Possible question
"Santiago City is recognized for its growing population, and overpopulation is indeed a major
concern. Given this, why are you conducting a site suitability assessment, especially when
overpopulation could suggest a need to reduce the population rather than focus on expanding
residential areas?"
Research Question 1: How can QGIS be used to assess site suitability for residential subdivision
development in Santiago City?
Answer from Results: The use of QGIS to categorize the land into different suitability
classes (High, Moderate, Low, and Unsuitable) directly addresses this question. QGIS
overlays, as demonstrated in the results, helped classify Santiago City's land based on
factors like proximity to hazards, amenities, and compliance with legal standards. The
results are a direct output of the GIS-based assessment that your research question
addresses.
Research Question 2: Where are the most suitable areas for residential subdivision
development in Santiago City, considering factors like fault lines, cemeteries, the NGCP Line (230
kV), water bodies, flood risk, pollution sources, terrain, poultry and livestock farms, and access
to markets, schools, and health facilities, while meeting legal development standards?
Answer from Results: The results clearly show that only 4.24% of Santiago City's land is
classified as highly suitable, based on factors like safe distances from fault lines, flood-
prone areas, and proximity to essential services like schools and commercial centers. The
barangays listed under high suitability (e.g., Nabuan, Sagana, Rizal) are optimal for
residential development, addressing the factors mentioned in the research question.
Research Question 3: In what ways can GIS-based site suitability analysis contribute to
promoting sustainable, resilient, and disaster-prepared residential development in Santiago
City?
Answer from Results: GIS-based analysis plays a critical role in promoting sustainable
and disaster-resilient development by identifying areas with low exposure to natural
hazards (e.g., fault lines, flood zones) while ensuring accessibility to services like schools
and markets. The research emphasizes the importance of selecting highly suitable areas
for residential development that meet safety standards, thereby contributing to disaster
preparedness. Areas classified as "high suitability" are particularly aligned with
sustainability and resilience principles due to their adherence to safety regulations and
urban convenience.
PRESERVATON OF AGRICULTURAL
E MAY MAPA NAMAN NA SO MY SAGOT NA,
WHY DID YOU USE UTM 51 EPSG
1. High Suitability
✅ Complies with all legal and technical requirements (e.g., not near fault lines, flood
zones, steep slopes).
✅ Within 800 meters of both schools and commercial establishments.
🏡 Ideal for residential subdivision development due to safety and urban convenience.
🚶♂️🚶♀️Fully walkable to essential services.
2. Mod-erate Suitability
✅ Also meets all legal and technical requirements (safe from hazards).
⚠️Within walking distance to either a school or a commercial center, but not both.
🏡 Still viable for residential development, but lacks full walkability.
🚶♂️/🏪 Only partially accessible.
3. Low Suitability
✅ Legally and technically compliant (safe zones, proper setbacks).
❌ Located beyond 800 meters from both schools and commercial areas.
🏡 Legally viable, but less desirable due to poor accessibility.
🚗 May require vehicular transport for essential services.
A subdivision can be considered sustainable when it meets legal, environmental, and social
criteria that ensure long-term livability, safety, and minimal ecological impact. Based on your
suitability classifications, a sustainable subdivision would have the following characteristics:
✅ 1. Legally and Technically Compliant
Built away from hazards such as fault lines, flood-prone areas, and steep slopes.
Follows regulations on easements, setbacks, and zoning (DHSUD, HLURB).
✅ 2. Environmentally Sound
Avoids critical environmental areas like waterways and forests.
Incorporates green spaces, drainage systems, and climate-resilient designs.
Minimizes land conversion by using already urbanized or suitable lands (like your “High
Suitability” zones).
✅ 3. Accessible to Basic Services
Located within 800 meters of schools and commercial centers, ensuring walkability.
Reduces reliance on cars, which lowers emissions and promotes healthier lifestyles.
✅ 4. Efficient Infrastructure and Utilities
Integrated with existing road networks, power lines, and water supply.
Promotes compact, connected design to reduce sprawl and cost of public services.
✅ 5. Socially Inclusive
Supports mixed-income housing or inclusive zoning.
Offers access to public spaces, jobs, education, and health facilities.
In short, a sustainable subdivision is one that is safe, accessible, environmentally responsible,
and aligned with long-term urban planning goals.
Would you like a checklist version of this for your presentation?
