This week, the readings that focused on Healthy Cities resonated and also dovetailed with the

discussions on Diversity, in that truly diverse cities enable opportunities for healthy interactions
that contribute to the well-being of the individuals, families and communities residing in that
city.

In particular, I found the contrasts in the Carter reading on Blue Zones and the Tan reading on
health equity compelling. The Carter reading presented itself insofar as there is a rigorous private
sector effort to ensure that there is a level of personal accountability in terms of living a healthier
life within their cities. That said, with the Blue Zone process, there is a level of abdication of the
obligation of the state to ensure that their cities can provide meaningful and impactful policies
that will ensure that they meet the rubric required to qualify as a legitimately healthy city. To
me, a healthy city is not just one that enables a healthful environment; it takes into consideration
all the non-medical considerations that directly impact all the aspects of a person’s well-being.

With that, I did appreciate the stark contrast of the Tan reading, which introduced into my
mental/academic lexicon the concept of health equity. I find this concept compelling and
necessary. I had decided to focus on three emergent areas of interest as a result of my Masters:
sustainability, emergent technology, and health care. As such, I am truly open and receptive to
the need of incorporating health equity into every facet of planning a truly healthy city. This
speaks to me as a Filipino as well. To me, health equity should be the primary consideration in
mapping out both local and national health policies, especially in my country where the system
of health care is nowhere near as accessible or affordable for the majority of the people.

With that, I also appreciated that the concept of a Diverse city was integrated with the concept of
a healthy city. After having presented on the topic for the class debate, I did appreciate and
realize that there is an obligation on the part of the city planner to provide a spatial and logistical
environment that allows for a wealth of potential experiences, and healthy engagements for all
persons residing within the city or jurisdiction.

Through these readings and the discourse in class, I am glad that the concept of a healthy and
diverse city has crystallized in my consciousness. As the special semester draws to an all-too
quick close, the itemization of an ideal city environment is now forming in my head, and leading
me to finally begin writing my final paper. Fingers crossed that the latter turns out to be robust
and ‘healthy’, as well.