UN-Habitat holds successful Minecraft competition in Manila

To encourage youth’s participation in designing public spaces, the League of Cities of the Philippines, in partnership with UN-Habitat and HUDCC, held a one-day Minecraft competition at Hotel Jen in Pasay City on 25 February 2015. Participants were tasked to design Rizal Park in Luneta using Minecraft, a popular video game originally created by the Swedish programmer “Notch” and since 2009 was developed and published by the Swedish company Mojang. Participants came from various universities in Metro Manila such as University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), De LaSalle University (DLSU), and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). Several participants were also from high schools. One participant was from Ateneo de Manila High School and there were two groups from Pedro E. Diaz High School in Manila. A total of 25 participants joined the competition.

Pontus Westerberg from UN-Habitat headquarters in Nairobi formally opened the competition and proceeded in explaining the public space programme of UN-Habitat, and the relevance of public spaces in building sustainable and vibrant communities and cities as well the characteristics that comprise them.

“Based on our study of cities around the world, successful cities have 50 percent public spaces,” he said. “Out of these 50 percent, 35 percent are streets while 15 percent are other public spaces such as libraries, parks, etc.”

Westerberg also discussed the significance of public involvement in designing and revitalizing public spaces, sharing how young people have limited participation in community discussions that seek to either build or revitalize public spaces in some countries that he has visited. “Through the Minecraft competition, we seek to provide an opportunity for the youth to be more involved in revitalizing historic public spaces such as Rizal Park.”

Contestants had various motivations in joining the competition. Some were there for the fun of it, while others, especially long-time Minecraft players, were there for the challenge. Still, others wanted to be part of the group that won the design in revitalizing one of the most historic sites in Manila. Some were candid enough to say they were in it for the prize―with one of them planning to spend his winnings on new skateboards if he won.

The panel of judges consisted of MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, HLURB Commissioner Linda Hornilla, and UN-Habitat External Relations Head Thomas Melin. The judges chose one overall winner and a winner for each of the following categories: (1) safety and security, (2) playfulness for children and young people, and (3) social interaction between citizens. 

A group of young students called “Team Together” from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) won the top prize. Bless Serrano, Ivan Cruz, Bernard Silvestre, and Patricia Radonan composed Team Together. Another group of students from PLM, who calls their team “Gedley”were best in safety and security. Gedly members were Aaron Flores, Les Abutas, and Ely Leonardo, who were able to incorporate a police station and a hospital in their redesign of Rizal Park. The best in playfulness for children and young people was awarded to a group of high school students from Pedro E. Diaz High School; while Mr. Patrick Ramos, the lone participant from Inocencio School Montessori, bagged the best in social interaction.

When the judges were asked what they looked for in a winning design, Chairman Tolentino appreciated the inclusion of a police station and a hospital, which is why he gave the highest points for safety and security to the winning team. On the other hand, Mr. Melin of UN-Habitat was pleased to see cable cars in the redesign of Rizal Park.

To encourage youth’s participation in designing public spaces, the League of Cities of the Philippines, in partnership with UN-Habitat and HUDCC, held a one-day Minecraft competition at Hotel Jen in Pasay City on 25 February 2015.