DEVELOPMENT: HOW?

We are now starting to feel the steps towards real development in our country. Inch by inch, our institutions are being refined, polished, and infused with ethical objectives in order to result in better service to the people. The forces of reaction are still there, trying to recapture power but slowly they are being marginalized and obliterated in order to establish and/or restore an incorruptible government which should serve democratic ends.

Meanwhile, in our surroundings, we can see development of land that is not really serving a pro-people orientation. Surely, these would allow people to live, to work inside but the over-all assessment of their impact on society is being sidetracked in favor of profits. I am talking here of huge investments in multi-story buildings. Along Katipunan, SM is developing a three-building structure that run up to multiple stories that your neck would really suffer from strain from seeing how high they go.

If we count the profits that would accrue from filling up those structures with people, we would marvel at how great the idea is, of using a small piece of land yet earning billions from the sale of units in each building. Meanwhile, around them are low-roofed homes, one-story and two-story that are also residential and have such a homey atmosphere than the units in those buildings.

These buildings were built in imitation of New York City probably -- with its skyscrapers sweeping the skies and other big cities of the world. Yet, what kind of life can anyone have in these buildings? As a residence, these units are isolated from each other. One goes up the building, via the elevator and comes out to a hallway full of closed doors. Then one opens the unit, enters it and then closes the door in full oblivion of what's happening outside.

What does this mean? These buildings create individualism, elitism, and promotes an asocial life, making the resident/s oblivious of other people's lives. The unit is so unlike that of a residential subdivision, where as soon as one enters the subdivision gates, one is greeted by a view of several homes, with their residents probably watering plants, or sweeping the frontyard, or simply lazing about or tending to the children as they play around. In other words, there is more humanity in such a surrounding.

But what about those multiple-story buildings? Even if they would be constructed as offices, I find them highly cold, and very stiff -- too intimidating for anyone to strike up a conversation with one's neighbors.

I remember having gone to Manila City Hall to complain about another set of multiple story buildings to be built a bit across the Welcome sign. My letter pertained to how landmarks should be respected by builders around, that such should have a perimeter of 100 meters or so, free of anything higher than it. The law was passed during the martial law period.

Also, I have just seen a condominium of my friend who is approaching her twilight years. Their unit is very small, and two people cannot even dance inside it.For them it's enough since they are just waiting for their final departure from this life. I told myself, what a way to go.

No, there has to be more humane ways of living, more humane ways of departing from this life. Life is a journey of people one earth full of beautiful natural life. We must not lose touch of them, not even with our last breath.

I believe, that God made us humane, that God created Mother Nature in order for us to enjoy life. And if these structures are destroying Mother Nature, then we better question, Development of what? For whom? And how?

The building permit sections of every local government must be more perceptive and possess meaningful standards in approving buildings. Not every affluent person should have the right to put up any kind of building anywhere simply because they have the funds and the technical plans.

On the matter of creating a society, how it looks, and how it impacts on all should be of prime consideration, not only on those who own the property.

The earth's resources are enough and should be for everyone to enjoy and behold.