ECOLOGY VILLAGE

The Story of Ecology Villages in Makati

1980: The Birth of Ecology Villages

Under the leadership of Imelda Marcos, then Governor of the NCR and Head of the Ministry of Human Settlements, approximately 154 townhouses were built on land owned by the National Power Corporation. These developments, named Ecology Villages 1, 2, and 3, were leased on a long-term basis through leasehold agreements, with the Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation (PDAF) serving as the lessor.

Tenants were issued Certificates of Ownership (COO), which essentially functioned as leasehold agreements.

1986-1992: Lease Cancellations Under Aquino

During the Aquino administration, all lease agreements for the Ecology Villages WERE CANCELED. Technically, this action meant the tenants became informal settlers. However, no efforts were made to evict them, and it remains unclear whether the government fully enforced the cancellation.

2002: Transfer to the Privatization Management Office (PMO)

The leasehold rights over the land were transferred to the PMO under the Department of Finance (DOF).

2002-2016: Uncertainty and Missing Documents

For over a decade, the DOF refrained from renewing the land lease, as it considered potential plans for the properties. The situation was further complicated by missing documents from the original lease agreements and the fact that powerful entities, including the government of Thailand, held COOs.

During this period, the PMO did not collect rent. Many of these properties changed hands multiple times, yet the COOs remained under the names of the original holders, with no formal updates.

2016-2017: Renewed Government Attention

During the Duterte administration, interest in these properties resurfaced.

2017: The government reclaimed Milelong Building and extended tenants' leases.

However, for Ecology Villages, the government opted to take no action.

2025: Possible Liquidation Under Marcos Jr.

The current administration is now considering liquidating these assets within the year.

What Could Happen Next?

Continued in tomorrow's post.