Promises of prosperity

The city of Pasay stands on the brink of a remarkable transformation. That is, if the promises to redefine its skyline and elevate lands could unlock its economic potentials. Taking these tasks to achieve this vision is former congresswoman and now Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano. Supported by her brother, incumbent Pasay Congressman Tony Calixto, they endorsed the ambitious plans put forth by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) to transform the stretch of the Manila Bay – facing the Mall of Asia (MOA) – into a new frontier akin to Taiwan.

Why is it imperative for Pasay to reclaim more land? The answer lies in the city’s unique predicament. Despite being the fourth smallest city in Metro Manila, it bears the weight of the highest population density per capita. With approximately 26,315.79 persons crammed into each square kilometer of its mere 19-kilometer expanse, most of its interior areas are stiflingly congested.

There is simply not enough room for additional residential and commercial spaces to accommodate a population that has now exceeded half a million. This spatial scarcity stifles Pasay’s potential as a hub for investment and entertainment, a role it aspires to play on the national stage.

The city grapples with persistently high unemployment rates, straining its ability to provide crucial social services. In terms of development, the city of Pasay languishes at a disheartening 20 percent. It is third among highly urbanized cities, and ranks similarly in terms of accommodation capacity.

At present, government offices and other state-owned facilities occupy much of the available lands. This leaves limited room for public parks and recreational activities for the people. These amenities are what Pasayenos have yearned for through these years. It’s not for lack of resources that these desires remain unfulfilled. It is rather the simple fact that there’s just not enough space to maneuver.

The ongoing reclamation project in Pasay represents a bold undertaking. For one, it has met with both eager anticipation and cautious skepticisms. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the economic benefits of this endeavor must far outweigh the