Climate Change and Colonial Urban Planning: The Case of Planned Relocations in Ormoc City, Philippines

The Philippines is experiencing severe climate crisis impacts, including frequent super typhoons, prolonged droughts, and rising sea levels. These challenges, compounded by poverty and rapid urbanization, have spurred migration from rural to urban areas, intensifying the vulnerability of cities. This research highlights how colonial legacies, economic, cultural, and justice issues further complicate relocation efforts. The study examines relocation strategies in Ormoc and identifies significant concerns about flood-prone resettlement sites. Additionally, it predicts that coastal barangays and low-lying areas may be submerged by 2050 due to rising sea levels. The study explores urban development plans, relocation strategies for vulnerable communities, and the role of local knowledge and citizen science in mitigating coastal flooding risks.