3 Eco-Friendly Cities in Metro Manila

With their rapid and continuous development and innovation, cities account for the biggest share of greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions. This greatly impacts the environment as well as urban living. Who isn’t familiar with the devastation left behind by typhoons such as Ondoy and Yolanda in some parts of Metro Manila? The challenge for cities is to pursue modernization without sacrificing the environment. Here are cities in Metro Manila which have the best green practices, making them an ideal place to live in.

1. MAKATI CITY

"Make It Happen, Make It Makati" #notedinsixwords :D Ayala Triangle Gardens, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, #Philippines. 2013 #jdcphoto #photoroad #jdcfilters #makeitmakati #Makati

Image source: JDC Gallery/www.flickr.com/photos/jdcgallery

Known to be one of the most advanced cities in Metro Manila, Makati City has come up with several sustainable projects and initiatives to rise as one of cities with best green practices. Other efforts to go green through the years include: declaring 8:00 to 9:00 in the evening everyday to be “Earth Hour”, encouraging residents to switch to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) via their Palit-Ilaw Program in 2007, and endorsing eco-friendly vehicles including e-jeepneys and hybrid buses.

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There are also lots of pocket gardens and public spaces that encourage people to spend more time outdoors and socialize with people. There are five parks including Salcedo Park, Legaspi Park, and Ayala Triangle that has been a favorite hang-out for families, yuppies, and friends. The city is also home to Zuellig Building, one of the first developments in the country to receive the highest level of certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. It was awarded the platinum level under LEED-CS (Core and Shell) program. Moreover, it features 11 other LEED-registered projects including Alphaland Makati Place, The Grand Midori Makati, and 6780 Ayala Avenue JAKA Building.

2. PASIG CITY

Parque y Moseo de Pasig #jdcphoto | #photoroad | #vscocam | F2

A post shared by JUANderer (@juanphotoroad) on Apr 8, 2014 at 12:22am PDT

Cited as one of the most livable cities in the world, Pasig City recently bagged three awards at the 2013 LivCom Awards held in Xiamen, China. The city received gold in its Category E, Criteria Award for Strategic Planning, and Bursary Award for Environmental Security for Pre-Schools.

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Proving that it can create a balance between economic pursuit and environmental protection, Pasig City encourages its residents to go green through their ordinances, campaigns, and other efforts. “Carless Day” is one of the city’s advocacies that started in 2012. It takes place every Sunday in F. Ortigas Jr. Road (Emerald Avenue) in Barangay San Antonio. In addition, more eco-friendly transportations such as e-jeepney and e-tricycles are already in the streets. Meanwhile, the city reached another milestone as it launched its bicycle sharing programs last 2013. In partnership with the Asian Development Bank of the Philippines, it now hosts the Tutubi bike program.

3. TAGUIG CITY

The Tree - the famous tree in BGC @bonifacioglobalcity. WHERE: Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center, Bonifacio Global City, #Taguig City 2015 #JDCphoto #exploreBGC

Image source: JDC Gallery/www.flickr.com/photos/jdcgallery

Home to Bonifacio Global City, a masterfully designed community, Taguig certainly deserves a top spot in our list. Despite being one of the fastest growing and modern developments in the country, it does not sacrifice its advocacy for a clean and green environment.

This is evident in the green public spaces, lush trees peppering strategic places, and pedestrian-friendly roads. BGC takes pride in having a proper waste management system, effective flood control programs, and centralized utility networks. Taguig City also boasts several green buildings nestled within its thriving community.

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Two international headquarters, Sun Life Philippines and Wells Fargo, are proud to have the much coveted LEED platinum certification. Meanwhile, three buildings have gold certification including KMC Mag HQ, Megaworld 8-Camp Place Building A, and The Mind Museum. In addition, there are around 20 buildings that are registered with LEED.