NO matter where you go in Metro Manila, you will inevitably encounter a security guard — whether in the mall, in a restaurant, or even in the lobby of your own condo or apartment. Have you ever wondered why there are so many of them?
Criminality is one of the issues that must be addressed in order for the Philippines to develop into a First World country and First World economy by 2050. However, our approach to crime prevention is rather outdated.
After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, I pursued further education at the Harvard Graduate School of Design to learn the global best practices on sustainability in urban planning and architecture, and security by design. We were taught that design dictates behavior, which is why it is essential in preventing crime.
Debunking the security theater
In the book Beyond Fear, Bruce Schneier uses the term “security theater” to refer to high-visibility security measures that create an illusion of security, rather than actually providing it. I believe Metro Manila is still trapped by this notion.
When a security guard opens our bag with a drumstick, or when they have us open our car’s trunk, do they actually know what they are looking for? When we leave a valid ID at the subdivision gate, does this actually prevent criminals from entering the village?
This kind of security is performative. Knowing the craftiness of Filipinos, criminals will easily find ways to circumvent it. When we depend on shallow and external measures, we create a sense of complacency that criminals can take advantage of.
I attended a conference organized by the American Planning Association in Boston in 1997, where a survey showed that gated communities tend to experience more heinous crimes. When you don’t have anyone else to turn to for help, it is easier for criminals to do as they please within your home.
Jane Jacobs and ‘eyes on the street’
Jane Jacobs was a prominent urban activist from New York City. In her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” she introduced the concept of “eyes on the street.” She argues that natural surveillance is the best way to prevent crime.
This can happen when the following conditions are met in urban environments: streets are filled with people, buildings and properties face the street, and there is clear demarcation between public and private spaces.
Filipinos are naturally extroverted, and this is a key strength in keeping our streets safe and secure. Rather than discouraging people from loitering on the streets (also known as tambay), we must design streets as safe spaces where organic social interaction regularly occurs.
Designing safe streets
Before people can gather out in public, the streets must be walkable, shaded, well-lit and clean. In Metro Manila, sidewalks are an afterthought; they are either non-existent, or obstructed by parked cars, utility posts, or driveways.
The “broken window” theory of James Wilson and George Kelling explains that people are more likely to misbehave when there is a perceived sense of disorder. Something like a broken window communicates a sense of indifference and apathy. For passersby, this instills fear and intimidation, which criminals can prey upon.
On the other hand, gated subdivisions promote private-vehicle usage and isolate residents from the outside world with its high walls and security gates. Walking isn’t feasible because of the distance. And the lack of mixed-use amenities doesn’t give people a reason to linger outside their homes within the village.
As a result, no one would want to spend time out on the street longer than they have to — especially at night. Seclusion is not protection.
Public characters are the guardians of our streets
When I was in New York City, I remember reading a slogan while riding the subway. It said “New Yorkers look out for New Yorkers.” The key to making our streets secure for people is by encouraging them to watch over each other.
This is where “public characters” come into the picture: the tindera at the sari-sari store, kids playing outside, a pet owner walking their dog, and housewives gossiping at the doorfront. All of them play a key role in the natural surveillance of our streets.
Although they do not possess hard power the same way as a security guard with a shotgun, their mere presence deters people from committing crime in the vicinity. For Jacobs, passive measures are supposed to be the first line of defense.
Criminals love stealth and anonymity, so the greater the risk of them getting caught, the less likely they are to do something shady. When people care about each other and the built environment, they will make sure that criminal elements don’t mess with their community.
Inclusionary development
In my term paper for UP Diliman, I said “Development is not worthy of its name unless it is spread evenly like butter on a piece of bread.” In Harvard, we call this inclusionary development.
The issue regarding the lack of peace and order is primarily economic in nature. Filipinos do not resort to crime for the thrill of it, but because their basic needs — food, shelter and clothing — are not being met. Broken families, substandard education, and lack of opportunities further exacerbate the cycle of poverty and hardship.
Revitalizing our streets with good planning and design is important, but that alone isn’t enough. We need visionary leadership, strong political will, and good governance to ensure that Filipinos are not homeless, hungry and helpless. Only then will we address the issue of criminality and instill true peace and order.
