One of Makati’s few remaining green spaces vanishing

I am an American. I arrived in the Philippines 35 years ago, worked at Asian Development Bank, raised three children and chose to retire here. I live in Urdaneta Village.

I have witnessed with pride how the Ayalas have developed Makati—its first-class buildings, tree-lined roads, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. I am writing now to ask why the Ayalas have turned their back on preserving the last few vestiges of open green space
in Makati.

A few days ago, I was shocked to see most of Ayala Triangle (formerly Ugarte Field) blocked to pedestrians.  All the joggers, badminton players, dog walkers, moms with strollers, fitness and yoga practitioners, and nature lovers have been deprived in one fell swoop of the last mature green area in Makati for what Ayala claims will be “an iconic office tower, luxury hotel, fresh dining and retail choices and an open space.”

The small open space in the plan design shows layered steps in place of grass. How will moms get strollers up the steps, and what about the seniors? Is this what we need? Wouldn’t we all enjoy more a green park with NO buildings, NO retail, and NO restaurants?  According to the Ayala Triangle website, half the trees will be cut and transplanted to a new project on the old Sta. Ana race track. What a pity. Poor Philippines!

The last time the Ayalas cut beautiful shade trees was in San Antonio Place in Forbes. In place of those trees are now some spindly tall specimens that provide no shade whatsoever in the parking area. Why couldn’t the parking lots be underground with trees and grass above ground? THAT would be a world-class solution.

I saw what happened to the little Glorietta Park which once had trees and green space, joggers and strollers. It was gradually chipped away for commercial purposes: first by a café with a large terrace, and now a building constructed in the small, remaining “open” space.

ENOUGH! It is never too late to stop commercial self-interest and start preserving parks and green space for the health and wellbeing of the Philippines and the Filipinos now and in the future. Please, Ayalas, step up to the challenge.  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

—JULIA HOLZ,  2002juliaholz@gmail.com