Space is precious, that much is true.
What to do with it when it is scarce? As
the world population booms, there continues to be the mistaken notion that land
is getting crowded, thus we must build on every square inch of space available.
However, instead of adding to the value of
land, overcrowded developments could contribute to their depreciation. Crowding
makes space even more scarce, thus making it more valuable, right?
There is weight to this argument, however,
it discounts a very important factor in determining the value of land: its
quality and the quality of life that can be lived in its auspices.
Thus, I argue for the opposite. Make land
more scarce, by not using up more space. See, it boils down to the simple law
of supply and demand: the less space there is, the more the demand for it, the
higher its value.
So, in developing new land banks, master
planning should not only take into consideration the tangible and quantifiable
benefits of creating infrastructure to shelter and facilitate living for the
individuals that will make up these communities. It should also take into
account the intangibles that affect living in such communities: the quality of
air, the impact on the environment, and the kind of life that will be lived
here--will there be adequate provision for activities that satisfy holistic
well being, such as spaces for physical activity, worship, education, and
mental replenishment?
Thus, with the goal of contributing to
national development, Ayala Land is in a unique position, as a major real
estate developer, to help shape society through its master planned communities.
To me, an ideal community is a place where one has the opportunity to extend
and expand beyond the socioeconomic strata one was born into, to realise that
there is a life lived above and below one's station in life, and that it is
possible to live amicably and harmoniously with the people who occupy these
places in social hierarchy.
To see others less fortunate or privileged
than oneself hopefully will teach empathy and compassion, and an awareness of noblesse oblige , the obligation that
comes with being born into the noble class. To see others higher up in the
social sphere, would hopefully incite healthy ambition and dreaming, especially
among the youth, to believe it is possible to get out of poverty and penury,
from a hand to mouth existence to a dignified one, provided that one remains
grounded in one's altruistic priorities and values as one pursues socioeconomic
progress.
Through well planned community activities,
one can create the sentiment of neighbourly concern among its occupants. Simple
weekend markets or art and music fairs have in them the power to bring people
together, share common ground, and value peace and harmony in the community
they occupy.
With close interaction with local and
national government agencies, the developer can serve as a mediator in building
the trust that was desecrated by Martial Law between constituents and public
servants. In constant and sustained dialogue, the people can begin to see how
their taxes are working for them, and realise for themselves the importance and
sanctity of the democratic exercise called elections. Exposure to competent
career service officials could bring home to dwellers the importance of
integrity and the sincere desire to serve in effectively discharging duties in
the government system. That it is not only selfish ambition and personal agenda
that fuels the machinery that manages their country.
Cultural events, meanwhile, are a great
tool for acquainting the youth with their rich Philippine heritage and
inculcate a sense of national identity, which would translate to a commitment
to nation building, and thus result in a culture of excellence geared towards
bringing about the common good for Filipinos.
Thus, in master planning communities, Ayala
Land is in a very unique and empowered position to influence the direction in
which Filipinos will steer their country. With well planned developments that
accommodate the holistic needs of those that will occupy them, the company
could help create a generation of motivated, compassionate, and patriotic
Filipinos, who, because they grew up to have the very best, will be willing to
give their best, too, in everything they do.
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