BIZ BUZZ: Makati CBD deed restrictions on way out

The Makati Central Business District (CBD) is still the country’s undisputed primary corporate center, but there is no denying the fact that it is showing its age in some parts.

This partly explains why other urban developments, such as nearby Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, are getting a fair share of new and exciting office, residential, and leisure developments.

But no reason for those heavily invested in Makati to fret, as plans are said to be underway to lift several building restrictions attached to property deeds in the busy financial and commercial zone, Biz Buzz sources say.

READ: Makati CBD: A people-centric masterplanned district

These regulations restrict the way land can be used, as well as what can be built on it and activities that can be undertaken while on the premises.

Once these are removed, property owners are expected to be able to unlock more value out of their assets and address current needs, such as for taller, more environment-friendly skyscrapers in specific locations that are currently covered by height restrictions.

Later, the Makati City government will have to come in to also update its zoning rules.

The Makati Central Estate Association Inc., of which the main Makati CBD developer, Ayala Land Inc., is a member, will necessarily have to be involved in the process.

And if all goes according to plan, Biz Buzz sources say the deed restrictions may be lifted as early as May this year.

With that, the entire business district would be able to keep up with the changing times and thus maintain its long-held title as “the most desirable business and commercial area in the Philippines.” —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

DA unfazed by delays

It’s been delay upon delay but the Department of Agriculture (DA) remains committed to finishing the construction of the country’s first border facility by June this year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that a failed bidding stalled the development of the cold examination facility in agriculture (Cefa) in Angat, Bulacan, which was initially targeted to be completed by early 2025.

“The problem with Cefa is a failed bidding last December,” Tiu Laurel said. “But definitely, we will try to finish everything by hopefully [the] first half.”

Equipped with state-of-the-art testing laboratories, the Cefa is a sanitary/phytosanitary inspection facility designed to thoroughly inspect imported animals, fish, plants, and other agricultural products.

Having such a facility is expected to strengthen the country’s capability to conduct first border inspections to help keep animal diseases at bay and ensure that imported agricultural commodities are safe for human consumption.

But because of the setback last December, a portion of the budget for the Cefa facility in Bulacan was reverted to the government.

The DA is still keen on building the Cefa in Angat but Tiu Laurel said the completion schedule has to be moved back since they have to again go through the bidding process.

The question is … Will the DA finally be able to clear the roadblocks and have its first Cefa, which has been in the agency’s pipeline for years?

Let’s see if Tiu Laurel will have enough resolve, grit, and determination to see it through. —Jordeene B. Lagare

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