Is Katipunan becoming the new Taft Avenue?
Such a question bears much to think about given the recent building developments right outside campus. Upon passing through Taft, one would see that the thoroughfare is beset by high towers and less-than-immaculate air. Indeed, it is almost impossible to imagine how an institution can reside in the area without making use of perpetual air conditioning. Additionally, who can forget the floods that constantly inundate the area—with or without the occurrence of typhoons?
Taft did not always confront such a situation. A glance through pictures of the not-so-distant past would show that the avenue used to be a place conducive for taking leisurely strolls and hanging out with friends. Had the avenue back then been in the state that it is today, the Lasallian brothers would have undoubtedly thought twice about establishing a university in the area.
One of the reasons why the Ateneo can boast of beautiful university grounds is the fact that a Loyola Heights general campus plan had been enforced since the foundations of the school’s first buildings were laid down in the 1950s. In contrast, Manila’s chaotic urban landscape points to a large portion of society’s indifference to urban planning.
To a certain extent, the story of Taft Avenue is reflective of a Philippine government that emphasizes short-term output rather than long-term development. The current Aquino administration, for example, cannot rest its laurels solely on the growth of the stock market and the development of the business sector. Other pressing issues, such as the disregard for labor rights and a turtle-paced land reform program, continue to affect multitudes of Filipino families.
This short-sightedness of the national government also manifests in local governments, such as the Quezon City Council. Yes, it may be true that the SM Blue Residences would generate jobs and increase the tax revenue for Quezon City. Nevertheless, the long-term costs of having a high-rise structure along Katipunan far outweigh the short-term benefits.
There is a reason why the city’s zoning laws exist. Given Katipunan’s proximity to the West Valley Fault Line, for example, it is necessary that height limits be imposed on buildings to ensure the safety of residents and pedestrians. By granting a dubious zoning exemption to SM, the Quezon City Council had done nothing less than scorn the well-intentioned legislation enacted by former city officials.
The council must realize that unfettered urbanization is not the mark of development. The increasing infrastructural developments along Katipunan have begun to create an environment where consumerism unabashedly beckons students and residents, offering the satisfaction promised by the wide variety of establishments. These establishments stand right next to urban poor communities that serve as home to children who beg for alms along the street.
Katipunan’s current social configuration must be assessed, and its fast-paced development must be revisited, especially if the Jesuits do not wish to see their beloved university caged in a mess. Moreover, perhaps it’s time that the city government start focusing on building lives rather than buildings. The expansion of infrastructure cannot be pursued at the cost of surrendering individuals to an urban jungle that leaves no room for genuine human growth.
