Housing for an Emerging Middle Class: Rethinking the Development of Military Bases in Metro Manila

Abstract

A shortage of affordable housing in Metro Manila, Philippines, has become an issue for those who work in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. While this housing shortage has existed since World War 2, the Philippine Government has prioritized the creation of jobs as a way to lift people out of poverty. Since the 1990s the Philippine economy has transformed through two major acts. The first is through the sale of raw lands from military bases to real estate developers, resulting in the creation of new Central Business Districts or “Global Cities” around Metro Manila. The second is through the designation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within global cities, that has allowed the BPO industry to boom. Side by side, the rise of the Global City, and the emergence of a middle class of BPO workers, has created an image of the prosperity for the Philippines. Global Cities, however, are not successful in integrating the housing needs of BPO workers. Instead they cater to foreign investors, multinational corporations, and wealthy individuals.

As the BPO Industry continues to grow, the demand for affordable housing within the city centre will increase. This thesis proposes a masterplan and housing strategy that caters to the changing needs of this young and emerging demographic. Forecasting the eventual decommissioning of Camp Aguinaldo, which is currently the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this thesis rethinks the development strategies of military bases in Metro Manila.