This study examined the perceived cooling and thermal comfort effects of urban green spaces in Laoang,

Northern Samar, a developing coastal municipality in the Philippines. Using a quantitative descriptive-

comparative design, data were gathered from 150 purposively selected respondents representing three areas:

the municipal plaza, riverside, and school grounds. A structured questionnaire adapted from a previous study

measured perceived cooling and thermal comfort on a 5-point Likert scale, and data were analyzed using

Jamovi software through mean and standard deviation computations.

Findings showed that respondents generally agreed that green spaces provide cooling and comfort benefits,

with an overall mean of 3.44 (Neutral to Agree). The riverside area recorded the highest ratings, highlighting

Urban green spaces—such as parks, plazas, and riverside vegetation—are essential components of sustainable

cities. They provide a variety of ecosystem services including air purification, shading, habitat for biodiversity,

and most notably, thermal regulation (Bowler et al., 2010; Gill et al., 2007). Vegetation and tree cover help

mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect by reducing surface and air temperatures through

evapotranspiration and shading (Oke, 1982; Spronken-Smith & Oke, 1998). The loss of vegetation and the

dominance of impervious surfaces—such as concrete and asphalt—trap heat and amplify urban temperatures,

resulting in reduced outdoor comfort, higher energy consumption, and negative health outcomes (Santamouris,

2015).

In tropical developing countries like the Philippines, the issue of thermal discomfort in urban areas is

global evidence that urban greenery is not only a biophysical cooling mechanism but also a psychological and

perceptual buffer against heat stress (Nikolopoulou & Steemers, 2003; Klemm et al., 2015).

In the context of Laoang, Northern Samar, a rapidly developing coastal municipality, the presence of green

experiences of comfort and livability. While Laoang benefits from its coastal winds, increasing urbanization

has introduced more impervious surfaces and fewer shaded areas in the town center. Local communities often

gather in green areas for leisure, social activities, and school events—spaces that serve both environmental and

social purposes. Yet, the extent to which people perceive cooling benefits and associate comfort with these

green spaces remains largely unexplored.

Understanding community perception of the cooling effects of green spaces is critical because it reflects how

maintaining and expanding these spaces.

Given this context, this study aims to assess community perceptions of the cooling effects of urban green

spaces in Laoang, Northern Samar. Specifically, it examines how different groups—plaza users, riverside

residents, and students—perceive and experience cooling comfort in their surroundings. By comparing

perceptions across groups and exploring their relationship with site characteristics and exposure duration, this

research seeks to generate insights into how communities value green infrastructure.

The findings will contribute to local environmental planning and climate-resilient development by highlighting

the social and perceptual dimensions of thermal comfort. Moreover, by focusing on a smaller urban center like

Laoang, this study adds to the limited body of knowledge on urban heat perception in provincial Philippine

contexts, helping inform both local policy and grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable, inclusive,

respondents participated in the study, comprising 50 plaza users, 50 riverside residents, and 50 students.

Participants were chosen through purposive sampling to ensure the inclusion of individuals who regularly

spend time within these green spaces.

Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire adapted from a previous study, focusing specifically on

perceived cooling and thermal comfort, which were measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from

Strongly Disagree (1) to Strongly Agree (5). Since the instrument was adopted from an established study, no

further validation process was required. Prior to the data collection, formal permission was obtained from the

Municipal Government of Laoang and the concerned school authorities. The survey was conducted on-site

during daytime hours, and all respondents were briefed on the purpose of the study. Participation was

voluntary, and confidentiality and anonymity were strictly maintained.

Green Spaces in Laoang, Northern Samar.” The data obtained through survey questionnaires were

systematically analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, specifically the mean and standard deviation, to

determine the respondents’ level of agreement with each indicator. The interpretation of the results followed a

five-point Likert scale, where 5 corresponds to Strongly Agree, 4 to Agree, 3 to Neutral, 2 to Disagree, and 1

regarding the cooling and comfort effects associated with urban green spaces in the study area.

Table 1 Perception that the Area Feels Cooler Compared to Nearby Paved Areas

Respondents moderately agreed that the area feels cooler than nearby paved zones. The riverside recorded the

highest mean, suggesting that proximity to water bodies and vegetation enhances thermal comfort.

Table 2 Perception that Trees and Plants Provide Sufficient Shade

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Respondents agreed that trees and plants provide sufficient shade. Higher mean values in the riverside and

Respondents expressed moderate comfort when staying in green areas during hot weather, indicating that

vegetation provides partial but noticeable relief from heat.

Table 4 Perception that Greenery Improves Air Quality

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link between vegetation density and perceived coolness.

Table 6 Frequency of Seeking Shade or Tree-Covered Areas

Respondents tend to seek shaded spots, suggesting a behavioral preference for cooler and more comfortable

environments.

a positive attitude toward vegetation and acknowledges its environmental and psychological benefits. Overall,

the results suggest that strengthening urban greening programs and expanding tree canopy coverage can further

enhance thermal comfort, promote environmental well-being, and improve the overall livability of Laoang.