banaba

San Luis

Carangian

Asturias

BantogBalete

Central

Mapalac siao

Dela Paz

Sapang Maragul

Care

Tibagan

Villa Bacolor

Amucao

San Carlos

Atioc

San Miguel

San Franc isco

Capehan

Buenavista

Suizo

Paraiso

Trinidad

Culipat

Armenia

Burot

Balanti

Bora

Balingcanaway

Laoang

TO CA

MILING

TO

BAGU

IO

T O VICT ORIA

T O LA PAZ

TO

MA

NILA

T O SA N JOSE

Sto. Domingo

Baras -Baras

Mapalad

San Pascual

Sta . MariaSto. Niño

Dalayap

SalapunganBuhilit

Batang-Batang

San Manuel

San Rafael


San Nicolas

Pob lacion

Mabini

Sto. CristoCut -c ut I

San Roque

L ig tasan

San Pablo

San J os e de Urquico

Lourdes

Sapang Tagalog

S an Vicente

Maliwalo

Maligaya

San Juan de Bautista

San Juan de Mata

I-1

I-1

I -1

I-1

Alv india

Cut-cut II

I-1

Tariji


Map No.__41___



Map No.__41___


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PROPOSED GENERAL LAND USE PLAN

TABLE NO. 67 PROPOSED GENERAL LAND USE

CITY OF TARLAC

LAND USE AREA (HAS.) PERCENTAGE

1. Built-up 6,808.00 16.00

Residential Commercial Institutional Other uses

5,720.98568.55325.49192.98

2. Industrial 2,680.65 6.30

3. Agricultural 23,539.06 55.32

4. Roads and waterways 7,394.79 17.38

5. Grasslands 2,127.50 5.00

TOTAL 42,550.00 100.00

5.7 THE URBAN GROWTH AREA

The Existing Urban Growth Area

The urban growth pattern of Tarlac City is considered mainly as linear,

which is evident in the existence of commercial establishments and

residences along the McArthur Highway, and other barangay roads.

These linear developments lead to an urban center that encompasses

Poblacion and Brgy Mabini. Added to these commercial developments

are the existences of residential houses that surround the said center.

There are 19 existing urban barangays in the City of Tarlac. They are the

following:

San Juan de Bautista San Miguel Cut-Cut 1 San Nicolas Ligtasan San Rafael Mabini San Roque Maligaya San Sebastian Maliwalo San Vicente Matatalaib Santo Cristo Paraiso San Pablo Poblacion Sepung Calzada Salapungan

Based on the registered land, the existing urban area has a total of

4,549.15 hectares. However, only five land uses were classified, namely;

residential, commercial, industrial and special with an area totaling

2,645.40 hectares. While the institutional, road & utilities and other uses

were approximately computed at about 231.51 hectares. As a result of the

computerization of the maps, the “uncategorized” and “special” uses

were no longer included in the proposed urban land use as they were able

to delineate these approximate areas into their land classifications.

Proposed Urban Land Use

Because of development and population increase, it is proposed that 5

new barangays be added to the urban settlement area. These barangays

are: Suizo, Carangian, Binauganan, San Isidro and Tibag.

Thus, the proposed urban area will yield a total of 24 barangays, which will

total to 7,229.62 hectares.

Based on the existing linear pattern of urban development along major

thoroughfares, it is foreseen that the center of development, namely the

Poblacion and Mabini, shall have a concentric type of development when

it expands in the future. Thus, expansion of commercial establishments is

said to occupy Brgy. San Roque, which is right beside the said center. In

addition, it is also expected that such commercial development will also be

surrounded by residential developments, which adds to the characteristic

of concentric development.

However, portions of the existing and proposed urban areas will not be

developed further because of the existence of main irrigation canals in the

vicinity.

5.7.1 Development Margin and Dominant Land Use Proposal for the Urban and Urbanizing Areas

Tarlac City has a land area of 42,550 hectares (present). Through

Thematic Mapping Exercises, this land area contains sections that

were identified unsuitable, as well as built-up areas.

Areas that are unsuitable for development are considered as

protected areas. There are no areas in Tarlac City that have

elevations of 1,000 meters. However, the highest elevation in the

City is 122 meters above sea level, which is found in Brgy. San

Juan De Mata. Other areas are flood prone areas such as San

Isidro, Sinait, Dela Paz, San Carlos, Capehan, Sapang Tagalog,

Cut-Cut 2, Bantog, Amucao, Dolores, San Rafael, Sta. Maria, Sto.

Niño, Balibago 1, Balibago 2, Dalayap, San Vicente, Armenia, San

Jose De Urquico, Care, Sapang Maragul, Laoang, San Rafael,

Batang-Batang, Maliwalo, Balingcanaway, and Amucao. Added to

these areas are river easements along the Tarlac River, Bulsa

(Moriones) River, and O’ Donnell River in Barangays Santa Maria,

Sta. Cruz, Sinait, Aguso, San Isidro, Salapungan, Sepung Calzada,

San Nicolas, Mabini, Cut-Cut 1, Carangian, San Luis, San Jose De

Urquico, Armenia, Dela Paz, San Carlos, Balanti, Tibagan, and

Tibag. Furthermore, irrigated ricelands in northwestern barangays

of Tarlac City, as well as fishponds in Brgy Sapang Maragul. Built-

up areas are classified in all of the barangays, except Banaba.

5.7.2 Existing and Proposed Land Use in the Urban Growth Area

TABLE NO. 68

EXISTING URBAN LAND USE CITY OF TARLAC

LAND USE AREA (has.) PERCENTAGE

1. Residential 1,715.58 37.71

2. Commercial 67.50 1.49

3. Institutional 61.51 1.35

4. Industrial 1.13 0.02

5. Roads and Utilities 158.67 3.49

6. Other Uses 11.33 0.25

7. Special 1.50 0.03

8. Agricultural 859.69 18.90

9. Uncategorized 1,672.25 36.76

TOTAL 4,549.15 100.00

TABLE NO. 69

PROPOSED URBAN LAND USE CITY OF TARLAC

LAND USE AREA (Has.) PERCENTAGE

1. Residential 4,026.35 55.69

2. Commercial 439.68 6.08

3. Institutional 274.07 3.79

4. Industrial 319.50 4.42

5. Roads and Utilities 202.04 2.80

6. Other Uses 136.60 1.89

7. Grasslands 41.03 0.57

8. Agricultural 1,790.32 24.76

TOTAL 7,229.62 100.00

5.7.2.1 Urban Built-Up Area

The urban area is estimated to have a total area of 4,549.15

hectares, which is 10.69% of the total area of Tarlac City. In

addition, there are 19 urban barangays.

• Residential

Existing Situation

Areas devoted to residential use is approximately 1,715.58

hectares or 37.71% of the total area of the urban setting.

Squatter settlers in the City are mostly concentrated in the

urban barangay/s of Sto. Cristo, San Vicente, San Rafael,

San Roque, San Nicolas, Matatalaib, and Ligtasan. A

resettlement area for the displaced families during the Mt.

Pinatubo eruption in 1991 is situated in Brgy. Sapang

Maragul, Tarlac City, which has an area of around thirteen

(13) hectares.


Map No.__42___


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Map No.__42___



Map No.__42___


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Map No.__43___


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Map No.__43___



Map No.__43___


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Proposed

The proposed residential lands shall be expanded in the

areas of Brgy Suizo, Carangian, Tibag, San Isidro, and

Binauganan. An addition of 570 hectares is needed in the

vicinity.

Squatter settlers in the City shall also be relocated in the

resettlement areas of Sitio Buno in Brgy. Matatalaib and

Brgy. San Rafael.

Objectives and Targets

• To provide sufficient control development in residential

areas to ensure safe, healthy, and pleasant environment.

• To facilitate the construction of dwelling units by year

2010 with essential facilities, services, and amenities.

• To relocate the informal settlers away from commercial

areas of the City.

• To promote the infilling of vacant spaces in the CBD.

Strategies

• The allocation of suitable areas for residential land and

the accommodation of the increasing population up to

year 2010 in the areas of Buno in Matatalaib and in San

Rafael.

• Residential expansions shall be provided with basic

facilities and amenities, such as roads, open spaces, and

social services (e.g. schools, local retail, and commercial

facilities).

• The strict observance of the Zoning Ordinances.

• The implementation of RA 7279 (UDHA).

• Commercial Existing Situation

Tarlac is a very progressive city. Several commercial

establishments are found in the urban area, however, only

around 67.50 hectares of land were registered under this

category in the urban location, which is 1.48% of the urban

area. Most of these commercial establishments are storey

high shopping centers and situated in the areas of

Poblacion, San Miguel, and other barangays near the town

center, which contribute greatly to the economic

development of the City.

In effect, the City’s main roads are becoming new areas for

commercial and retail development, which results in

commercial ribbon development. This phenomenon entails

the taking advantage of major roads due to their high

accessibility to commercial possibilities.

Proposed

The proposal for commercial land use in the urban vicinity

shall be increased to serve the needs of the buying public.

The local government has to expand the area of the present

central business district (CBD) and to update the

classification of land within the CBD. In addition, the

improvement/installation of existing/proposed utilities and

facilities within the commercial areas, especially in the areas

of Poblacion, is also needed for the betterment of commerce

in the City.

Objectives and Targets • To allow provision that will allow the enhancement of the

CBD, thus creating a vibrant downtown area through the

consolidation of commercial activities.

• To provide sufficient lands appropriate for commercial

development with due regard for any future expansions.

• To encourage commercial land development that is

compatible and complimentary to neighboring functional

roles.

• To encourage the development of market and other

establishments, such as malls, at designated sites within

the city.

• To improve existing areas of commerce by providing

amenities and utilities, as well as adequate infrastructure

necessary for businesses.

Strategies

• The allocation of an additional land for commercial area

in the Poblacion and other adjacent barangays.

• The provision of necessary facilities for the existing and

proposed commercial area.

• The expansion of the central business district.

• The strict implementation of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

• Increase the allocation of commercial land/s within the

urban and urbanizing areas of Tarlac City.

• Industrial

Existing Situation

Tarlac City is a vital part of the industrial component of the

“W” Growth Corridor of Central Luzon. Supposedly, the

Industrial use in the urban area of the City is represented by

the existence of the Luisita Industrial Park and other light

industries such as food manufacturing/processing.

However, only 1.13 hectares registered under this

component that covers 0.20% of its total urban land area.

Most areas occupied by these industries are in Hacienda

Luisita, where LIP is located.

Proposed

Because of Tarlac City’s potentials, the industrial land use in the urban area shall be increased to 318.37 hectares including the unregistered reclassified lands. This is in response to Tarlac City’s present state of being an industrial hub of the “W” Growth Corridor of Central Luzon that portion of this area will be allocated along the proposed Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project in the eastern part of the city. Furthermore, a light industrial park, combined with an eco-tourism and government center area, shall be situated in a reclaimed portion of the Tarlac River along Brgy. San Nicolas to Brgy. Sta. Cruz in consideration with the future flood frequency analysis.


• To implement the Zoning Ordinance’s restrictions for industrial and manufacturing activities in the area.

Strategies

• The provision of additional areas for light industries in the

urban growth area.

• Institutional

The institutional area has a total hectarage of 61.51, thus

yielding a total of 1.35% of the urban land use of the City.

The area where the City Hall stands is in Ligtasan. On the

other hand, the Provincial Capitol and other government

offices are situated in San Vicente. Furthermore, a

government center shall be situated along a proposed

reclaimed portion of Tarlac River along Brgy. San Nicolas to

Brgy. Sta. Cruz, which shall be placed along a light industrial

and eco-tourism park.

• Educational

Existing Situation

Tarlac City has the most number of educational facilities. In the whole City, there are 102 elementary schools (86 public and 16 private) and 22 secondary schools (8 public and 14 private).

In addition, there are 4 schools offering Tertiary education to

students. Among the 4 is Tarlac State University, which is considered as a public school, while the rest are considered private institutions.

Proposed

There is a demand for 106 classrooms for elementary

education and 175 classrooms for secondary education are

also needed. However, 105 classrooms for tertiary

education are required to be constructed. Finally, there is a

need additional classrooms for vocational and/or technical

tertiary education.

Allocation of areas for new elementary schools and

secondary schools in the Tarlac City’s growth areas and in

the rural area is necessary.

• Military

There are 2 areas proclaimed as Military Reservations within

the area. These camps are located in San Miguel and San

Vicente and are named as Northern Luzon Command

(NOLCOM) and Camp Macabulos respectively. On the

other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP)

Headquarters and Logistics Command is also situated in the

area of P. Burgos, Poblacion, Tarlac City. In addition to that,

there are 8 sub-stations located at Brgys San Sebastian,

Maliwalo, Mabini, San Miguel, Salapungan, Mapalacsiao,

Tibag, and San Isidro.

• Other Uses (public or semi-public uses)

This category covers the cemeteries, memorial parks and

other uses which are not normally included in the above

major use categories.

• Tourism

Existing Situation

There are a number of tourist destinations in Tarlac City.

Such tourist destinations are located in the Brgys of Care,

Tibag, San Juan De Mata, Sto. Cristo, and Panampunan.

One of them is the newly constructed Armed Forces of the

Philippines Museum and another is the Luisita Industrial

Park, which are both located in San Miguel. Added to that is

another seasonal crowd drawer, the Dolores Spring in Brgy

Dolores, Tarlac City. Lastly, highway based tourism facilities

should also be placed along the major roads of the City.

Proposed

The City government proposes to establish more tourist

destinations in the areas of Brgy San Juan de Mata, Laoang,

and Sto. Domingo. This will involve the development of the

Benig Creek into an agro tourism area. Furthermore,

accommodation facilities and infrastructure must be

improved/added to cater to the needs of incoming tourists.

Finally, an eco-tourism, combined with a government center

and light industrial park shall be placed on a proposed

reclaimed portion of the Tarlac River, along barangays San

Nicolas to Sta. Cruz.

• Roads and Utilities

Land devoted for infrastructure uses has an area of 158.67 hectares, which is 3.49% of the urban land of the area.

• Transportation

• Roads

Existing Situation

The Manila North Road (MacArthur Highway) is the main national road in the City. This national road has a total length of 54.586 kilometers. On the other hand, there are 13 provincial roads in the City Center.

Traffic congestion is presently being experienced in the roads of the present CBD. In response to the present traffic situation in the CBD, the local government has been improving several barangay, rural, as well as farm-to-market roads to ease the vehicular traffic in the area.

Furthermore, recent calamities have caused some road damages on certain sections of McArthur Highway and roads in the City, which will require repair and improvement.

In the aftermath of several calamities, the City constructed a by-pass road along Sitio Paninaan, Brgy Carangian extending the Aquino Boulevard that linked MacArthur Highway and Romulo Highway. Proposed

An additional road is required to connect Tarlac to Zambales. The proposed route will originate from Brgy Tibag of Tarlac City. Some portions of this road has already been constructed.

The proposed Subic-Clark-Tarlac Tollway Project that will traverse the eastern portion of the city linking the proposed North Luzon Expressway Extension leading to Rosario, La Union.

The rehabilitation of Lawy road of Capas leading to Brgy San Pablo of Tarlac City would help in the decongestion of MacArthur Highway.

Another is the construction of new roads that will by-pass the MacArthur Highway, one in the southeastern part connecting Tarlac-Sta. Rosa Road and the other in the southwestern part connecting Romulo Highway.

The concreting of service roads along the main canal of NIA from Brgy. Carangian to Brgy. Salapungan that will serves as a circumferential road within the urban area.

There is the need to provide for road-right-of-way for proposed roads including those required for drainage and sewerage lines. There will be no further development on areas already identified as within the future street lines.

Future street lines of various existing and proposed roads should be determined and enforced accordingly.

Finally, there is a need for the creation of a Traffic Management Plan.

• Bus and Jeepney Terminals

Existing Situation

There are 9 provincial operating bus terminals in the City which are located in Sto Cristo, Matatalaib, San Roque, San Rafael, and M.H. Del Pilar St. In addition, there is 1 common minibus and jeepney terminal that is found in San Nicolas.

Proposed

There are no proper terminals for tricycle operators, thus they should be provided. On the other hand, additional common terminals for minibuses and jeepney.

• Railway

An old abandoned railway system that served Manila as far as La Union traverses the province. What are left of this train transport system are portions of its tracks and its right-of-way that is occupied by squatters.

• Communications Existing Situation

Tarlac City’s telephone systems are being served by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). Tarlac City has its own PLDT telephone station. Aside from PLDT, there are 11 more telephone companies serving the City.

Aside from telephone companies, Tarlac City also has radio stations.

The City also has postal services that are carried out by the Philippine Postal Office, as well as two sub-offices located at Brgys Maliwalo and San Miguel. Added to those are 6 privately owned mailing companies that operate in the City.

Proposed The City must expand their communications services by the year 2010.

• Power Plant Existing Situation Tarlac City’s electric power is provided by Tarlac

Electric Enterprises Inc., a private franchise, which

covers all of the 76 barangays of Tarlac City. The

company’s electricity being supplied by NAPOCOR

power lines and having its own power generating

plant in Brgy Baras-Baras, there are a total of 51,703

households being served by this franchise. However,

there are still 10,295 households that are still not

served with electricity.

In addition to that, Tarlac Electric Enterprises Inc., has

3 substations found in Brgys Maliwalo, Luisita

Industrial Park in San Miguel, and Baras-baras, which

are all found inside Tarlac City.

Proposed The local government should make it a priority to

provide electricity to still unserved areas and to

expand its electrical services in response to the

increase in Tarlac City’s population in 2010.

On the other hand, right-of-way for electric power

lines shall also be considered in the plans of installing

and expanding electricity in the City.

• Dumpsite

Existing Situation The City discharges a total of 3 cubic meters per ton of garbage every day. Because of this, Tarlac City has a 12 hectare dumpsite in Brgy San Luis. Serving 40 barangays, 2 public markets, 1 slaughterhouse, several commercial establishments, industries, subdivisions, and industries. This dumpsite, which is 3.80 kilometers away from Poblacion, is a small

portion of the 125 hectare property of Brgy San Luis. The non-renewable contract of lease for this site is good only for 1 year. In addition to that, the City government conducts clean and green programs.

Proposed The City must also look for other prospective sanitary landfill in the vicinity in response to the growing population of Tarlac City and to achieve the objectives of the R.A. 9003. The new site must have an area of 9.94 hectares including an area for the establishment of material recovery facility.

• Flood Control

Existing Situation After the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, Tarlac River in Tarlac City was greatly affected by heavy lahar deposits. Because of the eruption’s tremendous effect on the river, very long earthdikes and series of strategically spurdikes were constructed in Brgy Salapungan to protect the area from severe floods.

Proposed Rivers and creeks, as natural floodways, must be rehabilitated to its desired form to contain bigger volume of flood, specifically the Masalasa Creek up to Rio Chico River to be effectively used as a major outfall of flood water of the city and adjacent municipalities. To mitigate the adverse effect of flood especially in the economic area, provision of pumping stations shall be located strategically on areas that flood waters can be pumped back to Tarlac River. Construction of additional drainage canals at various barangays based on flood frequency analysis shall also be done.

5.7.2.2 Agriculture

Area used for agricultural purposes has a total of 859.69

hectares, thus yielding a total of 18.90% of Tarlac City’s

area. The flow of irrigation canals shall not be diverted or

hindered by development.

• Cultivated Lands

There is a total of 17,452 hectares of cultivated land allotted

for the whole City. Most of these areas have already been

reclassified to either commercial or subdivision use. Tarlac

City has agricultural areas and supporting large scale

agricultural production and processing infrastructure.

• Livestock and Poultry

The City has an area of 7,144 hectares for raising poultry

and livestock, which are located in Brgys Armenia, San Luis,

Sto .Domingo, San Juan de Mata, and Care.

• Fish Ponds Freshwater aquaculture fishponds of Tarlac City are located

in Brgy Sapang Maragul. There is a total of area of 570

hectares devoted to fish ponds in the City.

5.7.2.3 Grasslands

There is a proposed area about 2,127.50 hectares of

grasslands or pasture lands, which is 5.00% of the total land

area.

5.7.2.4 Parks and Open Spaces

These lands are one of the remaining portions that make-up

the total land area of the City, which is 42,550 hectares.

Parks and open spaces fall under “special uses” said to

possess 1.50 hectares, which is 0.03% of the urban land

area.

• Cemeteries/Memorial Parks Existing Situation There are nine (9) cemeteries and four (4) memorial parks

located around the City of Tarlac. They are located in Brgys.

San Pablo, Balingcanaway, San Francisco, Matatalaib, San

Vicente, Binauganan, Tibag. San Juan de Mata, Aguso and

San Miguel. These cemeteries occupy a total area of 41.42

hectares.

Proposed Because of congestion, there is a need to have an addition

and expansion of cemetery(ies) in the north, south, east and

west portions of the City.

• Idle / Vacant Land Existing Situation Having a total of 960.58 hectares, these are under-used

agricultural lands in Tarlac City that are covered with

pyroclastic material, thus making the area idle. These areas

are the barangays fronting the rivers of Tarlac, Bulsa,

Moriones, and O’Donnell.

• Parks / Playgrounds and other Recreational Places Existing Situation Sports facilities in the area consist of 3 gymnasiums, 76

basketball courts, 1 basketball/softball field, 1 pelota court, 1

golf course, 3 tennis courts, 4 swimming pools/resorts, and 1

football field. There are 6 parks, playgrounds, and other

recreational facilities in Poblacion, San Miguel, San Nicolas,

San Sebastian, and San Vicente. Near the City Hall is the

town plaza, also known as the Plazuela. On the other hand,

several covered courts are also present in several

barangays.

Proposed

The City is planning to improve the Plazuela, fronting the

City Hall. Furthermore, additional covered courts and

spaces for recreation must be provided.

5.8 Rural Areas

There are a total of 57 rural barangays in the City. This portion totals to

38,000.85 hectares of land area, which also make-up 89.31% of the City’s

area.

5.8.1 Existing Land Use of the Rural Area

Areas beyond designated urban and urbanizing areas are rural

areas, which includes rivers, creeks, alienable and disposable

lands, national reservations, lands declared by law for specific

areas, environmentally critical area, agricultural lands, settlement

centers of rural barangays, swamps, etc.

5.8.2 Rural Barangay Settlement Areas

These rural barangay settlement areas possess unique characters

and amenities that people seek for lifestyle or environment for

living. Because of the areas’ small size, the people have stronger

social interaction with each other. Furthermore, these areas

preserve their own identity.

These rural barangays range in size from the largest in Armenia

(2,735 hectares) to the smallest in Calingcuan (160 hectares). The

City government should preserve the character and amenity

provided by these rural barangays.

OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS

• To maintain the character, amenity, and social structure of the

rural barangays when assessing further applications for

development.

• To define the boundaries of the rural barangay settlement areas

that are meant to keep their identity.

STRATEGIES

• Improve the Zoning Ordinance provisions for development

standards of rural barangay settlement areas.

• Delineate the boundaries of the settlement areas and reflect

them in the Zoning Map.

5.8.3 Rural Health Units

Presently, there are six (6) Rural Health Units (RHU) and are

located in Poblacion, Matatalaib, San Miguel, San Isidro,

Mapalacsiao and San Manuel. These RHUs give basic health

services to the community.

Due to lack of service, the local government should develop more

RHUs to cater to the medical and health needs of the locals of the

communities. Presently, they have proposals for the building of 6

RHUs

5.8.4 Agriculture

Having a total area of 21,535.60 hectares, the City government

shall protect designated lands that are presently used for

agriculture and those having the capacity for sustainable

agricultural and fishery activity. In addition, developments must not

hinder or alter existing major irrigation canals.


• To prohibit development or land uses that would be

incompatible with agriculture and fishery in specific areas

• To allow tourism activities in association with the agricultural

use of the land only.

• To allow agro-industry to be established that relate directly to

the agricultural pursuit carried out in the locality.

Strategies

• Limit development permitted in the agricultural areas to those

that support the agricultural, economic, and ecological viability

of the area.

• Identify the range of agro-industrial uses compatible with

agriculture.

• Limit subdivision of agricultural land to agriculturally viable and

sustainable holdings.

• Develop the Benig River into an inland channel and agro-

tourism area.

Documents

Chapter V