Effects of Urbanization and PEA-Filinvest Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) on Alabang Stock Farm

Abstract

This paper examines the purpose and objective of the Joint Venture Agreement between the National Government, through PEA, and Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) and its effect on Alabang Stock Farm (ASF). The Government's effort to pump prime the economy have prompted the said joint venture, resulting in the immediate commercialization and urbanization in the 244- hectare government land, ASF. The joint venture has brought massive changes, not only in the physical aspects of the property but also to the lives of its residents. For the purpose of having closer observation to the changes that the ASF have undergone through the years especially with the advent of the JVA, the on-site housing was selected as the area of study. The paper considered the effects of the physical changes to the residents and ascertains whether they, through the relocation packages offered, felt that they were compensated adequately or not. The result points that many hopes and expectations regarding the on-site housing have not been met satisfactorily, and even after long years of residing in the on-site relocation, there are still uncertainties and confusions among the residents, it seems that arrangements and negotiations have still not been settled up to the present. The issues are not confined to the ASF’s situation and are conspicuously shared by other areas having the same condition. It must be seen in broader context. This is not only about subsidies or housing opportunities but also about in looking at the larger issue of urban development—of genuine development. This calls for Government's attention to reshuffle its priorities and to realize who is the end all and be all of true development.