UP Mindanao Urban and Regional Planning Graduate Program

Application to the DURP/MAURP program for AY 2026-27 is now officially closed.

If you have submitted your documents, please wait for an email containing important instructions for the upcoming face-to-face exam on 09 May 2026.

RESEARCH | Suburbanisation is the expansion and spatial reorganization of a growing metropolitan region. For Davao City, this phenomenon has notably damaged the quality of life in the Poblacion District (local term for Central Business District or CBD) by creating gaps in the city’s urban landscape also referred to as urban voids.

This study aims to explore the potential of urban voids in the local context of Davao City’s Poblacion District and its significance in promoting urban revitalisation and avoiding urban blight. In analysing the figure-ground map of the CBD produced solely for this study, five types of urban voids were identified: (a) derelict spaces; (b) infrastructure voids; (c) underutilised public spaces; (d) transitional spaces; and (e) exceptional cases combining derelict spaces and transitional spaces. Further assessment identified the factors that caused urban voids, including natural, geographic, political, economic, socio-cultural, and dysfunctional factors. The majority of the public perceives these spaces as opportunities rather than liabilities. Hence, active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders are needed to achieve sustainable urban revitalisation initiatives and successfully integrate urban voids into the urban fabric.

Authors: Karl Wendell C. Magno (University of the Philippines Mindanao) and Isidoro M. Malaque III (Department of Architecture, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of the Philippines Mindanao)

Published in the Proceedings of the 56th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2023

Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/gaps-in-a-citys-urban-landscape-also-known-as-urban-voids-have-the-potential-to-drive-urban-revitalization/

⏳ 10 DAYS TO GO! ⏳

Don't miss your chance to join the MA in Urban and Regional Planning program.

✅ Deadline: April 19, 2026
✅ Apply here: http://bit.ly/4bXnukz

Admission FAQs

MAURP Research Colloquium this March 28, 2026, 1:30 -5:00PM at the CHSS Mini Theater, UP Mindanao. Open to the public.

🌟 Calling All Future Urban Planners! 🌟
We are pleased to announce that the application for the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning for the August intake is now officially OPEN!
Application Submission
All applications must be submitted online. Please ensure you have the following documents prepared for upload before starting with your application process:
1. Recent Passport-Sized Photo (JPG format)
2. Scanned Copy of Transcript of Records (PDF format)
3. Certificate of Good Moral Character (PDF format)
Recommendation Letters
Please arrange for at least two references to complete and email their recommendation letters directly to [email protected] by the application deadline. Links to the recommendation letter forms can be found within the online application link. Note: Applications with incomplete requirements will not be processed.
Important Dates
Take note of the schedule for the 2026 Admissions Process:
• 19 April: Deadline for online applications
• 09 May: Graduate Admission Test (in-person; time and venue to be announced via email)
• 06 June: Interviews for successful and waitlisted candidates (online)
• August: Start of AY 2026-2027
Fees
An application fee of PhP 200 and an examination fee of PhP 150 will be collected in cash on the day of the exam.

For more information, visit our website at https://upmin-architecture.up.edu.ph/urban-and-regional-planning
Join us in planning our tomorrow, now!

The MAURP Program congratulates its very own, Prof. Isidoro Malaque III, PhD., UP Scientist I. Padayon!

Join us on 22 November 2025, 1-2 PM at CHSS Room 102 for the MAURP thesis colloquium!

Hear Johanah Shamah Reyes-Lapira present her study on "Millennial Housing Affordability and Preferences as Indicators of Market Readiness of Housing Developments in Davao City."

This event is open to the public—everyone is welcome!

ANNOUNCEMENT | Survey on the Off-Site Implementation of the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) in BARMM

The University of the Philippines Mindanao – Department of Architecture is exploring the off-site delivery of the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) program to bring the UP quality of education to BARMM.

To assess demand, feasibility, and the preferences of prospective students, we invite interested individuals living in or near BARMM to participate in this online survey. Completing the survey will take about 10-15 minutes and may be done at your convenience.

Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be treated with strict confidentiality, in accordance with data privacy standards. We also encourage you to share this survey with colleagues and peers who may be interested in this initiative.

🔗 Access the survey here: http://bit.ly/41uBVaj

Thank you for your valuable support!

Congratulations to the successful passers of the August 2025 Environmental Planners (ENP) Licensure Examination from UP Mindanao! 100% passing rate and 4th Placer, EnP. James Domini L. Labiano. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to sustainable development and community building have paid off. We are proud of your achievement and look forward to the positive impact you will make as licensed Environmental Planners.