"Tagpuan" is a term used by Filipinos with a dual meaning: it is a meeting point and a philosophical term to describe the intersection of Filipino life in the soul of its community. This urban planning project aims to fulfill both connotations by establishing three development goals for the construction of the North South Commuter rail line from Manila to New Clarke City in the Philippines, particularly in the existing area of Calumpit that it traverses.

Firstly, this Tagpuan project aims to improve the living conditions of the local population in Calumpit by focusing on the development of affordable housing using local techniques and materials. The Cement Bamboo Frame technology used by the organization "Base Bahay" with locally grown bamboo has already delivered over 10,000 affordable homes in the Philippines. In this project, the goal is set at 7200 homes of varying sizes by 2035, integrated into the existing urban fabric, via new building regulations and direct residence in the new train bridge. This corresponds to the expected population growth of about 1.6% by 2035. Secondly, investment is made in social aspects of life, such as education, by creating physical access to affordable public schools. Three large schools are being developed with a total capacity of an estimated 1500 students, focusing on practical knowledge and STEM. They will be connected to the new infrastructure and thus accessible by train from neighboring Barangays. This initiative will fulfill the demand for access to education for future generations (partially). Finally, access to good healthcare has been a problem in more rural areas like Calumpit. Therefore, an area near the Pampanga River and the train station is acquired to install a large health campus on stilts with a pleasure garden. Access to the river can provide an additional route for people to access good healthcare and a quick emergency exit for the new hospital. This initiative will contain approximately 150 beds to meet the requirements set by the WHO (3 beds/1000 people) for the Calumpit area until at least 2050.

The second development goal is to strengthen the existing social network. The location of the new infrastructure for the Manila North-South Commuter Railway Extension lies adjacent to and partly directly in the existing social (street) network, partly along the Mac Arthur Highway. By opening the station and investing in soft mobility, a seamless extension is created to the existing commercial and social areas. Instead of threatening the existing situation, the new infrastructure project will update, strengthen, and spread qualitative social space, such as the new market near the jetty and the connecting skywalk. It opens Calumpit and the station area to both the local population and visitors from neighboring Barangays and even tourists. The third and final development goal targets that last group of tourists, as the largest resort in Bulacan - Jed's Island Resort - is only a few hundred meters from the Calumpit train station. Tourists from the rest of the country and foreigners can easily reach this existing tourist attraction and at the same time experience regional experiences. Therefore, for example, there is a direct link to the Palayok hub across the Pampanga, where the traditional ceramic practice of Calumpit with Luwad (mud from the river) is mastered. It is a place where old traditions can confirm local identity in modern times.

This new influx also offers an excellent opportunity to invest in public transportation infrastructure. Along with the train station, a bus station is also being developed in a way that prioritizes local modes of transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles. The expectation based on calculations is that on average 9062 cyclists, 6800 pedestrians, and 6670 people using forms of public transportation will enter the station area. Because of this influx into what was previously a rural area, roads need to be adjusted. Not only widening where possible to encourage sidewalks and bike paths, but also introducing safe crossings and a new type of street: the bicycle street. Here, cars are guests. This is also part of a vision where people will gradually use more sustainable modes of transportation instead of their own cars.

Calumpit must become a thriving community that respects what is present and balances local needs with new growth opportunities.