Having a beautiful, breathable city to live in may seem like a luxury for urban denizens, but the Bonifacio Global City Estate Association (BGCEA) has made it a reality for residents of Bonifacio Global City. Amidst the high-rises and progressive urban developments in the area, BGCEA continues to push for a greener and more sustainable BGC.
The Gateway Project is an initiative of BGCEA which aims to enhance the main entry points of Bonifacio Global City. The Mckinley Gate( Mckinley Parkway), Kalayaan Gate, and South Gate (near the American Battle Monument) are the three main entrances to the city and are the most accessed. Upon passing through these gateways, an array of plants and greenery welcomes BGC residents and visitors, evoking a sense of calm and serenity amidst the bustle of the city. Also, all around BGC, a variety of plants such as palm trees, shrubs, and groundcovers are incorporated in the numerous pocket gardens. Even center islands and wall slopes throughout the city are enhanced and given a greener touch. The plants chosen are those that can thrive well on BGC’s climate.
Another visible project of the BGCEA is the landscaping of the city, particularly the main roads of BGC. The landscaping project focuses on ecologically-sound, sustainable, and horticulturally accepted approach of handling plants, from the installation process of until maintenance. In the next few years, BGCEA will increase its use of organic materials to enhance plant growth and revitalize the soil condition of the city. But the broader vision is to create an awareness for BGC residents and visitors on the many ways to help the Earth.
These projects have given BGC a very unique and refreshing vibe, making a pleasant community to live and work in. Since BGCEA started, it has always put sustainability as a priority seeing the many benefits it has to the city and its people. Through the BGC landscape, not only do the flora selections such as Fire Trees, Acacia, Golden Shower, and Copper Pods, make the city more visually attractive. Having plants all around the city encourages walking and is also very effective for climate control by screening the hot summer sun and cooling the air. These plants naturally shade the windows of buildings, providing an ideal environment for office workers in the area.
Large shrubs also serve as windbreaks to reduce wind velocities and can function as a hedge or barrier to redirect the flow of passers-by. These plants also create a sanctuary for other living species such as birds, fostering a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant community.
The result of these projects is something that will be a source of pride for all BGC residents. It will foster a sense of shared responsibility for all residents, not just for the present but also in the years to come.